Today, the Commission is proposing new EU-wide rules on packaging, to tackle this constantly growing source of waste and of consumer frustration. On average, each European generates almost 180 kg of packaging waste per year. Europeans, on average, produce nearly 180 kg of packaging waste annually, with packaging being a major consumer of virgin materials—40% of plastics and 50% of paper in the EU are dedicated to packaging. Without intervention, packaging waste could surge by 19% by 2030, including a 46% increase in plastic packaging waste.
These new regulations have multifaceted objectives. They intend to offer consumers reusable packaging choices, eliminate unnecessary packaging, curtail overpackaging, and provide transparent labeling to facilitate correct recycling. For industries, they create fresh business opportunities, particularly for smaller enterprises, reduce the reliance on virgin materials, strengthen Europe's recycling capacity, and reduce the continent's dependency on primary resources and external suppliers. Furthermore, they chart a course for the packaging sector to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
These proposals constitute essential elements of the European Green Deal's Circular Economy Action Plan, aligning with its ambition to normalize sustainable products. Additionally, they respond to the specific preferences voiced by Europeans during the Conference on the Future of Europe.
The proposed revision of EU legislation on Packaging and Packaging Waste encompasses three primary goals. . First, to prevent the generation of packaging waste: reduce it in quantity, restrict unnecessary packaging and promote reusable and refillable packaging solutions. Second, to boost high quality (‘closed loop') recycling: make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030. And finally, to reduce the need for primary natural resources and create a well-functioning market for secondary raw materials, increasing the use of recycled plastics in packaging through mandatory targets.
"After tackling single use plastics, we now take 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 biobased 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." said Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal.
If implemented by 2030, these measures would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from packaging to 43 million tonnes, compared to 66 million without legislative changes—an emission reduction equivalent to Croatia's annual emissions. Furthermore, water usage would diminish by 1.1 million m³. By 2030, the economic and societal costs of environmental damage would be slashed by €6.4 billion relative to the baseline scenario.
While the transition poses investment challenges for single-use packaging industries, the overall economic and employment impact in the EU is anticipated to be positive. The promotion of reuse alone is expected to generate over 600,000 jobs in the reuse sector by 2030, many within local small and medium-sized businesses. The regulations are also poised to yield cost savings, with each European potentially saving nearly €100 per year if businesses pass on their savings to consumers.
Source: Press release. European Commission. "European Green Deal: Putting an end to wasteful packaging, boosting reuse and recycling". https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_7155. 30/11/22. [Date accessed: 01/12/22]
Edited by Manan Chordia.
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