Other single-use plastic containers are also banned: miniature shampoo bottles in hotels, small sauce packets, protective films around suitcases in airports, plastic packaging for unprocessed fruits and vegetables… Likewise, ultra-lightweight plastic bags will have to disappear, with a few exceptions.
Some sectors exempted
Believing that recycling is not enough, the legislation sets binding levels for reuse (reusability or refillability) of packaging for various sectors (e-commerce, household appliances, beverages, beer…) by 2030. The wine sector is exempt, as are micro-enterprises.
Above all, exemptions have been granted for states that both exceed their recycling targets by at least 5 percentage points and are considered to be “on track to meet their waste prevention targets,” according to a statement from the EU Council. Similarly, cardboard or paper packaging is not targeted. This is a way to satisfy Italy in particular, which fiercely defended its extensive recycling system in which it has invested.
The catering industry was the subject of intense negotiations until the end, under pressure from intense lobbying by fast-food giants and the paper industry: they praised the “environmental” merits of cardboard packaging, recyclable or from sustainable forests, compared to plastic or reuse – which they argued would require more water and energy to use.
Polyfluoroalkyls in the crosshairs
While Brussels initially set targets for reusable packaging for beverages and take-away food, these binding targets are not part of the final agreement. In the end, restaurants will simply have to “strive” to achieve 10% reusable packaging, but will be required to accept containers brought by customers.
Finally, the legislation prohibits the intentional addition of polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS, “eternal pollutants”) in food packaging from 2026, despite warnings from scientists about their harmful effects.
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