Packaging Waste Regulation approved in the European Parliament – ​​The era of reuse begins

The regulation on packaging and packaging waste was adopted today (24.4.24) at the last plenary session of this term of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The European Parliament finally approved the regulation with clear numbers: 476 in favor, 129 against.

The aim of the Packaging Waste Regulation is to reduce packaging waste, combat the use of single-use plastic packaging, and move away from packaging that is not sustainable.

Reuse requirement sparks debate

Regulation on packaging and packaging waste eventually changed considerably from the proposal initially presented by the Commission during the parliamentary and Council deliberation processes.

In particular, material-specific reuse and recycling targets have been modified during the process.

News in the approved regulation text There remains a requirement that by 2030 at least 10 percent of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be sold in reusable packaging.

This requirement does not apply to milk, wine, aromatized wines or spirits, nor to distributors with a sales area of less than one hundred square meters.

Member States may also grant a five-year exemption from these requirements under certain conditions.

In Finland, the industry has expressed concerns that the reuse requirement will bring large additional costs and force the construction of a parallel reuse system, even though Finland already has a very effective return system for deposit-based beverage containers.

It is possible that a solution to this may still be found during the implementation phase of the regulation.

Those selling takeaway drinks and food must aim to offer 10 percent of their products in reusable packaging by 2030. Customers can also request to have their takeaway food or drink served in their own, self-brought container.

Ban on oversized packaging and ketchup bags

Certain single-use plastic packaging will be banned completely.

For example, hotels are no longer allowed to use mini detergent bottles, and restaurants are no longer allowed to use small individual packages such as plastic ketchup or condiment bags.

Drinks and food consumed in restaurants and cafes must be packaged or served in a way other than single-use plastic packaging. This also applies to fresh fruit and vegetables.

Packaging waste must be reduced by five percent by 2030, 10 percent by 2035, and 15 percent by 2040. In particular, the amount of plastic waste must be reduced.

Online sales, group or transport packaging may no longer have more than half of its space empty. Manufacturers and importers must also minimize the volume and weight of packaging.

Mixing obligation for plastic packaging

According to the new rules, all packaging must be recyclable. However, this does not apply to packaging made of light wood, cork, textiles, rubber, ceramics, porcelain or wax.

At least a certain amount of recycled plastic, or recycled plastic, must be used in the production of plastic packaging. The purpose of this so-called blending obligation is to create demand for recycled plastic in the market and thereby increase plastic recycling.

Recycling targets are based on the weight of packaging waste.

The regulation also provides for separate collection obligations for beverage containers. By 2029, at least 90 percent of single-use plastic bottles and metal beverage containers must be collected separately, for example through a deposit system. Finland will already reach the target with the current system.

The regulations also prohibit the use of slowly degradable chemicals (such as PFAS) in packaging that comes into contact with food.

The rules have already been provisionally agreed with the Council. The Council still needs to formally approve the agreement before it can enter into force.

Text: Elina Saarinen/ Uusiouutiset-magazine

Photo: Elina Saarinen. The European Parliament voted on the content of the Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste at the end of April in its last plenary session. The Parliament building in Strasbourg already had its own waste bins ready for the separate collection of packaging waste.