The amount of packaging must be reduced by 5% by 2030, by 10% by 2035 and by 15% by 2040

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 05. 21. 11:10

The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection with recent regulatory measures aimed at reducing waste production and increasing recycling. These measures bring about significant changes in the use of single-use packaging, promoting the repairability of products sold in the EU, and stricter regulation of waste exports.

The new rules for reducing packaging waste, which were adopted by the European Parliament at the end of April, set ambitious goals. According to the regulations, the amount of packaging must be reduced by 5% by 2030, by 10% by 2035 and by 15% by 2040. In particular, governments are encouraged to reduce plastic packaging waste, while the use of extremely slow-degrading “eternal chemicals” in food packaging will also be restricted, Portfolio writes.

Single-use plastic packaging will be banned in many areas from 2030, including packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables and food and drink served in cafes and restaurants.

The European Parliament also adopted the “right to repair” directive, which allows consumers to have easier access to repair services. Manufacturers will be required to provide the necessary parts and offer an extended warranty period for repairs.