The world of packaging is being transformed rapidly with the introduction of numerous sustainability laws across Europe. As we welcome 2023, demands for concerted climate action have gained momentum, with extended producer responsibility (EPR) taking center stage. Governments are recognizing the long-term benefits of EPR and introducing sweeping bans, labelling specifications, and other measures to promote reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.
This legal onrush is an exciting sign of a timely rise in environmental awareness across Europe. However, making sense of the logistics behind how obligated companies are expected to design and distribute their products on a day-to-day basis can be daunting. To help you keep abreast of the changes, we’ve summarized the latest sustainability laws enacted by several European countries.
Andorra has banned plastic straws and polystyrene containers to promote reusable alternatives, while France’s Environment Code has banned throwaway boxes and single-use cutlery from restaurants and cafes. Italy has initiated the first stage of its EPR requirement for manufacturers and importers of designated single-use products. Cyprus has also enforced a similar requirement as part of an amendment to the country’s Law on Waste. Poland has amended its act on the management of packaging and packaging waste to charge producers with a packaging fee and require each single-use plastic product to bear a visible and indelible mark.
Moreover, Italy has amended its 2020 decree on labelling to obligate producers of all types of packaging to indicate the relevant material through an alphanumeric code. The Netherlands’ Packaging Management Decree mandates that manufacturers and importers of fast food containers, plastic and composite beverage containers, cups, lightweight carrier bags, and pouches and wrappers made of flexible material containing foodstuffs for immediate consumption are obligated to cover the costs of raising consumer awareness around littering incurred by single-use packaging, in addition to EPR fees.
Spain’s Plastic Tax is now in force, with 0.45 euros levied on any non-recycled plastic contained in non-reusable packaging, semi-finished plastic products, and products containing plastic intended to allow the closure, marketing, or presentation of non-reusable containers. VerpackG mandates that retailers, restaurants, and distributors of “to-go” food delivery offering plastic food packaging and beverage cups inform consumers of reusable options for takeaway meals and drinks that can replace single-use packaging. Luxembourg’s amendment to the Law on Waste requires restaurants to serve meals and drinks consumed on-site in reusable containers and with reusable cutlery.
Finally, Greece has extended the scope of its existing EPR scheme to additional disposable plastic products, such as beverage cups and food containers, and requires producers to participate in or organize a Collective Alternative Management System for packaging waste. Hungary prohibits all beverage cups from being placed on the market and single-use plastic fast food containers from being offered to consumers free of charge.
In conclusion, these sustainability laws are just the tip of the iceberg, with further legislation expected to roll out within the next weeks and months. Companies obligated to comply with these laws must take a proactive approach and follow the guidelines set by the authorities. By doing so, they can bolster their sustainable credentials and contribute to a greener future while avoiding potential penalties for non-compliance.
