The European Commission is proposing new EU-wide rules on packaging to tackle this “constantly growing” source of waste and consumer frustration.
Without action, the Commission says the EU says it would see a further 19% increase in packaging waste by 2030, and for plastic packaging waste a 46% increase.
As first reported by the Reuters news agency, the European Commission has announced proposals to reduce packaging waste, including new targets for recycled content in plastic drinks bottles and takeaway cup reuse and the reuse of packages used for online deliveries.
The Commission says, for consumers, they will ensure reusable packaging options, get rid of unnecessary packaging, limit overpackaging and provide clear labels to support correct recycling.
After tackling single-use plastics, we are now taking the next step on our way to a future without pollution.
For industry, the Commission says it will create new business opportunities, decrease the need for virgin materials, boost Europe’s recycling capacity and make Europe less dependent on primary resources and external suppliers. This will put the packaging sector on track for climate neutrality by 2050, the Commission says.
The Commission says the proposals are “key building blocks” of the European Green Deal’s Circular Economy Action Plan and its objective to make sustainable products the norm. They also respond to specific demands of Europeans as expressed at the Conference on the Future of Europe.
The proposed revision of the EU legislation on Packaging and Packaging Waste has three main objectives: to prevent the generation of packaging waste, boost “high-quality closed-loop” recycling, reduce the need for primary natural resources and create a well-functioning market for secondary raw materials.
The Commission says the proposal will clear up confusion on which packaging belongs to which recycling bin. Every piece of packaging will carry a label showing what the packaging is made of and in which waste stream it should go; waste collection containers will carry the same labels. The same symbols will be used everywhere in the EU.
Our proposals today reduce packaging waste, promote reuse and refill, increase the use of recycled plastics.
The proposal on packaging and packaging waste will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council.
Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, said: “After tackling single-use plastics, we are now taking the next step on our way to a future without pollution.
“Our proposals today reduce packaging waste, promote reuse and refill, increase the use of recycled plastics, and make it easier to recycle packaging.
“European citizens are eager to be rid of overpackaging and unnecessarily bulky packages, and businesses are ready to move forward with sustainable, innovative packaging solutions and systems.
“We also clear up confusing claims around bio-based and biodegradable plastics, so that producers and consumers know under which conditions such plastics are truly environment-friendly and contribute to a green and circular economy.”
