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EU’s draft reuse targets for packaging meets barrage of criticism from industry
(EurActiv, 17 Nov 2022) A leaked draft of the EU’s new packaging law, seen by EURACTIV, has caused uproar among the industry, which says it risks undermining years of efforts and billions of euros worth of investments into recycling.
The overhaul of the packaging and packaging waste directive, due on 30 November, promises to be far-reaching.
A draft of the proposal, seen by EURACTIV, includes mandatory recycled content targets for plastics, new ecodesign criteria to make products more easily recyclable, as well as a renewed push to put in place deposit return schemes for used items.
The most controversial element, though, is the reuse targets.
According to the draft, which could still change, reusable packaging should be used for:
- 30% of cold and hot beverages by 2030 and 95% by 2040
- 20% of takeaway ready-prepared food by 2030 and 75% by 2040
- 20% of alcoholic beverages (excluding wine and spirits) by 2030 and 75% by 2040
- 20% of non-alcoholic beverages by 2030 and 75% by 2040
- 90% of large household appliance deliveries by 2030
‘Not realistic’ and ‘counterproductive’
These targets have caused uproar among packaging manufacturers but also among users of packaging in the retail sector.
EurActiv, 17 Nov 2022: EU’s draft reuse targets for packaging meets barrage of criticism from industry
