This new episode of the podcast “Smart Packaging Talks” focuses on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the new EU Packaging Regulation becoming law on January 1, 2030. We discuss the Regulation with Andrea Campelli from COREPLA, the Consortium for the recovery and recycling of plastic packaging, and Michael Pierce from IRPLAST.
New EU Packaging Regulation 2030: opportunities and challenges
Who does the new EU Packaging Regulation involve, and what does it specifically involve in terms of package reduction and recycled materials adoption? The Regulation will be directly effective starting in January 2030 across all 27 EU member states.
Its ambitious goal is to reduce packaging waste gradually. This Regulation outlines a reduction in the quantity of packaging initially by 5% and then by 10%. At the same time, it sets out to increase the percentage of recycled material used in packaging.
The challenging action taken by the EU to boost sustainability still has some gaps to be addressed for its effective implementation. For instance, hard challenges arise when regarding more complex materials like plastics, which feature a wide range of uses and polymers. There isn’t just “one plastic” but rather many different types of “plastics” to consider. Additionally, there is the issue of reducing primary packaging, which protects the content and ensures its shelf life, especially in case of food and beverage stuffs.
Given the potentially demanding implementation process of the new PPWR, both locally and globally, it’s a good idea to listen to the podcast and note down the key topics to keep in mind from now until 2030!