Packaging…. Why it’s so important

First of all, we must not forget that packaging is the “vehicle” that delivers the products they need to people.

The main purpose of the packaging is to be able to deliver products to consumers and businesses safely, efficiently and in perfect condition.

Protecting the product, guaranteeing safety and hygiene for consumers is a key functionality of the packaging. This is the top priority when it comes to food and drink, but obviously it also applies to a multitude of other products, such as those related to personal care, cosmetics, medicines and so on.

Packaging allows consumers to make “informed” choices at the time of purchase; in fact, information is provided on the product and its packaging, as well as on sustainable disposal or for sorting related to reuse and / or recycling.

In the face of so much talk, it’s certain that a variety of well-designed packaging can offer consumers great opportunities.

From health to convenience to a range of practical features, packaging offers people freedom and choice tailored to their individual, family or business needs

The EU directive on packaging and packaging waste (PPWD) is the core of Community legislation on the subject. The dual objective of the directive is to continuously improve the environmental performance of packaging and facilitate the proper functioning of the EU internal market, thereby protecting the free movement of packaging and packaged products in all Member States.

The directive sets recycling targets for used packaging for EU Member States, it also contains essential requirements for packaging that aim to reduce waste and presents design requirements that meet a wide range of packaging materials and packaged goods . Packaging that meets these requirements is guaranteed for free circulation in the EU.

The ambitious political objectives enshrined in the European Green Deal and the action plan for the circular economy set the directions for the revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). The scope of the review has been broadened to also include measures aimed at:

– reduce packaging and packaging waste

– improve the design of wrappers for reuse and recycling

– promote the absorption of recycled content

For the PPWD review to be successful, the ambitious policy goals must be backed up by solid legislation:

– providing a future-proof regulatory framework

–  that guides investment in innovation

–  ensuring greater harmonized application across the EU

Directive 94/62 / EC establishes Community rules on the management of packaging and packaging waste.

Directive 94/62 / EC aims to harmonize national measures relating to the management of packaging and waste produced by it. Improving the quality of the environment by preventing and reducing the impact of packaging and packaging waste, preventing over-production of packaging waste, promoting reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery instead of their final disposal are key points on which work. By doing so, the procedure for the transition to a circular economy will be triggered.

KEY POINTS:

Application

The directive covers all packaging placed on the European market and all packaging waste, whether used or released at industrial, commercial, office, shop, service, household or any other level, regardless of the material used.

Measures

The directive, as amended, requires EU countries to take measures such as national programs, incentives through extended producer responsibility schemes and other economic instruments, to prevent the generation of packaging waste and minimize the impact. environmental packaging.

EU countries should encourage an increase in the share of reusable packaging placed on the market and incentivize the use of systems to reuse packaging in an environmentally sound manner without compromising food safety or consumer safety.

Target

By 31 December 2025, at least 65% (by weight) of all packaging waste must be recycled. The recycling targets by material are:

50% plastic; 25% wood; 70% of ferrous metals; 50% aluminum; 70% glass, 75% paper and cardboard

By 31 December 2030, at least 70% (by weight) of all packaging waste must be recycled. This includes:

55% plastic; 30% wood; 80% of ferrous metals; 60% aluminum; 75% glass; 85% paper and cardboard

Essential requirements

EU countries must ensure that packaging placed on the market meets the essential requirements contained in Annex II of the Directive such as:

• limit the weight and volume of the packaging to an adequate minimum quantity (in order to satisfy in any case the required level of safety, hygiene and acceptability in favor of the packaged product and the consumer)
• minimize the content of hazardous substances and materials in the packaging material and its components
• designing reusable or recoverable packaging, which may include design for material recycling, as well as for energy recovery

The amended directive clarified the difference between recoverable packaging in the form of composting and biodegradable packaging waste and specified that, oxo-degradable plastic packaging (plastic packaging with additives that cause it to break down into microscopic particles and contribute to the presence of microplastics in the environment) are not considered biodegradable packaging.

The European Commission is currently examining how to strengthen the essential requirements in order to improve the design of packaging for reuse and promote high-quality recycling, as well as strengthen the application of the essential requirements.

For a complete overview of green packaging capabilities, visit our EVi WEB ACADEMY section.EVI s.r.l. | Packaging solutions (evi-italia.com).