Smurfit Kappa fully supports the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s (PPWR) as part of Europe’s Green Deal objectives.
The sustainable packaging company sees the European Parliament’s vote on the PPWR legislation yesterday as a significant step towards a circular economy, following the EU Commission’s proposal last year.
In 2020, the EU Council already welcomed the intention for all packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2030.
Moreover, the European cardboard industry has maintained the best recycling system for decades, with a total cardboard production in the EU of 32 million tonnes per year, 90% of which is recycled. A box can be recycled up to 25 times, making it the most recycled packaging material in Europe. This places the European cardboard industry as a frontrunner in delivering Europe’s green transition with a product that is 100% recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable.
Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, emphasized the historical importance of the EU Parliament’s decision on the landmark legislation, leading Europe towards a truly circular economy.
“It took a pragmatic approach on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, eyeing a significant reduction of non-recycled packaging waste,” he added. “The Parliament has recognized that reuse and recycling of packaging are complementary and that the robust recycling systems that have existed for decades are cornerstones of EU policies for environmental sustainability.” He called on the Council of Environmental Ministers to follow the Parliament in acknowledging that both reuse and recycling systems go hand in hand in the interest of a greener Europe.
