SFIF welcomes the European Commission's objective to set revamped harmonised rules on packaging and packaging waste with the aim of putting an end to wasteful packaging and boosting its reuse and recycling. In the framework of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, it is crucial to ensure that products placed on the European market contribute to reach the climate neutrality by 2050 objective.
SFIF proposes the following changes to safeguard that relevant environmental performance is achieved:
- Acknowledge the renewable materials’ contribution to climate neutrality
- Recyclability and re-use of packaging are complementary solutions
- Packaging bans and restrictions on specific packaging need thorough assessment
- Mandatory recycled content for plastic packaging should be applied to packaging that has plastics as predominant material
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has an overall objective of reducing the negative environmental impact of packaging and packaging waste while improving the functioning of the internal market in this area.
The legislation entered into force on 11 February 2025, but will not be applied until 12 August 2026.
Secondary legislation and standards are being developed.
On 27 February, the Swedish Government commissioned the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to submit proposals on how the Swedish regulatory framework should be adapted and supplemented in light of the legislation.
