The decision by the European Parliament to endorse the Packaging and Packaging Waste regulation (#PPWR) will safeguard decades of progress towards a circular economy, says EPPA President Antonio D’Amato.

“Today’s result in the European Parliament is hugely significant because it reaffirms the course that the European Union has been following for over 30 years in collaboration with member countries and European enterprises. This strategic approach has built a circular economy into which billions of euros have been invested, ensuring economic growth alongside environmental sustainability, and a remarkable 33% reduction in greenhouse emissions since 1990.
The best way for Europe to continue to contribute to global emissions targets is to make its technologies, know-how, and best practices available to all the world’s nations so that they can pursue their growth objectives with full respect for environmental sustainability.
Today, the European Parliament reaffirms the fundamental principle of technological neutrality and respect for scientific evidence that has underpinned progress to date and which must continue to do so,” said D’Amato.
EPPA Director-General Matti Rantanen also welcomes the decision by the European Parliament to endorse the Packaging and Packaging Waste regulation (#PPWR):

“Today marks a significant milestone in advancing the objectives of the European Green Deal, as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have given their final endorsement to a robust and evidence-based version of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This move reaffirms the EU’s commitment to protect the environment, reduce waste and pollution while ensuring consumer protection.
By standing behind science, MEPs have embraced a circular single market which promotes reducing the use of non-renewable resources, boosting recycling and protecting the shelf life of food. This will support environmental sustainability while simultaneously driving economic growth. Paper packaging food solutions are a critical part of the circular economy, but also support over 600,000 European jobs from forestry to manufacturing to hospitality to recycling.
With MEPs’ endorsement secured, attention now shifts to national governments for formal approval within the Council. The recent report from the European Commission’s independent Joint Research Centre stating that low environmental footprint packaging is clearly better for the environment adds weight to the urgency of adopting this regulation to maintain the momentum of the European Green Deal as we approach the next policy cycle.”