A new regulation is expected to be completed within 2023, which will replace the “older” directive EU / 62/1994 concerning packaging waste. Proposal of changes has been submitted to the European Commision at the end of 2022. The new regulation aims at the reduction of total packaging waste, promotes usage of recycled materials and further strengthens the use of reusable materials in the market More specifically, the target set for the reduction of packaging waste within each member state is stated at 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 rates. Until 2030, the design of packaging should be proven to promote recyclability of each package, based on the infrastructure of each member state. Plastic materials are, as expected, part of this commitment, where, for example, the target for recyclable bottles is set at30% by 2030. Furthermore, some single-use plastic packaging such as tea bags, coffee capsules and self-adhesive labels for fruit and vegetable should be compostable. As mentioned above, an important part of the new regulation will be the increase of reusable packaging. It is proposed that 10 % of packaging used for online shopping should be made with reusable packaging. All these changes in regulation are expected to substantially increase the waste recycling capacity within the EU and reduce the need for virgin materials. They also aims at strengthening the European Green Deal action plan, thus actively contributing to circular economy and sustainability. |
