The mechanical and plant engineering industry is fundamentally positive about the EU packaging regulation recently adopted by the member states. However, according to the VDMA industry association, technical weaknesses and, in some cases, unrealistic requirements continue to burden the industry.
The aim of the EU Packaging Regulation is to minimise the negative impact of packaging on the environment. To achieve this, packaging waste is to be reduced and a circular economy promoted. The regulations take into account the entire life cycle of packaging. „The EU Packaging Regulation creates a certain degree of planning security for the mechanical engineering industry and its customers. However, technical weaknesses and unrealistic specifications in the regulations are a burden on the industry,“ says Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association.
Significantly higher reusable rates for industrial packaging
In contrast to the draft originally proposed by the Commission, the regulation that has now been adopted provides for a significant expansion of the reusable quotas for industrial packaging, including pallet wrapping and strapping for securing loads on pallets. „A reusable quota of 100 per cent for industrial transport packaging for deliveries between company locations and transport within a member state has no basis and there is no proof of its ecological benefits. Reuse is not even technically feasible. This requirement is therefore practically tantamount to a ban, which contradicts all requirements for load securing,“ explains Clemens.
Bans on portion packs jeopardise food
The regulation also bans portion packaging in the HORECA sector. This can affect consumer health - and not just in times of pandemics - as maintaining hygiene is problematic. It can also lead to food spoilage and thus to increased food losses. „This takes the idea of sustainability ad absurdum,“ says the VDMA Managing Director, „considering that the majority of CO2 emissions are generated during food production and not the packaging, which is supposed to protect the food from spoiling.“
Bans on certain packaging and materials affect all links in the value chain. This has far-reaching consequences for the packaging machinery industry, which is an important enabler of sustainable packaging solutions. „The industry must now expect a drop in sales, This will jeopardise business models that have been established for decades and put many jobs at risk,“ warns Clemens.
VDMA appeals partially successful
With its objections, the VDMA has helped to ensure that some exceptions to the bans have now been made compared to the originally proposed draft. It is positive for the industry that Customised transport packaging for machines and systems excluded from the reusable quotas which the VDMA has also campaigned for.
Source: VDMA
