Is Your Packaging Recyclable or Reusable? A Proposed EU Directive Says It Must Be by 2030
The European Union (EU) is taking new steps to reduce impacts on the environment: requirements for packaging to be designed as recyclable or reusable by 2030. This ambitious proposal, released as a revision to the current EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), marks a significant shift in the regulatory environment across Europe.
Encompassing all industrial, commercial, and household packaging placed on the European market, the proposed directive is focused on drastically reducing packaging waste by:
restricting unnecessary packaging and promoting reusable options,
scaling up closed-loop recycling, and
implementing recycled-content targets.
One key example of how these requirements will come to life: Companies will be prohibited from using single-use plastic packaging within the hotel and restaurant sector.
Historically, EU members have faced a multitude of challenges when it comes to circularity in packaging. Focusing on the reuse, recycling, and recovery of packaging waste will contribute to a circular economy by keeping products in circulation for as long as possible.
How Companies Can Prepare for the Revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive:
In an effort to prepare for the PPWD’s enactment, companies are being encouraged to learn from each other through networking and engaging with industry peers to minimize potential challenges that may arise. Also beneficial: completing impact assessments of packaging to help develop strategies in line with regulations.
A collective of European packaging producers, EUROPEN, has recognized the importance of the PPWD review in creating a sustainable packaging supply chain in Europe. Members have already begun implementing strategies including an investment in innovative packaging design.
Timing and Next Steps:
The PPWD revision is expected to be in place following the end of the legislative process, which is likely to occur by the end of 2024. But for the policy provisions to be successful, policy makers must also focus on strong and enforceable rules, while also creating the right amount of flexibility to accommodate the ever-evolving packaging industry. This will encourage both driving investment in innovation and inspiring stronger collaboration across the EU. If enacted as proposed, it is estimated the measure will reduce packaging-related greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 23 million tons by 2030.
Need help completing a material impact assessment or package waste analysis? We can help.
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