Beverage packaging: the era of fixed caps is coming

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 06. 08. 11:58

In July 2024, the EU regulation will enter into force, which stipulates that the cap must be fixed on plastic bottles or fruit juice boxes for environmental reasons. So far, only a few manufacturers have entered Hungary, but consumers have to slowly get used to the fact that the bottle and the cap have to be used differently. According to the Hungarian Mineral Water, Fruit Juice and Soft Drinks Association (MAGYÜSZ), the new regulation has environmental reasons.

MAGYÜSZ, the professional interest protection organization of non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers in Hungary, confirmed that from July 2024, manufacturers must use caps attached to the packaging for all soft drink and mineral water bottles made of plastic, as well as for beverage cartons (e.g. juice or milk cartons). The new obligation is imposed on all member states by the Union’s directive on reducing the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. The new regulations are meant to protect the environment: fixing the cap prevents it from ending up in municipal waste or being thrown away in nature, thus contributing to the reduction of packaging waste and the realization of a circular economy. The regulation does not entail an obligation for traders.

“From July 2024, the relevant European Union regulations will not allow the use of traditional plastic caps for plastic beverage bottles or juice boxes. Similar to the other EU member states, the manufacturers in Hungary will also gradually switch to the new solution in the next year. By the above deadline, all industry players must be ready to introduce packaging in which the cap remains attached to the beverage container for the intended use of the product. during. It is also an important goal that from July 2024 only such a product will be on the market”

said Dr. István Bikfalvi, secretary of the Hungarian Mineral Water, Fruit Juice and Soft Drink Association.