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The food machinery and packaging machinery industry is also affected by the EU Packaging Regulation. According to the VDMA, its unclear requirements are now leading to noticeable uncertainty in the market and thus to planning uncertainty among manufacturers and customers alike.
The food processing and packaging machinery industry also receives the Consequences of the flood of regulation from Brussels and Berlin directly. The packaging machinery industry is particularly affected by the EU packaging regulation, whose unclear requirements are now leading to uncertainty in the market and planning uncertainty.
„The reluctance to invest is now very clear. Incoming orders in the packaging machinery sector for the period from January to September 2023 are down 12 per cent overall, with orders from abroad down 17 per cent. This is due to the EU packaging regulation.“
Richard ClemensManaging Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association
„Patchwork“ of regulations not eliminated
In principle, the EU is pursuing the right objectives with this regulation, he adds. EU-wide harmonised and therefore uniform packaging law requirements can make a significant contribution to a sustainable circular economy and thus also strengthen the EU internal market. „However, following the European Parliament's vote, there can still be no question of complete harmonisation of the legal requirements. Rather, the existing ‘patchwork“ of specific packaging regulations in the EU member states remains,„ criticises the VDMA Managing Director. This is because the EU member states have been given the freedom to introduce stricter national measures that go beyond the provisions of the regulation. "This has missed an opportunity to ensure clear framework conditions - with negative consequences for investments,“ explains Clemens.
Some positive aspects of the regulation
Nevertheless, the current draft also contains some improvements, such as the Removal of the ban on packaging for fruit and vegetables and disposable packaging for single portions in the HORECA sector, adds Clemens. The ban on certain packaging and materials would have had far-reaching consequences for many companies in the packaging machinery industry.
„The EU packaging regulation is undoubtedly a challenge for our industry, but we see it as a also an opportunity to promote sustainable innovation. Expertise in solutions for sustainable production and packaging is becoming a decisive competitive factor. Digitalisation is the driver and enabler for this,“ summarises the Managing Director of the VMDA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association at BrauBeviale in Nuremberg.
Source: VDMA
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