EU Council Approves Measures for Sustainable and Safe Packaging

The European Commission's proposal aims to reduce packaging waste by establishing standards for recyclable packaging, limiting single-use packaging, encouraging economic operators to use less packaging, and setting binding re-use targets. The plan also includes extended producer responsibility programs and waste management guidelines. The Council approved the proposal, extending its scope to include all packaging and waste, and modifying the proposal on recyclable packaging. The regulation aims to decrease packaging waste by 20% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 5% by 2040.

The European Council has approved new regulations for reusable packaging, aiming to reduce packaging waste and promote a circular economy. The regulations include a minimum number of trips or rotations for cardboard, new goals for reuse and re-fill, deposit return systems (DRS), and limitations on specific packaging formats. The Council also added additional clauses on packaging labeling and made logistical service providers more accountable for farmers. The regulation's application date was extended to 18 months and the Council will negotiate the final form with the European Parliament. The Council and the European Parliament will need to formally endorse the negotiations' conclusion.