New EU Packaging Rules: A Step Toward Sustainability

At VOICE, we are dedicated to advocating for keeping resources in use and waste reduction, which is why the Council’s adoption of new EU packaging and packaging waste regulations is a major milestone worth celebrating. These new rules, aimed at significantly reducing packaging waste and promoting reusability, align closely with our mission and reinforce the need for collective action in tackling waste, pollution and the overuse of precious resources.

Why These New Rules Matter

The new regulations focus on minimizing packaging waste at every stage of its lifecycle. Key highlights include:

  • Re-use and Recycling Targets: Binding goals for recycled content (up to 65% by 2040 for single-use plastic bottles) and re-use targets for transport (40%), sales, and grouped packaging (10%); these could be stronger.
  • Combatting Single-Use Plastics: Restrictions on items like pre-packed fruit under 1.5 kg and small toiletries in hotels to reduce unnecessary plastic waste.
  • Facilitating Consumer Action: Labelling requirements to make it easier for individuals to sort waste and choose sustainable options.
  • Encouraging Refillable Practices: Take-away businesses will soon be required to allow customers to use their own containers for food and drinks without extra fees (win!)

The Irish Context

While the EU generates nearly 186.5 kilograms of packaging waste per person annually, Ireland consistently ranks as one of the highest producers of plastic packaging waste per capita. These regulations offer Ireland an opportunity to address this pressing issue while fostering a more robust circular economy.

How VOICE Can Help

At VOICE, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses, policymakers, and communities in navigating these new regulations. Our expertise in waste reduction and the circular economy means we can provide actionable advice and education, helping stakeholders embrace these changes and achieve compliance in meaningful ways.

This regulatory update also strengthens the case for our concerns around enforcement. Even though Ireland adopted the EU's Single-Use Plastic Directive in '21, we are still seeing banned plastic cutlery in shops up and down the country. Who is going to enforce these new packaging and packaging waste rules?

A Call to Action

Stay tuned to VOICE and we will bring you the latest updates regarding this new regulation.

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