The European Parliament has recently passed groundbreaking legislation aimed at reducing, reusing, and recycling packaging. This new ruling will revolutionize the way ecommerce companies operate within the European Union, with a requirement that up to half of their packaging must now be filled instead of empty.
A significant majority of European Parliament members came together on Wednesday to endorse this packaging regulation. The main goals are to combat the escalating waste crisis, streamline regulations across the internal market, and propel the circular economy forward. The initial concept for these rules was unveiled towards the close of 2022.
Targets
According to 2021 data referenced by European policymakers, each European citizen generates around 189 kilograms of packaging waste annually. Without intervention, this number is projected to increase to 209 kilograms by 2030. The newly approved regulations include ambitious goals to reverse this trajectory, aiming for a 5 percent reduction in packaging by 2030, 10 percent by 2035, and 15 percent by 2040.
The goal is to reduce the package mountain by 15% by 2040.
Specific focus will be put on limiting plastic packaging waste by EU nations. From January 1, 2030, certain plastic disposable items like packaging for fresh produce, sugar sachets, and hotel mini shampoo bottles will be prohibited.
Ecommerce packaging
The regulations also address grouped, transport, and ecommerce packaging, mandating that a maximum of 50 percent empty space ratio is permitted. Manufacturers and importers are required to minimize packaging weight and volume to comply with these new standards.
Recyclable packaging
By 2030, there are set objectives for the reuse of packaging outlined in the legislation. EU countries may be allowed some flexibility in adhering to these guidelines for a five-year period under specific conditions, following previous objections. The final approval of the packaging regulations rests with the Council and will subsequently be integrated into national laws.
Approval by the Council is still pending.
Meanwhile, several ecommerce entities have already made proactive strides by shipping products without excess packaging and phasing out plastic usage. Amazon, for instance, has committed to exclusively using recyclable materials for their deliveries in Europe.
