13 June 2024
Packaging is crucial for the smooth and safe transport of products. Whether this is small e-commerce packaging or big bags on pallets with plastic granulates in it. Everywhere we look we see all kinds of packaging, which also causes a lot of waste. That latter issue is exactly the reason the European Union wants to do something about it.
In November 2022 the European Union proposed the first initiative for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the PPWR in short. With this legislation, the European Union wants to impose rules to manufacturers and importers of packaged products, in order to create an equal responsibility within Europe. The latest agreement is reached in March 2024, whereby the European Parliament and European Council agreed to a provisional agreement on the rules that will be included in the final PPWR. But what is it exactly? And what will it mean for you?
What is the PPWR?
PPWR refers to a set of guidelines and legislative measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste. Originating from the European Union's commitment to environmental sustainability, the regulation focuses on:
- Reducing Packaging Waste: by setting targets for waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, PPWR aims to minimize the volume of packaging waste generated.
- Promoting Eco-friendly Packaging: encouraging the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials to reduce the environmental footprint.
- Enhancing Recycling Processes: improving the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling systems to ensure higher recovery rates of packaging materials.
The regulation mandates that companies involved in packaging, including those in the petrochemical industry, comply with these standards to mitigate environmental harm and promote sustainable practices.
What does it mean for you?
The introduction of the PPWR legislation will have big consequences for every company in the petrochemical industry, whether it is the producer, a distributor, or a converter. Everywhere is packaging needed to transport the goods. With the legislation, companies are increasingly obliged to make more sustainable choices in terms of packaging, i.e. companies are held responsible for the choices they are making. Single-use material has a higher environmental impact than reusable material. With the (tentative) acceptance of the PPWR it is inevitable that reusable material for packaging is becoming the norm instead of the exception.
At PRS this way of using reusable packaging is self-evident since it is our norm for the past 30 years. PRS is happy to think with you how to implement sustainable packaging in your processes and make sure your company is EU legislation-proof.
Do you also want to take the step towards a sustainable pooling system? Feel free to contact us and discuss the possibilities for your company.
Find out more on the official website of the European Comission.