Under the new rules, by 2030 and 2040, there are specific targets set for incorporating a minimum percentage of recycled content in products, with single-use plastic bottles required to contain up to 65 per cent recycled material by 2040. Additionally, the regulations mandate a reduction in the weight and volume of packaging and the elimination of unnecessary packaging. Another key aspect is the restriction on harmful substances, including a ban on food contact packaging that contains certain levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), the Council said in a press release.
EU Council has adopted a regulation aimed at reducing packaging waste, setting ambitious re-use and recycling benchmarks, including a requirement for single-use plastic bottles to contain up to 65 per cent recycled material by 2040.
This comprehensive regulation targets the lifecycle of packaging, reducing volume and harmful substances, and enhancing consumer awareness through detailed labelling.
To support consumer involvement and make more informed choices, the regulations also include new requirements for labelling, marking, and providing information about the material composition and recycled content of packaging. These initiatives are part of the EU’s wider strategy to address environmental challenges related to packaging waste and promote a circular economy within the bloc.
The formal adoption by the Council today marks the final step in the ordinary legislative procedure. The regulation will now be published in the EU’s Official Journal and will enter into force. The regulation will be applied 18 months after the date of entry into force.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
