EU Environment Committee backs new packaging reduction and recycling rules

The European Parliament's Environment Committee endorsed a proposed regulation covering the entire packaging lifecycle, with plastic packaging waste reduction targets of 10% by 2030, 15% by 2035, and 20% by 2040. The rules signal tightening EU circular-economy and packaging requirements relevant to Indian exporters and consumer-goods firms supplying EU markets.

The European Parliament's Environment Committee endorsed a proposed regulation on packaging lifecycle requirements with 56 votes in favour, 23 against, and 5 abstentions. EU packaging waste rose from 66 million tonnes in 2009 to 84 million tonnes in 2021, with each citizen generating 188.7 kg annually in 2021, projected to reach 209 kg in 2030 without action. MEPs set plastic packaging waste reduction targets of 10% by 2030, 15% by 2035, and 20% by 2040, and would ban very lightweight plastic carrier bags below 15 microns except for hygiene or loose-food purposes.

The rules affect packaging producers, retailers, online service providers, and consumer-goods companies across the EU. Plastic components must incorporate minimum recycled-content percentages by packaging type, with targets for 2030 and 2040. Retailers in the beverage and takeaway food sectors must allow consumers to bring their own containers. MEPs propose banning intentionally added 'forever chemicals' such as PFASs and Bisphenol A in food-contact packaging. Online service providers would face the same extended producer responsibility obligations as producers, broadening the scope of affected entities.

Companies should monitor the full European Parliament's vote on its negotiating mandate during the second November 2023 plenary session. Member states must ensure 90% of packaging materials including plastic, wood, ferrous metals, aluminium, glass, paper, and cardboard are collected separately by 2029. By the end of 2025, the Commission should evaluate objectives and sustainability criteria for bio-based plastics. Producers should also track the criteria the Commission will set for packaging to be deemed 'designed for recycling' and 'recyclable at scale.'

Key figure — Plastic packaging waste reduction targets: 10% by 2030, 15% by 2035, 20% by 2040