The European Parliament has voted to ensure that EU Member States collect 90% of materials contained in packaging separately by 2029.
These materials include plastic, wood, ferrous metals, aluminium, glass, and paper and cardboard.
All packaging that is placed on the market will need to be recyclable.
A significant majority of MEPs voted for the mandate to reduce packaging, restrict certain materials and ban the use of ‘forever chemicals’. Parliament members approved the report with 426 votes in favour, 125 against and 74 abstentions.
They also voted for final distributors of beverages and take-away food in the service sector such as hotels, restaurants and cafés to give consumers the option of bringing their own container for reuse.
European Parliament rapporteur and MEP Frédérique Ries was critical of the eventual motion passed. He said: “Regarding plastics, the contract has been fulfilled, since my legislative report tackles the heart of the issue by setting tougher waste reduction targets for plastic packaging.
“Unfortunately, on the circular economy, and prevention in particular, the outcome of the plenary vote is not so positive and ignores the reality of the figures: a 30% increase by 2030 if we don’t act now. Of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), only recycling escaped unscathed. The end of throwaway packaging is still a long way off!”
However, a statement released by EuRIC welcomed the vote which it said will advance circularity. In particular, EuRIC supported an amendment adopted by the European Parliament that would provide certification for recycled content.
It said: “EuRIC welcomes the adoption of Amendment 435, focusing on the certification of recycled content, which marks a crucial victory for the environment and the competitiveness of European recyclers.
“This amendment combats counterfeit recycled content and greenwashing in the EU market, ensuring a level playing field.
“EuRIC also supports the Parliament’s focus emphasis on ensuring that all packaging is recyclable through strict criteria and the introduction of a 90% separate collection target for all packaging materials.
However, EuRIC said it was disappointed with another amendment which would give priority access to producers for recycled materials.
EuRIC added: “This approach risks undermining the recycling market by favouring larger producers and impacting small- and medium-sized enterprises adversely.
“We count on the Council to overturn Parliament’s approach and foster a regulatory framework which allows the recycling industry to invest in capacity-building innovation to recycle plastics in the EU.”
