The EU wants to further green packaging and put an end to certain practices, in a new regulation which is being studied on Tuesday in the European Parliament. But the text clashes with the interests of many industrial lobbies.
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The restriction of single-use containers, deposits or recycled plastic… MEPs meeting in Strasbourg discuss Tuesday, November 21 and vote on Wednesday on a law aimed at greening packaging in the European Union. But the Commission’s objective of a 10% reduction by 2035 compared to 2018 comes up against industrial lobbies. Packaging manufacturing generates a colossal turnover in Europe, of 355 billion euros per year. The Commission’s initial proposal could be significantly simplified.
From internet parcels to coffee cups, Europeans have never generated so much packaging waste: 188 kilograms per year and per inhabitant in 2021. Brussels ultimately wants to ban containers in takeaway restaurants that are not reusable, with a deposit system or consumers who bring their own container. But reuse consumes more water and electricity resources, argue manufacturers who have invested to manufacture, for example, single-use cups but using recycled products.
The list of packaging to be banned crystallizes tensions
Some MEPs will vote in favor of exemptions, as long as the container displays a certain rate of recyclability. The Italians, for their part, intend to protect their bioplastic sector and the French intend to save wooden Camembert boxes, which are non-recyclable. An oversight by the Commission which will, we promise, be repaired.
The battle finally promises to be tough on the project of compulsory deposits for plastic bottles and metal cans. MEPs debate it on Tuesday and vote on their position on Wednesday, which will then be the subject of negotiations with representatives of the Member States for a final vote expected in 2024.
