The CEOs of leading European glass packaging manufacturers warn of restrictions on design and competitiveness as a result of the current version of the PPWR.
The leading representatives of the European container glass industry have sent a joint letter to the European Commission. In it, they call for a technical adaptation of the planned regulations to minimise packaging as part of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This is to be implemented via the forthcoming environmental omnibus or other legal instruments.
Concerns about design freedom and market access
In the opinion of the signatories, the current wording of the PPWR on packaging minimisation no room for creative design or brand-typical design elements. Packaging should therefore be reduced „to the necessary minimum“ - a requirement that, according to the association, calls into question key features such as form, function and visual recognisability.
This could far-reaching consequences for entire industries especially for high-quality products such as wine, spirits, cosmetics, delicatessen and beverages. According to the letter, there is a risk that international competitiveness and entire value chains will be impaired.
Three concrete demands
The glass industry is calling for three clarifications in order to harmonise the objective of the PPWR with the requirements of the industry:
- an explicit recognition of product presentation, marketing and brand identity as legitimate elements in packaging design.
- a review of the 2025 deadline with regard to intellectual property rights.
- the revision of the planned rigid weight limits for packaging.
Significance for European exports
According to the industry EU exports worth over 140 billion euros in glass packaging. The proposed amendments are intended to ensure that European industry remains competitive without diluting the environmental objectives of the PPWR.
The glass industry remains committed to Supporting the PPWR objectives. According to FEVE, the industry is investing heavily in decarbonisation, the expansion of reuse, improved recycling structures and new technologies such as the electrification of glass melting furnaces. Glass already achieves a high recycling rate and sets standards in terms of recyclability and innovation.
FEVE emphasises the willingness to engage in dialogue with political decision-makers at EU and national level in order to achieve legally clear, balanced and implementable regulation.
Source: FEVE
