EUROPEN issue paper on the EU Waste Targets Review

In July 2014, the European Commission published a proposal to revise recycling and other waste-related targets in the EU, including in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). The aim of the overall package is to encourage the transition towards a Circular Economy and sustainable growth through the use of waste as a resource. Whilst EUROPEN supports the overall aims of the Circular Economy package, it is unlikely that certain proposed measures in the reviewed PPWD and Waste Framework Directive will effectively favour sustainable growth and cost-effectiveness. The proposed measures require revision if they are to truly promote a Circular Economy, preserve the Internal Market for packaged goods and ensure sustainable growth within a competitive Europe.

EUROPEN urges the European Parliament and the Council to make the following improvements:
1.    Remove potentially unlimited costs on producers
2.    Set a clear and enforceable method for measuring and reporting packaging recycling rates
3.    Refrain from setting mandatory national packaging design requirements which undermine the Internal Market
4.    Ensure delegated acts are used only for non-essential elements