The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement this Monday to make packaging safer and more sustainable, by requiring that all be recyclable in the European Union or banning the so-called permanent chemicals (PFAS) in which they are in contact with food, among other measures.
The agreement on the Regulation on packaging and packaging waste, which before coming into force has to be formally adopted by the two institutions, considers the complete life cycle of packaging. The pact covers a range of measures to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging, increase safety by minimizing the presence of harmful substances and promote the circular economy.
Each European generates almost 190 kilos of packaging waste each year and this figure is expected to increase to 209 kilos in 2030 without additional measures.
The agreement sets packaging reduction targets (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040) and requires EU countries to reduce, in particular, the amount of plastic packaging waste.
According to the agreement, certain formats of single-use plastic packaging will be prohibited from January 1, 2030. These are, for example, packaging for fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, packaging for packaged food and beverages, and consumed in cafes and restaurants, individual portions (condiments, sauces, creams, sugar), miniature containers for toiletries or packaging for suitcases in airports.
Very light plastic bags (less than 15 microns) are also included in the ban, unless they are necessary for hygiene reasons or are provided as primary packaging for bulk foods to help prevent food waste.
To avoid adverse health effects, the pact incorporates a ban on the use of so-called permanent or everlasting chemicals (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances or PFAS) in packaging in contact with food, which is “a great victory for human health.” European consumers,” said the main negotiator of the European Parliament, the Belgian liberal Frédérique Ries.
The agreement also includes a specific target for reusable packaging for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by 2030 (at least 10%), although Member States can grant a five-year derogation under certain conditions.
Final distributors of takeaway drinks and food in the restaurant sector will be required to offer consumers the possibility of bringing their own packaging. They will also be required to strive to offer 10% of products in reusable packaging format by 2030.
In addition, Member States should incentivize restaurants, canteens, bars, cafes and catering services to serve tap water (where available, free or for a low fee) in a reusable or refillable format.
Negotiators agreed that all packaging should be recyclable, meeting strict criteria to be defined through secondary legislation. Certain exemptions are provided for light wood, cork, textiles, rubber, ceramics, porcelain or wax.
Additionally, 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers (up to three liters) will be collected separately by 2029.
This is the first time that the EU has set targets to reduce packaging consumption, regardless of the material used, highlighted Ries, who called on all industrial sectors, EU countries and consumers to play their part. in the fight against excess packaging.
