In its plenary session today, the EU Parliament approved the European Packaging Regulation by a majority. The regulation was adopted by 476 votes to 129 with 24 abstentions.
 

The provisional agreement with the Council not only includes specific targets for reducing packaging, it also obliges the EU states to ensure less plastic packaging waste.

In order to reduce unnecessary packaging on the market, the proportion of empty space for transport and secondary packaging as well as e-commerce packaging must not exceed 50 percent. Certain single-use plastic packaging is also to be banned from January 1, 2030, for example for unprocessed fruit and vegetables. In addition, the PFAS content in food packaging must not exceed certain limits in future.

“For the first time, the EU is introducing targets for the reduction of packaging in an environmental law, regardless of the material used. The new regulations support innovation and also provide for exemptions for micro-enterprises. The fact that perpetual chemicals are now completely banned from food packaging is a huge success for the health of European consumers. We are now calling on all industry sectors, EU countries and consumers to join the fight against unnecessary packaging,” said rapporteur Frédérique Ries.
 

Before the agreement can enter into force, the Council must formally approve it.

Source: https://www.euwid-verpackung.de/news/markt/eu-parlament-stimmt-der-ppwr-zu-240424/