The circular economy within the European Union has recently been the subject of heated debate, mainly due to the new rules on packaging adopted by the EU Council on 18 December. The compromises reached elicited a variety of reactions from the various industrial sectors and environmental NGOs. This article takes a closer look at the divergent positions of the key players and explores the issues raised by these new rules, which aim to reshape the packaging landscape in Europe.
Industry criticism
Europe’s industrial lobbies were quick to express their dissatisfaction with the Member States’ compromise on the packaging regulation. Convergent criticisms, albeit motivated by a variety of arguments, are emerging in particular around the targets for re-use and the ban on certain single-use packaging. The food packaging sector, represented by Eppa, and Unesda for drinks, believe that these compromises will undermine existing recycling systems, underlining concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of the new directives.
Disappointment for the Brewers
Brewers of Europe, which represents brewers within the EU, has suffered a major disappointment with the loss of its battle. They aspire to the uniform application of re-use obligations to all drinks sectors. However, wine and spirits have been exempted, generating concerns within the brewing lobby about the fairness of the rules governing the different categories of drinks.
Regrets from the permanent materials lobbies
The lobbies representing so-called permanent materials, such as glass, metal, steel and aluminium, have expressed their regret at the limited scope of the separate collection target. They deplore the fact that this target, set at 90% by 2029, only applies to plastic bottles and metal cans, thus missing the opportunity to promote infinitely recyclable packaging. Lobbyists are also raising concerns about the weight-based waste reduction target, which could inadvertently favour less circular materials such as plastic.
Expectations of environmental NGOs
Environmental NGOs have adopted a more nuanced perspective. The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has welcomed certain aspects of the compromise, but is concerned about the exemptions for cardboard and a « very unambitious exemption for the introduction of deposit systems ». Zero Waste Europe, while noting the more favourable aspects of the Council’s compromise, remains vigilant and hopes that the text will be preserved during the forthcoming inter-institutional negotiations.
The Mutualisation system criticised
A major point of contention lies in the introduction of a system for pooling efforts to achieve reuse targets. While the automotive sector already benefits from this system to meet targets for reducing CO₂ emissions, its extension to drinks manufacturers or distributors is raising criticism. The EEB’s Jean-Pierre Schweitzer describes this approach as an « accounting trick », offering « greater flexibility to companies that do not wish to reuse ».
Reactions from the drinks lobbies
Nicholas Hodac, Chief Executive of Unesda, questions the effectiveness of the pooling system, pointing out that if there are no real environmental benefits from re-use, pooling will solve nothing. This approach is seen as a « business opportunity » for companies reluctant to adopt reuse practices.
The differences of opinion among the key players in the European packaging sector reflect the complexity of the challenges involved in making the transition to more sustainable practices. While manufacturers are voicing their concerns, environmental NGOs are hoping to maintain some positive advances in the forthcoming inter-institutional negotiations. The packaging debate remains at the heart of the drive to achieve the European Union’s ambitious environmental targets. The confrontation of points of view highlights the need to strike a balance between promoting sustainability and preserving the competitiveness of the industries concerned.
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