The recycling industry in Europe has expressed its support for France’s initiative to add a clause to the EU packaging rules that would require producers of plastic packaging from outside the bloc to comply with the same environmental and health criteria as those within the EU.
According to the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, the clause aims to prevent the import of plastic packaging that contains substances that are banned or restricted in the EU, such as bisphenol A, phthalates, or brominated flame retardants. The clause would also ensure that imported plastic packaging is recyclable and does not hinder the circular economy objectives of the EU.
The clause, which was proposed by France on 12 October, is part of the revision of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, which sets the rules and targets for packaging materials in the EU. The revision is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
However, the European Commission is believed to see the clause as a ‘de facto ban’ on plastic imports from non-EU countries. In theory, companies manufacturing outside of the EU might have to buy EU-manufactured plastics for their products that would be sent to the EU to meet these rules if locally manufactured plastics do not meet the criteria.
In the coming days, the Commission is hoping to convince other Member States not to back the ban.
Recycling industry sees the clause as a step towards a level playing field
The recycling industry in Europe has welcomed the French proposal, saying that it would create a level playing field for plastic packaging producers and recyclers, and protect the environment and consumers from harmful substances.
“We fully support the French initiative, which is in line with the principles of the EU Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. It is essential that all plastic packaging placed on the EU market, regardless of its origin, meets the same high standards of recyclability, safety, and quality,” said Antonino Furfari, the managing director of Plastics Recyclers Europe, a trade association representing more than 120 recyclers across Europe.
Furfari added that the clause would also prevent the dumping of low-quality plastic packaging on the EU market, which would undermine the efforts of the recycling industry to increase the supply and demand of recycled plastics.
“We need a fair and transparent market for plastic packaging, where all actors play by the same rules and contribute to the circular economy. The clause proposed by France would help achieve that goal and foster innovation and competitiveness in the recycling sector,” he said.
Other stakeholders also voice their support for the clause
The clause has also received positive feedback from other stakeholders, such as environmental NGOs, consumer groups, and packaging manufacturers.
“We applaud France for taking the lead in ensuring that plastic packaging from third countries does not pose a threat to the environment and human health in the EU. This is a crucial measure to reduce the exposure to hazardous chemicals and to increase the recycling rates of plastic packaging,” said Delphine Lévi Alvarès, the coordinator of the Rethink Plastic alliance, a network of NGOs campaigning for a circular and toxic-free plastics system in Europe.
“We urge the European Commission and the other member states to support the French proposal and to adopt it as part of the revision of the EU packaging rules. This would be a win-win situation for the environment, the consumers, and the recycling industry,” she said.
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), which represents 45 consumer groups from 32 countries, also expressed its backing for the clause, saying that it would ensure that consumers are not exposed to harmful substances in plastic packaging, and that they have access to clear and reliable information about the recyclability and environmental impact of the packaging.
“Consumers have the right to know what is in their plastic packaging and how it can be recycled. They also have the right to expect that the packaging they buy does not harm their health or the environment. The clause proposed by France would help guarantee these rights and increase consumer trust and confidence in the circular economy,” said Monique Goyens, the director general of BEUC.
The European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO), which represents the producers of paper-based packaging in Europe, also showed its support for the clause, saying that it would create a fair competition and a level playing field for all packaging materials in the EU.
“We welcome the French initiative, which is in line with our vision of a sustainable and circular packaging system in Europe. We believe that all packaging materials, whether they are paper-based, plastic, or other, should meet the same high standards of recyclability, safety, and quality, and should not contain any substances that are harmful to the environment or human health,” said Angelika Christ, the secretary general of FEFCO.
“We hope that the European Commission and the other member states will follow the example of France and adopt the clause as part of the revision of the EU packaging rules. This would be a positive step towards a more sustainable and circular packaging market in Europe,” she said.
