EU pushes for sustainability with stricter packaging standards 

EUROPE – The European Parliament has taken a bold step to address Europe’s escalating packaging waste crisis, adopting new regulations to reduce waste, enhance reuse, and promote recyclable packaging across the EU.

Central to these measures is a phased plan to reduce packaging waste by 15% by 2040. Specific actions include a ban on lightweight plastic carrier bags under 15 microns—except for hygiene purposes or loose food items—and limits on single-use packaging such as hotel toiletries and airport shrink-wrap.

A landmark feature of the legislation is the prohibition of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), known as “forever chemicals,” in food packaging.

Rapporteur Frédérique Ries underscored the urgency of this measure, citing recent water pollution incidents in Belgium as evidence of the harm PFASs pose.

“By voting to ban ‘forever’ pollutants in food packaging, the European Parliament has shown its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ health,” she said.

Reuse and refill take center stage

A key pillar of the regulations focuses on encouraging reusable and refillable packaging solutions. Food service businesses, including restaurants and cafés, will be required to allow customers to use their own containers for beverages and takeaways.

This move aims to reduce dependency on disposable packaging and aligns with the EU’s broader vision for a circular economy.

Ries remarked, “The end of throwaway packaging is still a long way off, but setting these targets is a step in the right direction.”

Improving recycling rates is another cornerstone of the initiative. By 2029, EU countries must ensure that 90% of materials used in packaging—whether plastic, metal, cardboard, or glass—are collected separately.

Furthermore, all packaging must meet rigorous recyclability standards, which will be outlined in upcoming secondary legislation.

Temporary exemptions, such as those for wood and wax packaging, have been included to facilitate industry adaptation.

Paving the way for a sustainable future

This legislative milestone underscores the EU’s dedication to tackling waste and pollution. Ries emphasized the significance of these reforms, stating, “This legislative report addresses the heart of the issue by setting tougher waste reduction targets for plastic packaging.”

Negotiations with EU member states will now commence to finalize the law. The initiative is crucial for curbing Europe’s rising waste problem, as the average citizen produces nearly 190 kg of packaging waste annually projected to reach 209 kg by 2030 without intervention.

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