At the European Parliament (EP) General Assembly session held in Strasbourg, the law containing new rules for reducing, reusing and recycling packaging was accepted with 476 “yes” votes. Accordingly, new measures will be taken to make packaging more sustainable and reduce packaging waste in the European Union (EU). General packaging and plastic packaging waste will be reduced by 5 percent by 2030, 10 percent by 2035 and 15 percent by 2040.
Some types of single-use plastic packaging will be banned in the EU from 2030. This scope will include unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetable packaging, packaging of food and beverages filled and consumed in cafes and restaurants, sauces for single servings, cream and sugar portions, toiletries, mini shampoo and soap packaging in accommodation, and very light plastic bags under 15 microns.
The use of “persistent chemicals that do not degrade in nature”, known as “PFAS”, in food contact packaging will also be banned above certain limits. By 2029, 90 percent of single-use plastics and metal beverage cans will need to be collected and recycled separately.
The new rules will come into force after the approval of member countries.
odatv.com
