The EU has long been the leader in sustainability and regulatory frameworks that push for achieving environmental goals to fight climate change and excessive waste. With the latest regulation on packaging adopted by the European Council, the EU once again shows its commitment to staying ahead in green technologies and circular economies. This won’t only have a positive impact on the environment, but also foster innovation in waste management and sustainable materials, ensuring the EU keeps its competitive edge in green solutions.
The latest legislation introduces binding targets for packaging reduction, recycling, and consumer participation. A key focus of the regulation is to cut down on single-use plastic packaging because it’s one of the highest contributors to plastic waste globally. It’s a follow-up on the 1994 regulation, which has been revised several times.
Among others, beverages served in restaurants will be banned, along with miniature single-use toiletries used in hotels. However, the ban also covers pre-packed fruits (less than 1.5 kg), and lightweight plastic bans found in grocery stores. Furthermore, single-use plastic bottles, like soda bottles, will need to contain 65% recycled material. Meanwhile, customers should be allowed to bring their own containers or bottles to take-away restaurants at no additional charge.
To further limit packaging waste, the rules call for companies to reduce unnecessary packaging, minimize substances of concern (such as PFAS in food packaging), and improve labeling to help consumers make informed choices. This focus on the entire lifecycle of packaging supports the EU’s transition to a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused and recycled.
However, recycling wasn’t as successful in Europe as expected. The per-capita packaging waste was 186.5 kg (411 pounds). The EU also addressed this issue with the new regulation, mandating that at least 40% of transport and sales packaging must be reusable by 2030.
The regulation, finalized through negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council, will go into effect 18 months after publication in the EU’s Official Journal. This initiative not only aligns with the EU’s environmental commitments but also responds to growing concerns about the rising tide of plastic waste and the strain it places on ecosystems.
