On April 24, the European Parliament took a significant step towards a more sustainable future by approving the provisional agreement on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This decision demonstrates a strong commitment to responsible packaging and waste management, promoting recycling and reuse. It reinforces the European Union’s action towards a circular economy, highlighting the crucial role of paper and cardboard in this endeavor.
As one of the world’s leading producers of cardboard packaging and paper pulp, International Paper has been particularly involved in the development of the PPWR and is very pleased with the EU’s recognition of the paper and cardboard industry’s contribution to building a sustainable future, both environmentally and economically.
Cartonboard Packaging Exempted from Reuse Targets
The presentation of the proposal by the European Commission in November 2022 drew strong reactions from businesses, particularly due to unrealistic reuse targets to the detriment of recycling opportunities and restrictions on single-use packaging. However, after a negotiation process and collaboration between institutions and various stakeholders, adjustments were made recognizing the importance of paper and cardboard packaging for the circular economy and granting them certain exemptions.
With this more realistic and concerted final proposal, cartonboard packaging has been exempted from reuse targets, demonstrating recognition of its notable sustainability benefits.
“Customers using corrugated cardboard can continue to do so with confidence, as the role of this packaging material has been preserved for the future. Cardboard, produced from renewable resources and with excellent recycling rates, offers exceptional advantages for progressing towards circular economy solutions and contributing to a more sustainable future,” explains Eric Chartrain, Vice President Operational Excellence & Strategic Acceleration at International Paper in the EMEA region.
International Paper Welcomes the Agreement
The company, with its five cartonboard packaging plants in France, welcomes the positive vote by the European Parliament on the final agreement. In addition, it reiterates its commitment to innovation and the adoption of increasingly environmentally friendly practices, in order to meet the proposed standards by continuing its policy of creating essential everyday packaging, promoting a more responsible life cycle for packaging throughout Europe.
Implementation of the PPWR
The implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste project will take place after further deliberation by the European Parliament and then adoption by the Council. It will then enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the Union, and is expected in the Member States in the coming years through transposition into local legislation, requiring close collaboration between local authorities and the various stakeholders in the sector to ensure proper application of the measures established in the PPWR.
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