The European Commission submitted its proposal this Wednesday. Reducing packaging waste by 15% by 2040 As well as a commitment to introduce a certification system for the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per capita per Member State compared to 2018.
Both measures were presented this Wednesday by Frans Timmermans, Vice President for the Green Pact, and Virginijus Sinkevicius, European Commissioner for the Environment, as part of the circular economy package.
Brussels warns of packaging’s impact on the environment, because Carbon dioxide emissions from this source are equivalent to those of an average EU country.It represents a total of 79.3 million tonnes in 27 Member States, with 177 kilograms of packaging waste generated per capita in 2020.
The proposal includes mandatory reuse or refill targets in industries such as retail and catering, and the introduction of a take-back system for plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
As Sinkevicius points out, the point is: reducing packaging to the “necessary minimum”as with fresh fruit and vegetables, for example, because “what is needed is a commodity, not a waste”.
reusable coffees
In this sense, one of the goals stated by Timmermans is to reach 2040. all coffees are served in reusable and refillable cupsthat is, each user uses his own glass, glass or bottle.
At European Union (EU) level, rules regarding excess packaging and maximum free space allowed in electronic commerce packaging will also be set. Prohibition of some unnecessary forms of packaging or mandatory compostability for some types of packaging when beneficial for the environment.
Likewise, Brussels recommends a labeling on all containers to facilitate correct classification of waste by consumers and corresponding labels on recycling containers to clearly indicate which each container should be disposed of.
On the other hand, with the increase of recycled materials in packaging production, greater inclusion of bioplastics, biodegradables and compostables will be encouraged, thereby reducing the use of virgin materials.
Emissions Elimination Certification
outside pollution caused by their abandonment in the natural environmentIt is harmful to the environment by producing packaging waste. carbon dioxide emissions similar to that of a small or medium-sized Member State, therefore, as a complementary measure, the Commission has also proposed the introduction of a system that approves the removal of emissions.
“Right now it’s impossible to reduce our gas emissions to zero, so we need to promote the absorption of emissions,” said Timmermans, who advocates credible endorsement of carbon removal to contribute to the EU’s goal of being the first the continent will reach net zero emissions by 2050.
To ensure the quality and comparability of carbon removals, the standard proposed by the Commission states: absorption activities must be measured accurately and unquestionable climate benefits, go beyond what is required by current practice and law, and maintain or contribute to sustainability goals.
In addition, certificates will be associated with the carbon storage period to ensure they are permanent.