2 Jan. 2024: The aim of the proposed regulation is to tackle the increase in packaging waste generated in the EU, while harmonising the internal market for packaging and boosting the circular economy.

The ministers said it also establishes requirements to ensure that packaging is safe and sustainable, by requiring that all packaging is recyclable and that the presence of substances of concern is minimised.

It also sets labelling requirements to improve consumer information.

In line with the waste hierarchy, ministers agreed on rules to minimise the generation of packaging waste by setting binding re-use targets, restricting certain types of single-use packaging and requiring economic operators to reduce the packaging used to the necessary minimum.

Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Spanish third vice-president of the government and minister for the ecological transition and the demographic challenge, said 190kg of packaging waste was generated by each European in 2021.

“And this figure will grow by nearly 20% in 2030, if things stay the same. We cannot let that happen. Today’s general approach gives a strong message that the EU is committed to reducing and preventing packaging waste from all sources. This regulation is crucial in our path to a circular economy and a climate-neutral Europe.”

Last week Smurfit Kappa voiced its support for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), in s a joint statement with print and paper advocacy association Two Sides.

Jonathan Tame, Managing Director of Two Sides, said: “Most of used cardboard boxes in the retail supply chain never enter the waste stream. Managed in a circular loop system from retailer back to recycler, they are collected from supermarkets and returned to paper mills often within 14 days and then remanufactured back into new packaging.”

Saverio Mayer, chief executive, Smurfit Kappa Europe, said: “The cardboard industry is a frontrunner in delivering Europe’s green transition with a product that is 100% recyclable, renewable and biodegradable. The EU Parliament has recognised that reuse and recycling of packaging are complementary and robust recycling systems that have existed for decades run by hundreds of small and medium-sized European businesses are cornerstones of EU policies for environmental sustainability.”
https://www.packagingnews.co.uk