Wanted: ambitious European policy on reusable packaging

A large coalition of small and large businesses, NGOs, cities and municipalities, together with RNB, is calling for an ambitious policy. With the support of more than 120 municipalities, NGOs and businesses, we are asking European legislators to: Introduce ambitious reuse targets Include strict and clear criteria for 'reusable' packaging and reuse models Focus on transparent reporting methods and increasing targets for reuse Classify refillable packaging as a waste prevention method Packaging and Packing Waste Regulation The published position paper shows where the opportunities lie for Europe. Within this revision of the Packaging and Packing Waste Regulation, we must seize the opportunity to pioneer the development of materials, systems and processes needed to drastically reduce the amount of packaging waste. Instead of importing materials to make short-lived products, we could create green jobs and services in the EU for sustainable packaging. The switch to reuse could create as many as 600,000 jobs. According to Eurostat, 40% of all plastic and 50% of all paper in Europe is wasted on packaging. Recycling rates are stagnating. 20% of our packaging waste is dumped in landfill and 16% is incinerated. To reduce our ecological impact, we must replace single-use packaging on a large scale with reusable alternatives and systems. Recycling alone will not satisfy our excessive appetite for materials, which results in CO2 emissions. It also makes no sense to replace one single-use material with another single-use material. Waste remains waste. The EU must strive for truly circular solutions. Setting clear and ambitious targets for 2030 and 2040 is essential to give European innovators, entrepreneurs and investors the confidence they need. Because they stand ready to deliver the next generation of packaging solutions. Read the full position paper here. Contact Do you have questions about this topic? Please contact Janine Röling: j.roling@fairresourcefoundation.org

A large coalition of small and large businesses, NGOs, cities and municipalities, together with RNB, is calling for an ambitious policy.

With the support of more than 120 municipalities, NGOs and businesses, we are asking European legislators to:

Introduce ambitious reuse targets

Include strict and clear criteria for 'reusable' packaging and reuse models

Focus on transparent reporting methods and increasing targets for reuse

Classify refillable packaging as a waste prevention method

Packaging and Packing Waste Regulation

The published position paper shows where the opportunities lie for Europe. Within this revision of the Packaging and Packing Waste Regulation, we must seize the opportunity to pioneer the development of materials, systems and processes needed to drastically reduce the amount of packaging waste. Instead of importing materials to make short-lived products, we could create green jobs and services in the EU for sustainable packaging. The switch to reuse could create as many as 600,000 jobs.

According to Eurostat, 40% of all plastic and 50% of all paper in Europe is wasted on packaging. Recycling rates are stagnating. 20% of our packaging waste is dumped in landfill and 16% is incinerated.

To reduce our ecological impact, we must replace single-use packaging on a large scale with reusable alternatives and systems. Recycling alone will not satisfy our excessive appetite for materials, which results in CO2 emissions. It also makes no sense to replace one single-use material with another single-use material. Waste remains waste. The EU must strive for truly circular solutions.

Setting clear and ambitious targets for 2030 and 2040 is essential to give European innovators, entrepreneurs and investors the confidence they need. Because they stand ready to deliver the next generation of packaging solutions.

Read the full position paper here.

Contact

Do you have questions about this topic? Please contact Janine Röling: j.roling@fairresourcefoundation.org