In a context where each European generates nearly 190 kilograms of packaging waste annually, the EU has seen a steady increase in this waste, from 66 million tonnes in 2009 to 84 million tonnes in 2021. Packaging generated a turnover of 355 billion euros in 2018, highlighting both its economic importance and environmental impact.
On November 22, 2023, the European Parliament and the Council made a significant step in combating packaging waste by reaching a provisional agreement on a set of measures aimed at redefining the European packaging market.
On April 24, 2024, the Parliament adopted these new measures with 476 votes in favor, 129 against, and 24 abstentions. The deputies resisted intense lobbying to promote a more circular and sustainable economy.
This regulation is part of the European Green Deal, launched in 2019, which aims to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030, in line with the European climate law of June 2021 and the directive on single-use plastics.
Objectives of the New Regulation
With these measures covering the entire lifecycle of packaging, the Parliament’s objectives are clear: to meet citizens’ expectations to build a circular economy, avoid waste, phase out unsustainable packaging, and combat the use of single-use plastic packaging.
Among the key objectives, the EU commits to reducing the amount of packaging by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040, focusing on reducing plastic packaging. To achieve this, from 2030, the circulation of single-use packaging such as packaging for unprocessed fruits and vegetables will be banned, often criticized by the association Greenpeace under the hashtag #RidiculousPackaging.
In addition to the ban on unnecessary packaging, the new measures impose restrictions on the void ratio in packaging, prohibiting packaging that contains more than 50% empty space.
Furthermore, to protect consumer health, strict limits will be set regarding the use of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging.
Promoting Recycling
From January 1, 2030, most packaging sold in the European Union must be recyclable and will be classified based on its recyclability level. It is planned that packaging must be made up of at least 10% recycled products. Additionally, a label will inform consumers about the contents of these packages.
To enhance the recycling of packaging, containers of plastic or metal beverages less than 3 liters must be collected separately with a deposit system. However, there is a significant exception for wine, spirits, milk, and dairy products.
Conclusion
Frédérique Ries, the rapporteur of the proposal, emphasized that for the first time, the EU sets packaging reduction targets regardless of the material used. The new rules encourage innovation and include exemptions for micro-enterprises while banning single-use chemicals in food packaging. This regulation is seen as a victory for the health of European consumers and calls for collaboration among all industrial sectors, EU member states, and consumers to combat excessive packaging.
The Council still needs to formally approve this agreement before it comes into effect. However, this legislation marks a further step towards achieving the EU’s environmental goals, incorporating citizens’ concerns for more sustainable resource management and reducing the environmental impacts of packaging. Dreyfus is committed to the environment to reduce our waste and optimize our energy consumption.
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