EU Parliament Softens Packaging Rules, but Confirming the Recycling and Reuse Revolution
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The European Parliament today adopted a new European Regulation aimed at addressing the growing problem of packaging waste across Europe. The position voted on today sets ambitious targets for reducing packaging waste, including specific goals to reduce plastic packaging by 20% by 2040, but softens the rules to exclude some lightweight packaging from bans. The legislation also includes a ban on ultra-lightweight plastic bags and restrictions on certain single-use packaging formats, such as mini toiletry products in hotels and shrink-wraps at airports.
By eEuropa
Brussels, 22 November 2023
In a significant stride towards a more sustainable future, the European Parliament adopted a landmark position on new EU-wide packaging rules. This move, aimed at tackling the growing issue of packaging waste, emphasizes reduction, reuse, and recycling, and could mark a transformative shift in how Europe handles packaging materials.
A Growing Concern: Packaging Waste in Europe Each European generates an astonishing 188.7 kg of packaging waste annually, a figure that is projected to climb to 209 kg by 2030 without intervention. From 2009 to 2021, EU packaging waste increased from 66 million tonnes to 84 million tonnes. This trend is not just an environmental concern but also reflects on the economic aspects, with packaging generating a turnover of EUR 355 billion in the EU in 2018.
Parliament’s Decisive Vote In a decisive vote, MEPs approved the report with 426 votes in favor, 125 against, and 74 abstentions. This report forms Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments. It proposes ambitious targets for packaging reduction: a 5% reduction by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040, with even more specific goals for plastic packaging.
Ban on Lightweight Plastic Bags and Harmful Chemicals The new regulations seek to ban the sale of ultra-lightweight plastic carrier bags and restrict the use of certain single-use packaging formats, like miniature toiletry products in hotels and shrink-wrap for suitcases at airports. In a significant health-related move, MEPs are pushing for a ban on “forever chemicals” (PFASs) and Bisphenol A in food packaging, addressing potential adverse health effects.
Promoting Reuse and Refill Options The Parliament’s position includes encouraging the reuse and refill of packaging. It is suggested that final distributors in the food service sector, like hotels and restaurants, should offer customers the option to bring their own containers.
Stringent Recycling Requirements Under the new rules, all packaging must be recyclable, meeting strict criteria set through secondary legislation. The goal is to ensure 90% of materials in packaging are collected separately by 2029. This step is essential for the transition to a circular economy, aligning environmental goals with industrial reality.
Rapporteur Frédérique Ries’ Vision Rapporteur Frédérique Ries (Renew, BE) emphasized that the Parliament is advocating for a complete overhaul of the EU packaging and packaging waste market. This legislation is not only pivotal for European competitiveness and innovation but also ensures packaging safety by banning harmful chemicals.
Criticism from environmental circles
Zero Waste Europe has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the position voted on by the European Parliament regarding the new packaging regulation. The environmental network criticizes the new amendments to Articles 22 and 26, arguing they favor recycling over reuse and undermine the foundation of EU waste legislation, which is based on a waste hierarchy. The concern is that recycling alone won’t solve the waste problem, even with robust systems. There is also worry about not just right-wing and far-right parties, but also MEPs from various backgrounds yielding to lobbyists’ arguments.
The vote on the Packaging Regulation by the European Parliament has been described by Zero Waste Europe as “out of step with the times” expressing deep disappointment with some amendments approved by the Strasbourg assembly on 22 November.
Significant controversies include the removal of non-essential packaging formats from Annex V, such as disposable plates, cups, packaging for fruits, vegetables, sauces, sugar, and creamer sachets. The diluted text excluded crucial mechanisms needed to achieve the set waste prevention targets of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040, including targets for reuse with derogations.
A main point of contention is the reuse targets exemption. If a member state can declare a recycling rate over 85% for specific packaging, those packages are exempt from meeting reuse targets. This stance goes against the waste hierarchy and is seen as outdated.
Zero Waste Europe expresses dissatisfaction with the reduced ambitions in the legislation and opposes concessions and exemptions on waste prevention and reuse designed to ‘appease’ industry operators. The organization also highlights that, in terms of promoting safe circularity, the proposal includes measures to ban intentionally added ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS and Bisphenol A in food packaging, and aims to enhance traceability and transparency regarding the use of other hazardous substances.
The Parliament voted against introducing a credit-based system for recycled content targets. However, the final vote lacks clarity regarding biobased plastic’s exclusion from recycled content targets.
Zero Waste Europe also regrets the European Parliament not making separate waste collection mandatory. It underlines that to achieve EU recycling targets, collecting all recyclable packaging waste is crucial.
Future Steps
With the Parliament ready to enter discussions with national governments, the final form of the law awaits the Council’s position. With the upcoming EU Council presidency in January 2024 and extensions of negotiations, there’s uncertainty about concluding this dossier within the current mandate.
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