The fibre-based packaging sector acknowledges the Commission’s proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and looks forward to supporting an evidence-based approach during the next stages of the legislative process.
Mike Turner, Chair of Fibre Packaging Europe, said: “We acknowledge today’s proposal as the Commission’s aim to move towards a green and circular economy in our sector. We look forward to working with the Parliament and Council on a final result that makes the best use of solid evidence – from the environmental as well as the health and safety implications of reuse targets, to establishing the enabling conditions for ambitious recycling targets to be met”.
Fibre Packaging Europe (FPE), an alliance of seven trade associations from forestry, pulp, paper, board and carton packaging production and recycling in Europe, is ready to support the next steps to arrive at a workable solution that will contribute to the European Green Deal’s ambitions for a strong, sustainable green economy.
Restrictions and mandatory reuse targets
Fibre Packaging Europe represents a sector that already leads on sustainability. We believe that reuse should only be considered where it is environmentally beneficial, safe for consumers, does not compromise food hygiene, is technically feasible, and where it makes economic sense. This means taking account of the best available and verifiable scientific analysis. Science should lead this policy, which has major environmental, health and economic implications.
The final regulation must take into account scientific evidence from life-cycle assessments, and study the implications of reuse on specific sectors and applications before setting those targets. Also, all reusable packaging placed on the market must be recyclable and effectively recycled at the end of its life.
Recyclability
The recyclability and actual recycling of our products are hugely important for the fibre-based packaging sector. In fact, 82% of fibre-based packaging is already being recycled.
An actionable and forward-looking definition of recyclability should be applicable to all packaging and must be complemented by a material-specific and technology-neutral approach.
The paper and board recycling, manufacturing, and converting industry has developed the Paper-Based Packaging Recyclability Guidelines. These industry guidelines can provide the necessary technical guidance to ensure recyclability is designed into the packaging by considering the composition, functionality and suitability for recycling in existing streams and with existing technologies.