Description
Each European generates almost 190 kg of packaging waste per year, and this number is constantly increasing. Regarding this situation, on 22 November, the Parliament adopted its position on the new EU packaging regulation to tackle the increase in waste and promote reuse and recycling. MEPs therefore adopted the legislative resolution, which is Parliament's mandate for negotiations with EU governments.
Parliament supported general targets for the reduction of packaging waste proposed in the regulation: 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040. MEPs then proposed specific waste reduction targets for plastic packaging (10% by 2030, 15% by 2035 and 20% by 2040).
MEPs want to ban the sale of very light plastic bags (smaller than 15 microns), unless they are needed for hygienic reasons or provided as primary packaging for bulk food, to help prevent food waste. They also want to severely restrict the use of certain disposable packaging formats, miniature hotel packaging for toiletries and shrink-wrap for luggage at airports.
In order to prevent negative health effects, MEPs call for a ban on the use of intentionally added 'forever chemicals' (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances or PFAS) and bisphenol A in food contact packaging.
In the adopted text, MEPs clarify the requirements for reusing or refilling packaging. End distributors of drinks and take-away food in the catering sector (including hotels, restaurants and bars) should offer consumers the possibility to bring and use their own container.
The rules adopted by MEPs require all packaging to be recyclable and meet a set of strict criteria to be defined through secondary legislation. There are some temporary exceptions, for example for food packaging made of wood and wax.
Finally, MEPs want EU countries to ensure the separate collection of 90 per cent of the materials contained in packaging (plastic, wood, ferrous metals, aluminium, glass, paper and cardboard) by 2029.
The Parliament is now ready to start talks with national governments on the final form of the law, once the Council has adopted its position.
Source: European Parliament press office
Photo: Canva_EDT