EU Takes Bold Steps Towards Sustainable Packaging

In a landmark move, lawmakers in the European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement on a new series of sustainable packaging rules aimed at tackling the growing issue of packaging waste in the EU and promoting a circular economy. The agreement sets ambitious goals, including a target for all packaging to be fully recyclable by 2030, signalling a significant step forward in the fight against plastic pollution and environmental degradation.

The need for action on packaging waste is urgent, with packaging accounting for a substantial portion of plastics and paper used in the EU. Without intervention, packaging waste was projected to increase significantly by 2030, exacerbating environmental concerns and contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the European Commission proposed updates to the EU's regulation on packaging and packaging waste in November 2022, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive agreement reached by Parliament and Council.

Central to the agreement are packaging reduction targets for member states, aiming for reductions of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040 through increased re-use and recycling efforts. Additionally, the agreement mandates the reduction of plastic waste and introduces a ban on certain single-use plastic packaging formats, such as packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables, and food and beverage packaging in cafés and restaurants.

The new regulation also sets ambitious targets for reusable packaging in key sectors, including beverages and transport packaging. Measures to promote re-use and recycling include requirements for the separate collection of single-use plastic bottles and metal beverage containers, the establishment of deposit return systems, and incentives for food take-away businesses to offer reusable packaging options.

With the provisional agreement in place, the legislation will now undergo formal approval by the Council and Parliament before becoming law. Parliament's Rapporteur Frédérique Ries emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing excess packaging, calling on industrial sectors, EU countries, and consumers to join the fight against packaging waste.

The agreement represents a significant milestone in the EU's efforts to promote sustainability and combat environmental degradation. By setting ambitious targets for packaging reduction, promoting re-use and recycling, and implementing bans on single-use plastics, the EU is leading the way towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.

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