Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic: New EU Rules and US Goals
The European Union (EU) is setting a strong precedent with its new packaging rules under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). In March 2024, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament concluded negotiations on the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Regulation. The current text is undergoing a legal review, and the final version of the agreement should be put to vote in the newly elected EU Parliament by October 2024, and the regulation is expected to be formally adopted in the coming months.
The PPWR aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging by introducing new requirements for packaging minimisation, minimum recycled content in plastic packaging, re-use targets for packaging, and bans certain packaging formats. These new rules are expected to have a significant impact on companies to rethink their packaging strategies and adopt more sustainable materials.
Overview of the New EU Packaging Regulations (PPWR)
The PPWR represents a comprehensive approach to reduce packaging waste and foster a circular economy. The key objectives of the new regulations include:
1. Packaging minimisation: Starting 1 January 2030, manufacturers and importers must ensure that their packaging is designed to minimise weight and volume. The regulation prohibits packaging features that increase the perceived volume of a product. Additionally, grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging must adhere to a maximum empty space ratio of 50% to cut down on unnecessary packaging.
2. Single-use plastic: New restrictions on various types of single-use packaging, including shrink wrap; single-use plastic packaging for less than 1.5 kg of pre-packed fresh fruit and vegetables, e.g., nets, bags, trays, and containers; single-use plastic packaging for foods and beverages, cosmetics, hygiene, and mini toiletry products for use in the accommodation sector; and very lightweight plastic carrier bags.
3. Bans on PFAS: The regulation includes a ban on the use of forever chemicals or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) above certain thresholds in food contact packaging to prevent health effects.
4. Reuse and Refill: The PPWR sets specific reuse targets for various types of packaging to be met by 2030 with further increases by 2040 for categories including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packaging as well as transport, sales, and grouped packaging. Final distributors of beverages and take-away food must offer consumers the option to use their own containers and aim for 10% of their products to be in reusable packaging by 2030.
5. Recyclable packaging and recycled content: Under the new PPWR rules, almost all packaging, with very limited exceptions, must be recyclable. Compostable packaging is an exemption on this list. Besides, starting 1 January 2030, plastic packaging must contain a minimum percentage of recycled content from post-consumer plastic waste, varying by packaging type. Imported packaging from a third country must comply with these recycled content requirements.
6. Harmonised labelling: The PPWR requires all packaging to be labelled with an EU-wide harmonised label containing information on its material composition to facilitate consumer sorting. Reusable packaging must have a label indicating its reusability, along with a QR code linking to information on collection points and reuse instructions. Compostable packaging must indicate that it is compostable, must state when not suitable for home composting, and should not be discarded in nature.
Biden-Harris New Strategy to Phase Out Single-Use Plastic
Bold steps to combat plastic pollution are being taken not only by the EU Parliament. Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration released the first comprehensive, government-wide strategy aimed at addressing plastic pollution across production, processing, use, and disposal. Key components of the strategy include:
1. Assessing and Reducing Pollution from Plastic Production: Under President Biden's leadership, federal agencies are reducing pollution from fossil fuel extraction and plastic production, including hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds, some of which are known carcinogens.
2. Innovating Materials and Product Design: Agencies are exploring alternative materials and processing methods to ensure products are compatible with waste management systems and have minimal environmental impact. This includes developing standards for recyclability and reuse, innovation in materials management, and research and development of materials for a more circular economy.
3. Decreasing Plastic Waste Generation: Federal agencies are leading by example to reduce single-use plastic within their own operations by targeting specific items or pollution pathways, such as introducing water refill stations as a substitute for single-use plastic bottles.
4. Improving Environmentally Sound Waste Management: To ensure plastic waste is properly handled, additional actions are needed to improve environmentally sound and worker-safe waste management practices and the associated infrastructure needs. These include efforts to optimise the collection of plastic, enhance plastic recycling, and other measures to prevent plastic waste from entering the environment.
5. Informing and Conducting Capture and Removal of Plastic Pollution: Several federal agencies are leading efforts to clean up existing plastic pollution and prevent additional plastic pollution from entering the environment, including the ocean.
Additionally, as part of President Biden's executive order, a new goal to phase out federal procurement of single-use plastics from food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027 and from all federal operations by 2035 was announced. This builds on the progress made by Secretary of the Interior to reduce the procurement, sale, and distribution of single-use plastic products and packaging Department-wide, with a goal of phasing out single-use plastic products on Interior Department-managed lands by 2032.
Key Takeaways for Businesses to Comply with Packaging Regulations
The new PPWR rules and Biden-Harris administration will have a profound impact on companies around the globe. Businesses will need to adapt their packaging strategies to comply with the stringent requirements of the regulation. Adopting the following strategies will help brands comply with the new regulations.
1. Monitor regulatory development: Companies must ensure compliance with the new regulations to avoid penalties and maintain their market presence. The general transition period of 18 months after the new EU rules officially enter force offers a limited timeframe to review and adapt production and distribution processes. Staying informed about regulatory updates and proactively adjusting business practices will be essential for compliance. Regular monitoring and shift to seamless solutions for sustainable packaging will be necessary both during and after the transition period to meet the new requirements effectively.
2. Invest in sustainable packaging: The PPWR will drive innovation in packaging design and materials. Companies will need to explore new, sustainable packaging solutions and redesign their packaging to meet the new standards. This could involve phasing out the fossil-based material, making packaging more easily recyclable, or switching to compostable and biodegradable materials.
3. Educate your customers: The EU Packaging Regulation impacts everyone in the packaging supply chain, including consumers who dispose of packaging waste. It's essential to provide your customers with clear instructions on how to properly sort items for recycling, reuse, or composting. This helps consumers make informed decisions and supports effective waste management practices.
The Role of Sustainable Packaging Solutions Made of Solinatra
One of the truly sustainable alternatives to meet the requirements of the new EU rules and Biden-Harris administration is the adoption of Solinatra compostable and biodegradable materials for packaging. Solinatra provides an excellent example of how businesses can achieve regulatory compliance without compromising functionality and not require a major change in production lines. The benefits of using Solinatra compostable and biodegradable materials include:
1. Reduced environmental impact: Solinatra compostable and biodegradable materials are made of 100% natural, no fossil-based or PFAS ingredients, and break down into natural organic matter through composting processes, which decompose relatively quickly and efficiently. This process significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, helping companies contribute to waste reduction and lower their footprint.
2. Supporting a circular economy: Products made of Solinatra are designed to be collected, composted, and returned to the soil as nutrient-rich compost. This approach not only reduces waste but also decreases reliance on non-renewable resources, aligning with the goals of PPWR. By integrating Solinatra materials into their packaging strategies, companies can close the loop in the circular economy, creating a more sustainable and resource-efficient system.
3. Versatility in applications: Solinatra compostable and biodegradable materials offer versatility in their applications, suitable for a wide range of packaging needs, from food packaging to hotel amenity kits, plant pots to clothes hangers. This adaptability allows businesses to implement consistent, eco-friendly solutions in across their operations.
4. Reduction of plastic pollution: With many bans on single-use plastics coming into force, replacing traditional plastics with compostable and biodegradable alternatives helps address the issue in general. By providing clear disposal instructions to consumers, companies can provide the same convenience without contributing to plastic pollution.
5. Compliance with regulatory requirements: The PPWR encourages packaging innovation that reduces waste and supports recycling or composting. By adopting Solinatra materials, companies can ensure compliance with the new regulations, avoid potential penalties, and enhance their reputation as environmentally responsible corporations.
The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Biden-Harris administration represent a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The transition to compostable and biodegradable materials is not just a regulatory requirement but an opportunity for businesses to lead the way in sustainability and make a positive impact on the planet.
Don’t wait for change—be the change. Set an example for others in your industry and make a lasting impact. Choose Solinatra compostable and biodegradable materials and meet the new EU regulations with confidence. Take action now and transform your packaging strategy!
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