Mini hotel toiletries and single-use takeaway packs are subject to a new EU ban. ©CanvaThe EU can ban miniature toiletries and single use food containers in its battle against unnecessary packaging.
The proposal is part of the European Green Deal, an EU-wide plan to reach net zero by 2050, decouple economic growth from resource use and promote a circular economy.
In Europe, each person on average generates almost 180 kg of packaging waste every year. Packaging is a major culprit, accounting for 40%. plastic and 50% of the paper used in the EU.
Unless action is taken, plastic packaging waste could increase by 46% by 2030, according to the European Commission.
What packaging does the EU want to ban?
The proposed revision of EU packaging waste legislation aims to make all packaging reusable or recyclable by 2030. It also aims to eliminate unnecessary packaging, support recyclingand clarify the proper use and disposal of biodegradable materials plastic.
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Under the new law, some forms of useless packaging would be banned, including single-use packaging for food and beverages consumed within restaurants and cafes, single-use packaging for fruits and vegetables and miniature shampoo bottles, and other miniature packaging in hotels.
Consumers would also have the option to reusable packaging in restaurants and cafés of a certain size.
What impact could new EU packaging laws have?
By 2030, the proposed measures would lead to greenhouse gases emissions from packaging down nearly a third – a reduction equivalent to annual emissions of Croatia. Water consumption would be reduced by 1.1 million m3.
After the initial investment required to make the transition, the economic impact should also be positive. If businesses pass savings on consumers, Europeans could save on average nearly 100 euros each per year.
The packaging spoil The proposal is currently under examination by the European Parliament and the Council.
