More than 30 associations and numerous companies from the European packaging, recycling, and circular economy sectors have addressed an open letter to the leadership of the EU Commission, European Parliament, and European Council. The signatories are calling for the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) without delay and without reopening fundamental political debates.
In the letter dated 3 June, the organisations emphasise the strategic importance of the PPWR for investments in the European packaging industry and the circular economy. The regulation creates the necessary framework to expand the recycling of various materials, secure investments, and support European goals for resource efficiency, circular economy, and climate protection. Furthermore, it establishes a harmonised legal framework for European packaging law for the first time, thereby strengthening the internal market.
Focus on secondary legislation
In the view of the signatories, the focus should now be on effective and timely implementation. Open technical questions should be clarified through the design of the downstream legal acts. These must be clear, robust and scientifically sound, and developed in close consultation with industry and experts.
At the same time, associations and companies are warning of regulatory uncertainty. A stable and predictable legal framework is crucial to maintain investor confidence and facilitate the further expansion of recycling capacities in Europe. The PPWR has already been adopted through the ordinary EU legislative procedure and therefore possesses both democratic legitimacy and technical robustness.
Concerns about competitiveness
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, new trade barriers, and rising energy and raw material costs, the signatories see European industry already under considerable pressure. It is therefore all the more important to maintain the course towards a circular economy and not to jeopardise investments in circular business models through new uncertainties. The timely and coherent implementation of the PPWR must therefore be a top priority.
The signatories include, among others, Plastics Recyclers Europe, Recycling Europe, BDE, Flexible Packaging Europe, European Aluminium Foil Association as well as companies such as Amcor, Alpla, Coveris, Ikea, Mondi, Südpack, Remondis, Sealed Air, Suez, Tomra, Veolia and Wipak.
