The EU has gone through a long process in addressing packaging waste and plastic pollution issues. In order to promote environmental protection and resource recycling, the European Union passed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) as early as 1994. The directive aims to reduce the generation of packaging waste and improve recycling and reuse rates, but multiple evaluations have shown that this directive has failed to effectively curb the negative impact of packaging on the environment, especially the excessive use of plastic packaging.
In order to adapt to the constantly changing environmental needs, the European Union proposed a new draft of packaging waste regulations in November 2022. This proposal aims to replace the old directive of 1994 and promote the transformation of the packaging industry towards a circular economy, moving towards more sustainable and climate neutral goals.
Third level meeting of the European Commission
In November 2022, the European Commission proposed a new draft regulation on packaging waste, aiming to promote more efficient resource recycling and lower waste generation rates by comprehensively updating the existing regulatory framework. This proposal not only involves reducing the use of disposable packaging, but also further clarifies the environmental standards of the packaging industry by setting mandatory reuse targets, recycling content requirements, and restrictions on harmful substances.
European Parliament
In November 2023, the European Parliament officially passed the proposed packaging waste regulation and conducted detailed discussions and adjustments on its specific content and objectives. The amendment proposed by the parliament emphasizes increasing packaging recycling rates, restricting the use of disposable plastic packaging, and providing consumers with more environmentally friendly choices. Despite differing opinions, the parliament ultimately reached a consensus and passed the proposal.
The Council of the European Union
In December 2023, the Council of the European Union officially adopted the relevant proposal for the regulation and made modifications and supplements in multiple stages. The focus of the Council on packaging waste regulations is on how to balance economic and environmental goals, ensuring that member countries are not subject to excessive economic burdens in the implementation process. Through multiple rounds of consultations with the European Parliament, this widely agreed regulation was ultimately reached.
In December 2024, the European Council officially passed regulations on packaging and packaging waste, marking the implementation of an important environmental policy. This new regulation aims to significantly reduce the generation of packaging waste and promote the transformation of the packaging industry towards sustainable development by setting mandatory reuse targets, restricting certain types of disposable packaging, and requiring economic entities to reduce packaging usage. This regulation covers the entire lifecycle of packaging, reflecting the EU's strategic goals in circular economy and climate neutrality.
Sustainable, safe, and recyclable packaging
The new regulations include multiple specific requirements for packaging, aimed at ensuring that packaging is more environmentally friendly, recyclable, and not harmful to human health:
01. 2030 and 2040 targets: Each packaging must contain a certain proportion of recycled content, especially by 2040, the proportion of recycled content for disposable plastic bottles must reach 65%.
02. Reduce packaging weight and volume: It is required to minimize unnecessary use of packaging and avoid excessive packaging.
03. Restriction of harmful substances: Especially for food contact packaging, products containing excessive amounts of perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are restricted from being marketed.
04. Labeling and Information Requirements: Packaging is required to indicate material composition and recycling content to help consumers classify correctly and make informed choices.
Restrictions on disposable plastic packaging
The new regulations have implemented stricter restrictions on disposable plastic packaging, covering the following categories of products:
01. Pre packaged fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kilograms;
02. Food and beverages sold and ready to eat in hotels, bars, and restaurants;
03. Small portions of seasonings, sauces, creamers, and sugar packs in hotels, bars, and restaurants;
04. Small disposable cosmetics and toiletries used in the accommodation industry (such as shampoo, shower gel bottles, etc.);
05. Very lightweight plastic bags (such as bags used for bulk food in the market).
Reuse goals and refilling obligations
The new regulations also set mandatory reuse targets by 2030 and provide guiding recommendations for the 2040 target. The reuse target varies depending on the type of packaging. For example, the mandatory reuse target for transportation and sales packaging is 40%, while the target for assembly packaging is 10%. According to these new regulations, the food delivery industry will be required to provide customers with the option of bringing their own containers, so that customers can pack hot drinks, cold drinks, or pre packaged food into their own containers for free.
Next plan
On December 16, 2024, the official adoption of the European Council means that this regulation has completed the final step of the ordinary legislative process. The regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and officially come into effect, expected to be implemented within 18 months after the effective date.