The European Parliament is set to vote on the packaging waste regulation, which aims to reduce waste and overpackaging while promoting reuse. The Commission predicts that this proposal, which bans overpackaging and single-use packaging for fruits, vegetables, and small shampoo bottles in hotels, could save the EU economy more than 47 billion euros. However, with over 500 amendment proposals on the table, MEPs anticipate a complex and challenging vote.
The Finnish government has expressed concerns about the impact of reducing packaging on food waste and food safety. The final shape of the law will be determined through negotiations between the EU Commission, Parliament, and Council of member states. In October, the environment committee of the European Parliament voted in favor of at least 20 percent of non-alcoholic beverages being offered in reusable packaging by 2030.
Despite this support, some members have raised concerns about increased costs and negative environmental impacts resulting from reuse goals. MEPs have also criticized the Commission’s lack of consideration for life cycle thinking in its proposal and warned that it could lead to unsustainable practices.
The majority of members on the European Parliament’s environment committee supported the proposal to offer at least 20 percent of non-alcoholic beverages in reusable packaging by 2030 to reduce packaging waste. However, there are concerns about potential costs and environmental impacts on food and brewing industries. MEPs have also called out the Commission for inadequate impact assessments.