The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement to implement new regulations aimed at making packaging in the EU more sustainable.
The measures, which were first proposed in 2022, were agreed upon late on Monday (4 March) and come after significant opposition from businesses, including food-to-go brands.
In December, more than 100 associations, representing Europe’s packaging industry, wrote to EU Member States urging them to deliver a workable packaging legislation after it was revealed that the proposal undermined Single Market principles, effectively allowing Member States to introduce their own unique restrictions and creating an unfair playing ground.
The new legislation is intended to tackle the growing problem of packaging waste in the EU, which reached 84 million tonnes in 2021. In order to achieve this, the agreement sets progressive reduction targets, aiming for a 5% decrease in packaging waste by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. Furthermore, the legislation specifically encourages a reduction in plastic packaging waste.
A ban on certain single-use plastic packaging formats will support these reduction targets. Taking effect on January 1, 2030, the ban will apply to packaging for specific items, including unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables, food and beverages consumed in restaurants and cafés, individual portions – such as condiments and sauces, miniature toiletries provided in accommodations, and shrink-wrap used for suitcases at airports.
To prevent adverse health effects, the Parliament also secured the introduction of a ban on the use of so-called “forever chemicals,” which are named so due to the fact they don’t break down easily in the environment or in our bodies.
“This agreement marks a significant step towards reducing packaging consumption across the EU, regardless of the material used,” stated Rapporteur Frédérique Ries. “We encourage all parties involved, including industries, member states, and consumers, to contribute to this effort in tackling excessive packaging.”
“The ban on forever chemicals in food packaging is a great victory for the health of European consumers. It was also essential that environmental ambitions meet industrial reality. The deal fosters innovation and includes exemptions for micro-enterprises.”
The agreement still needs approval from the European Parliament and EU governments, which is not a given in the lead-up to EU elections in June.
