New EU rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging | present

The regulation to combat the continuous increase in waste, the harmonization of internal market rules and the promotion of the circular economy, was approved with 476 votes in favor, 129 votes against and 24 abstentions.

Reduce packaging and limit certain formats

The rules, which were provisionally agreed with the Council, include packaging reduction targets (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040) and require member states to, in particular, reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste. To reduce unnecessary packaging, a maximum empty space ratio of 50% was set for bulk, shipping and e-commerce packaging; Manufacturers and importers will also need to ensure that the weight and volume of packaging is kept to a minimum.

Some types of single-use plastic packaging will be banned from 1 January 2030. These include packaging for fresh, raw fruit and vegetables, packaging for food and drinks served and consumed in cafes and restaurants, individual portions (eg, spices, sauces, cream, sugar), miniature packaging for personal hygiene products and very light plastic bags (less than 15 micrometers).

To avoid harmful effects on health, the text includes a ban on the use of so-called chemicals forever (perfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS) above the limits set in the packaging in contact with food.

Encourage reuse and refill options for consumers

For 2030, specific reuse targets are foreseen that will apply to: alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packaging (except, for example, milk, wine, flavored wine, spirits); transport and sales packaging; and bundled packaging. EU countries can, under certain conditions, grant a five-year derogation from these requirements.

Last distributors of drinks and food to be taken (take away) will have to offer consumers the opportunity to bring their own container. They should also strive to provide 10% of products in reusable packaging by 2030.

Recyclable packaging, better waste collection and recycling

Under the new rules, all packaging (except light wood, cork, textiles, rubber, ceramics, porcelain and wax) will have to be recyclable if strict criteria are met.

The measures also include minimum recycled material content targets for plastic packaging and minimum recycling targets by weight of packaging waste.

By 2029, 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers (up to three litres) will have to be collected separately (through deposit return schemes or other solutions that ensure collection targets are met).

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Rapporteur Fredrique Ries (Rinew Europe Group, Belgium) stated: For the first time in an environmental law, the EU sets targets to reduce packaging, regardless of the material used. The new rules promote innovation and include exemptions for micro-enterprises. The permanent ban on chemicals in food packaging is a major victory for the health of European consumers. We now call on all industry sectors, EU countries and consumers to do their part in the fight against excessive packaging.

Next steps

The council must also formally approve the agreement before it comes into force.

context

In 2018, packaging generated a turnover of €355 billion in the EU. They constitute one growing source of waste, with an increase from 66 million tons in 2009 to 84 million tons in 2021 in the EU. Each European generated 188.7 kg of packaging waste in 2021, a figure that is expected to rise to 209 kg in 2030 if no additional measures are taken.

By approving this legislation, Parliament responds to citizens' expectations to build a circular economy, to avoid waste, to progressively eliminate non-sustainable packaging and to combat the use of single-use plastic packaging, as expressed in proposals 5.1, 5.3 , 5.4, 5.5. , 11.1, 11.4 and 20.3 of the conclusions of Conference on the Future of Europe.