On 24 April 2024, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was approved by the European Parliament. However, it will not become final until the European Council also approves it. The PPWR will have an impact on all the packaging we use every day, including packaging used in floriculture. The PPWR sets requirements and guidelines from 2030 with the goal being to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Royal FloraHolland launched an analysis and interpretation of the impact of this legislation on the floriculture sector last summer. Are the implications for our sector clearer yet?
A healthy planet is necessary for the future of us all. EU countries have committed to be climate neutral by 2050, in line with commitments in the Paris Agreement. The PPWR is an integral part of The Green Deal; the strategy through which the EU intends to achieve the goal step by step.
Goal of PPWR
The PPWR consists of two parts:
1. Packaging requirements.
2. Guidelines to prevent packaging waste.
These two components pursue multiple goals, such as reducing packaging, preventing packaging waste, increasing packaging reuse and ensuring high-quality recycling.
Clarity on the general picture for the floriculture sector
The European Council is expected to finalise the PPWR in late 2024 or early 2025. Until then, changes may take place. So, there is not yet a definitive overview of all the implications, but the outlines for the floriculture sector are now clear.
The key features, which will almost certainly apply from 2030, are as follows:
• All packaging must be recyclable.
• Plastic packaging must contain at least 35% recycled material.
• Packaging design must ensure that the weight, volume and number of layers of material are kept to a minimum.
• Preference for reusable packaging, such as multi-use transport packaging, with minimum targets within the EU. Exact definitions for reusable packaging are still being established.
• All packaging must have a label or QR code providing details of material composition, to facilitate sorting by consumers or to enable reuse.
In addition, there are rules on substances of concern, bio-based and/or compostable packaging and labels. As far as is currently known, these rules will have less impact on our sector.
We will obviously continue to monitor developments in relation to the PPWR, and are actively involved in raising awareness of its impact with policymakers. More information will follow as soon as we have more clarity (expected to be last quarter 2024 or early 2025 at the latest, when the PPWR is finalised).
Source: Royal Flora Holland.