EU adopts Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation for sustainable procurement

EUROPE – The European Union has formally adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), a major step toward creating a more circular and competitive economy.

The regulation, which takes effect this month, aims to reduce reliance on primary raw materials and ensure that all packaging in the EU market is economically recyclable by 2030.

PPWR is designed to drive climate neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the safe inclusion of recycled plastics in packaging.

Covering the entire packaging life cycle, it seeks to standardize national manufacturing, recycling, and reuse regulations while mitigating the environmental and health impacts of packaging waste.

A key element of PPWR is Green Public Procurement (GPP), which is vital in achieving sustainability goals.

By February 2030, the European Commission will establish mandatory minimum requirements for packaging-related public contracts.

These requirements may include technical specifications, selection criteria, and performance conditions, ensuring that sustainability considerations are embedded in procurement practices.

Article 63 of PPWR underscores that procurement requirements must be based on sustainability criteria while considering factors such as the value and volume of public contracts for packaging.

It also ensures that contracting authorities can opt for environmentally friendly packaging without facing excessive costs.

Additionally, the regulation mandates that EU-wide market conditions be considered to prevent market distortions and unfair competition.

It also outlines the obligations related to packaging waste management, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to reducing environmental harm.

Dutch Government reevaluates single-use plastic surcharge

In a related development, the Dutch government is considering scrapping its national surcharge on single-use plastic packaging amid concerns that the policy has failed to significantly curb plastic waste or promote reusable alternatives.

Introduced in July 2023, the levy aimed to encourage businesses and consumers to adopt sustainable packaging choices.

However, a policy review suggests it has had minimal impact on consumer behavior, and there is growing political support in the House of Representatives for its repeal.

Critics argue that the surcharge disproportionately benefits businesses rather than the environment. Many companies have passed the cost onto consumers while making little effort to reduce plastic usage.

Under the policy, foodservice and retail outlets were required to charge extra for single-use plastic containers, based on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management guidelines.

However, with pricing left to businesses’ discretion, many supermarkets set the surcharge at just €0.01 per item, too small to deter plastic use.

To enhance consumer awareness, businesses must list the surcharge separately on receipts and provide reusable alternatives or allow customers to bring their containers.

A mandatory €0.25 per container charge will take effect on January 1, 2026, but the government is reassessing the policy’s effectiveness.

With the EU implementing stricter packaging regulations, member states may need to reevaluate their national policies to align with broader sustainability objectives, ensuring that environmental measures drive real change rather than symbolic gestures.

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