First green light of the European Chamber of Packaging Regulations – Last minute

The first green light of the European Chamber, by a large majority, to the European regulation on packaging. With 426 votes in favor, 125 against and 74 abstentions, the plenary session approved a milder text than the Commission’s original proposal. Several amendments, introduced by the majority groups, were actually adopted before the final vote on the proposed regulation. With today’s vote, the EP defined its negotiating position. The EU Council will define it on December 18.


Parliament supported the general packaging reduction targets proposed in the regulation: 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040. MEPs then proposed specific waste reduction targets for plastic packaging.plastic (10% by 2030, 15 % until 2035 and 20% until 2040). MEPs want to ban the sale of very light plastic bags (less than 15 microns), unless they are needed for hygiene reasons or are supplied as primary packaging for bulk food, to prevent food waste. They also want to severely restrict the use of certain single-use packaging formats, miniature hotel packaging for toiletries and shrink wrap for suitcases at airports. To prevent adverse health effects, MEPs are calling for a ban on the use of intentionally added so-called “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances or PFAS) and bisphenol A in food contact packaging. MEPs clarify the requirements for reusing or refilling packaging. Final distributors of drinks and takeaway food in the hospitality sector (including hotels, restaurants and bars) should offer consumers the option to bring and use their own container. In the text on packaging approved by the European Chamber, some exceptions were introduced, through amendments presented by the majority. For example, food packaging made of wood and wax is temporarily excluded.

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