Packaging and packaging waste directive commonly referred as ‘PPWD was introduced in 1994 and currently remains in place for regulating packaging and the management of packaging waste. The directive requires member states to ensure that packaging placed on the EU market meets several essential requirements related to manufacturing and labelling. But the issues related to poor implementation of directive made Commission to rethink of implementing a new regulation instead of revision of the current directive.
The new regulation aims to reduce the generation of packaging waste, promote a circular economy for packaging in a cost-effective manner and promote and grow the use of recycled content in packaging. The proposal also aims to make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economical viable way by 2030, increase the use of recycled plastics in a safe way and decrease the use of virgin materials in packaging and to ensure the EU is on track for its goal of climate neutrality by 2050.
The legislative proposal for a regulation will ensure that all 27 member states fulfil their obligations at the same time and in the same way. Key features of proposal contain several mandatory and essential requirements. Recyclable packaging, new targets set for reduction of packaging waste retaining existing ones, mandatory compost ability and mandatory QR codes that are supposed to be added to packaging are few of them. Uniformity of requirements, stakeholder obligations and timings should provide the necessary legal certainty and reduce market distortions.
ComplianceXL do consulting on packaging directive and new proposal goals of legislative proposal are to reduce negative environmental impacts of packaging and packaging waste and align with commitments taken under EU-wide rules in the packaging sector. Proposal for new regulation seems to be both wide-ranging and complex. It is likely to undergo substantial changes as part of the legislative process. Uniformity of labelling and regulations for disposable packaging should benefit many EU and non-EU companies and help reduce costs that currently arise due to deviating regulatory requirements in individual member states.
FAQs:
1.What is PPWD definition for Packaging?
PPWD defines packaging as all products made of any materials of any nature to be used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery, and presentation of goods, from raw materials to processed goods, from the producer to the user or the consumer. It includes plastic containers, glass bottles, food wrappers, aluminium tins etc.
2.When is new regulation on packaging expected to come into force?
The new regulation could come into force by 2025.
