The German Association for Waste Management (DGAW) has today positioned itself on the EU directive on packaging and packaging waste. It supports the promotion of recyclate markets and the demand for more recyclable product design.
The EU Commission has criticised the poor implementation of the existing requirements for packaging. For the use of new mechanisms that are to be used here, the DGAW if possible digital workflows, to minimise the bureaucratic burden.
As the EU Commission has taken up the DGAW's proposal for a substitution quota instead of an increase in recycling quotas, among other things, the DGAW expressly supports the document. According to the DGAW, the lack of implementation of the Commercial Waste Ordinance shows that neither recycling quotas alone nor the promotion of alternative take-back systems are the solution. The current sharp drop in the price of oil in particular has made it clear that recycled plastics from household collections are not competitive. Supporting the markets for recyclates is therefore absolutely necessary and the right thing to do.
Targets and promotion of recyclates
The EU wants to set targets for Recyclate utilisation rates in packaging for certain materials whose markets are still insufficiently developed. The requirement to use 25% rPET in PET beverage bottles from 2025 (then 30% from 2030) is a concrete step in the right direction for the DGAW. In a second step, single-use polyolefin beverage bottles should also be subject to a minimum recyclate quota from 2030. However, beverage manufacturers such as Coca-Cola and Pepsico and interest groups have already warned of a shortage in the rPET sector. In the opinion of the DGAW, the Market demand with political means can certainly be increased.
Design for Recycling
Another key factor in increasing material recycling rates is a recyclable product design. Biodegradable packaging is seen as critical here. The DGAW believes that a harmonised labelling requirement will not be sufficient. The quality labels for composts already established in Germany are continuously increasing their requirements for the reduction of plastic and impurities in compost. A DIN standard for biodegradability has already defined specifications, for example, the packaging must be degraded in a maximum of twelve weeks at 60 degrees. The DGAW points out that if the treatment time is less than twelve weeks in practice, the plastic will not be completely degraded.
The entry from Microplastics into the soil is considered extremely problematic by the DGAW. The EU is consistently proposing restrictions on the use of compostable packaging in order to prevent the contamination of separately collected biogenic waste. Packaging should not be mixed with biogenic waste.
Ultimately, the desired harmonisation of definitions and standards as well as the conditions of competition in the EU is the prerequisite for a uniform and successful implementation of the EU directive.
Source: German Association for Waste Management.
