ROMPAP, the Board of the Pulp and Paper Industry, which includes all producers of pulp, paper, and corrugated cardboard in Romania, welcomes the vote in the European Parliament in relation to the Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR). The regulation provides new measures to make packaging more sustainable and reduce the amount of packaging waste in the EU, while strengthening the efficiency of internal markets.

The regulation proposes solutions to the problem of the increase in the volume of waste and tries to harmonize the rules on the internal market and boost the circular economy.

The new rules set, among other things, targets to reduce the amount of packaging – by 5 percent by 2030, by 10 percent by 2035 and by 15 percent by 2040 – especially the amount of plastic packaging waste.

In order to limit the volume of unnecessary packaging, the text of the Regulation establishes a maximum weight of 50 percent for the empty space in grouped packaging or used for transport or in electronic commerce. In turn, manufacturers and importers will need to ensure that the weight and volume of packaging is kept to a minimum.

Also, some types of single-use plastic packaging will be banned from 1 January 2030. These include packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables, packaging for food and drinks served and consumed in cafes and restaurants, miniature packaging for products hygiene products from hotels and very thin plastic carrier bags.

All packaging, except for those made of light wood, cork, textile materials, rubber, ceramic, porcelain and wax, will have to be recyclable by meeting strict criteria.

Paul-Henri Kohler, President of ROMPAP: “The next step for the Regulation is to obtain formal approval from the Council of the European Union, in order to enter into force. It is an approach expected both by packaging manufacturers and by consumers who want to make correct, more sustainable choices, but without giving up the products they prefer. For ROMPAP member companies, the adoption of the circular economy model and innovation have always been a priority, but now, in the new context, we are convinced that we will be able to find effective solutions and make an important contribution to reaching the EU targets.”

According to estimates, the Regulation is to be adopted in the second half of 2024. Afterwards, each member state of the European Union will have to adapt its legislation to the new requirements.