Fruit and vegetables packed in foil will soon disappear from stores. Single-use packaging of ketchups, sauces and cosmetics will also be withdrawn. All thanks to the decision reached by the Council of the European Union together with the European Parliament. “The aim of the new regulation is – in accordance with the waste hierarchy – to significantly reduce the generation of packaging waste,” we read in the Council of the European Union issued on March 4 this year.
The European Union has made a decision on plastic
Based on the agreement, changes will be introduced regarding “single-use plastic packaging formats”. The ban will cover disposable plastic containers for food and all types of drinks. Disposable packaging will also be withdrawn, including: for ketchup or other spices that are offered in many catering outlets. The changes are also expected to affect the hotel industry, as it will have to give up small plastic containers for cosmetic products left for travelers. Disposable plastic bags will also disappear from stores and markets.
EU member states should also ensure separate collection of at least 90% of waste per year. disposable plastic bottles and metal beverage cans. These requirements must be met by 2029. Until then, EU countries should implement deposit refund systems for these packaging. Countries that will achieve a level of separate collection above 80% in 2026 will be exempt from the introduction of the new system. and present their intention to increase the target to 90%.
If the agreement is approved by member states in the Council and Parliament’s Environment Committee, it will then need to be formally endorsed by both institutions. The changes will then be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force 18 months after publication.
The European Union is fighting against excess waste
As reported by the European Council, recycling rates in the EU are constantly improving, but the amount of waste is increasing much faster than the amount of waste that is recycled. “In the last decade, the amount of packaging waste has increased by almost 25% and, if no action is taken, it will increase by another 19% by 2030. Forecasts show that the amount of plastic packaging waste will increase by 2030 by 46 percent.” – we read in the European Council’s communication.
It was also added that in the near future “companies will have to use the smallest possible packaging, e.g. avoid double walls and bottoms and the use of disproportionately large packaging to transport small items. The idea is to reduce unnecessary packaging and waste of resources.”
Source: Gazeta
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