Unlike the European Parliament, the Council of the EU has failed to recognise the contribution that circular packaging can make to competitiveness and sustainable growth in in their position on the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The European Container Glass industry urges co-legislators to address waste reduction targets fairly, protect distinctive packaging designs, and be more ambitious on recyclability and separate collection during the upcoming negotiations.

“We are deeply concerned that, although Member States acknowledged the risk of material substitution, the overall packaging waste reduction targets based only on weight will inadvertently encourage a shift from circular materials like glass to lighter but less recyclable or reusable materials,” states Adeline Farrelly, Secretary General of FEVE.

Despite last minute attempts to better protect proprietary designs, the industry remains worried that distinctive packaging designs are under threat as Member States failed to fully recognise design as an essential aspect of packaging and the importance of adequately respecting Intellectual Property Rights arising from unique designs. “On top of its health and environmental benefits, the characteristics of glass in terms of design, transparency, shapes, colours and versatility often make glass an integral part of a product”, comments Ms Farrelly. “So restricting packaging design disproportionately means that all products will look similar. Brands will lose one of the most important tools to convey their identity to consumers, and to stand out on the shelves.”

www.feve.org