EU cracks down on single-use plastics and mandates reuse targets

On December 16, 2024, the EU Council adopted the long-anticipated packaging and packaging waste regulation, concluding a two-year legislative process initiated by the European Commission. The agreement comes amid growing concerns regarding the environment and waste management across Europe. The regulation introduces binding reuse targets, sets restrictions on single-use plastic packaging, and imposes a ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging, all aimed at significantly reducing the 186 kilos of packaging waste produced per capita. The directive represents a significant step toward achieving the climate neutrality goals articulated in the EU Green Deal. The new packaging regulation establishes a framework that necessitates EU member states to implement measures aimed at reducing packaging waste over time. Specific reduction targets have been set, including a 5% decrease in packaging by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. These targets are complemented by requirements for a minimum percentage of recycled content in packaging materials, with ambitious goals such as 65% recycled content for single-use plastic bottles by 2040. Such measures reflect a broader commitment to sustainable practices within the EU and are designed to encourage more efficient resource use. While the regulation aims to promote the use of sustainable packaging and lessen dependency on single-use plastics, significant exemptions were included to address the concerns of member states, notably Italy. As part of the negotiations, Italy received exemptions from certain reuse requirements for specific products, including take-away items and products such as milk and wines. This concession was vital for securing Italy's agreement and emphasizes the ongoing debates within the EU regarding the balance between environmental policy and economic interests. In implementation terms, member states will have 18 months to enact the new policies, which will impact various sectors, particularly those reliant on single-use packaging. The regulation also signals an evolving consumer landscape, where manufacturers must adapt to stricter environmental standards and where consumers will be encouraged to select products based on their packaging sustainability. Only Austria and Malta abstained during the vote, indicating a qualified majority in favor, further illustrating the collaborative yet contentious nature of European legislative processes.