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Decreased ambitions for EU’s Packaging Waste Regulation: European Parliament has adopted new changes

Georgios Vlachos

Georgios Vlachos

2 min read
4.12.2023

What?

During the latest round of voting, the European Parliament has approved changes to Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). On the plenary session on November 22 the full text with adopted amendments was passed with a vote of 426 in favor, 125 against and 74 abstentions.

PPWR Vote. Source: EUWID Recycling 

What is in the document?

The document preserves the previously placed derogations on plastic waste. It also places restrictions on ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS and Bisphenol A in food packaging. Moreover, the new document sets the goals for reducing packaging waste with clear milestones:

  • 5% by 2030; 
  • 10% by 2035;
  • 15% by 2040;

Why is it being criticized?

According to numerous organizations such as Zero Waste Europe, the final text of the document was “watered-down” in the part of reducing packaging waste. In particular, the PPWR does not include any mechanisms of how to achieve such goals. 

But, the biggest problem turned out to be Annex V, which itemized unnecessary packaging formats. Yes, the edited version excludes disposable plates and cups from dine-in restaurants, single-use packaging for fruit and vegetables, and single-use sauce and sugar tubs and sachets from this list. It means that the mentioned type of packaging will not be banned.

We are dissatisfied with the decreased ambition in the text. Granting derogations and exemptions on waste prevention and reuse to ‘appease’ industry players is unacceptable and takes us even further from the ultimate goal of this revision: reducing packaging waste” – says Aline Maigret. Head of Policy at Zero Waste Europe.

What is next?

Even though this was the last round of voting, the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation must be approved by the European Council by January 2024. By that time, the final version of the document can be changed. 

Boost2Be will keep an eye on the PPWR.

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