EU Parliament champions bold steps to slash plastic packaging by 2040
On 24 April, the European Parliament adopted new regulations aimed at reducing the amount of plastic packaging. This marks the end for items like miniature sauce sachets, hotel shampoo bottles, and the practice of packaging fruits and vegetables in plastic containers. The European Union is heralding an ecological revolution.
25 April 2024 16:06
For some time now, the European Union has been committed to decreasing the production of plastics. Items such as plastic straws, cutlery, and plates have vanished from shops and restaurants, replaced increasingly by disposables made from paper, bamboo, or other ecological alternatives. Moreover, there's growing societal awareness about the importance of waste segregation, supported by significant financial penalties to foster proper recycling habits. But are EU authorities prepared to take even more decisive steps?
Is the European Parliament sparking an eco-revolution?
On 24 April, the European Parliament showed its commitment to environmental sustainability by advocating for new regulations to cut down on plastic packaging. These proposed regulations received overwhelming support from members. Yet, for these changes to become operative, they must be ratified by the member states. Given the unanimous support, their endorsement appears to be a mere formality. The EU's strategy is ambitious, targeting a reduction in plastic packaging by 5 percent by 2030, 10 percent by 2035, and an impressive 15 percent by 2040.
What changes is the European Parliament looking to enforce?
The EU focuses primarily on diminishing the volume of excess plastic packaging in commerce and transportation. Retail outlets will be required to adjust packaging size according to the order's size, ending the use of unnecessary plastic bags or fillers.
Moreover, from 1 January 2030, certain types of packaging will be completely prohibited. This includes plastic boxes for vegetables or fruit, disposable dishes (like takeaway cups), and single-serve sachets for spices or sauces, for instance. Instead, shops, restaurants, and cafés will encourage customers to bring their own containers.
This prohibition will extend to hotel shampoo and soap bottles. Many establishments are already transitioning to refillable shower gel dispensers. Furthermore, all plastic packaging must be recyclable, with new packaging incorporating a percentage of recycled materials. By 2029, there is also a plan to mandate a separate collection of bottles and cans. The EU may adopt a deposit return system, a popular scheme in other European nations.
