On October 24, 2023, the European Union proposed a new draft regulation that will establish standards for the entire lifecycle of packaging from raw materials to final disposal.
The circular packaging economy will reduce the strategic dependence of the EU economy on multiple materials, help achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and help decouple economic progress from the use of natural resources. It can also have a positive impact on employment, especially in the social sector, creating more "green quality jobs", provided that necessary investments are made in skills and taking into account the unique characteristics of member countries, regions, and job types.
This plan will update the EU's legal framework on packaging and packaging waste, providing necessary support for businesses and member states to achieve waste reduction goals. The specific action plan recommended by the European Union Environment Commission:
It is prohibited to sell extremely thin plastic bags (less than 15 microns), except for hygiene purposes or as the main container for bulk food to reduce food waste.
Set specific waste reduction goals for plastic packaging:
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Target
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Year
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10%
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2023
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15%
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2035
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20%
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2040
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The European Commission will be responsible for developing standards that define packaging as "designed for recycling" and "recyclable on a large scale". Other proposed measures include ensuring that by 2029, EU member states collect 90% of the materials in packaging, including plastic, wood, ferrous metals, aluminum, glass, paper, and cardboard. Online service providers will also bear the same extended producer responsibility obligations as producers.
