As per the EUDR rules, the packaging companies will meet the 2030 and 2040 targets for a minimum percentage of recycled content, up to 65 percent for single use plastic bottles by 2040. They will be required to minimize the weight & volume of packaging and avoid unnecessary packaging.
Dec 23, 2024
The Council of the European Union formally adopted a new regulation on packaging and packaging waste, which will significantly reduce the generation of packaging waste by setting binding re-use targets, restricting certain types of single-use packaging, and requiring economic operators to minimise the packaging used. The regulations cover the full life cycle of packaging.
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As per the new rules, the packaging companies will meet the 2030 and 2040 targets for a minimum percentage of recycled content (up to 65 percent for single use plastic bottles by 2040). They will be required to minimize the weight and volume of packaging and avoid unnecessary packaging.
They will further be required to minimize the substances of concern, including restricting placing on the market food contact packaging containing per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), in case they exceed certain thresholds.
Regarding the labelling, marking and information requirements, the Council said the companies should facilitate consumers’ sorting and choices by including material composition and recycled content.
The new rules restrict single-use plastic packaging for pre-packed fruit and vegetables of less than 1.5 kg; food and beverages filled and consumed within hotels, bars and restaurants; individual portions of condiments, sauces, milk creamer and sugar in hotels, bars and restaurants; small, single-use cosmetic and toiletry products used in the accommodation sector (examples include shampoo or body lotion bottles); and very lightweight plastic bags, including those offered at markets for bulk groceries.
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The regulations set new binding re-use targets for 2030 and indicative targets for 2040, depending on the type of packaging used by operators. For instance, binding targets of 40 percent have been set for transport and sales packaging, while grouped packaging will have binding targets of 10 percent.
As per the new rules, take-away businesses will have to offer customers the possibility of bringing their own containers to be filled with cold or hot beverages or ready-prepared food, at no additional charge.
