EU Commission: Kick-off for the new packaging regulation

It has already been indicated for several weeks that the construction of an EU packaging regulation will start shortly. This regulation is to replace the existing Packaging Directive 94/62/EC. On November 30, 2022, the Commission proposed a revision of EU legislation on packaging and packaging waste. It outlines key elements of the Circular Economy Action Plan announced in the European Green Deal and its aim to make sustainable products the norm.

To promote the reuse and refilling of packaging, companies are required to provide a certain percentage of their products in reusable or refillable packaging, especially for eCommerce deliveries.  In addition, clear labeling of reusable packaging is prescribed and certain packaging formats are standardized. To effectively avoid unnecessary packaging, certain packaging will be banned. With the new package of measures, the EU wants to tackle packaging as a "source of waste", because currently an average of 180 kg of packaging waste is produced per person and year.

The proposed revision of EU packaging and packaging waste legislation has three main objectives:

• Avoiding packaging waste by reducing unnecessary packaging, restricting unnecessary packaging and promoting reusable and refillable packaging solutions. This includes, for example, banning single-use packaging in restaurants.
• Promote a closed-loop recycling system in which all packaging on the EU market can be economically recycled by 2030 (e.g. through deposit systems or compostable packaging). 
• Reducing the demand for primary raw materials through binding quotas for the use of recycled plastics in packaging materials.

The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of packaging waste per person per member state by 15% by 2040 compared to 2018. This is to be achieved through both reuse and recycling.

The proposal for the EU regulation was discussed by the European Parliament and the Council within the framework of the ordinary legislative procedure. It is to be voted on at the end of October.

Do you have questions about fulfilling your obligations under the Packaging Act in Germany or in other European countries? Feel free to contact us or get an inquiry for your individual service package directly.