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OPINION (COM(2022)0677 – C90400/2022 – 2022/0396(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC

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Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development · Rapporteur: Salvatore De Meo

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The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development gives its opinion on the proposed regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It supports the proposal's objectives but asks for specific attention to the agri-food sector, because packaging preserves food quality and shelf life and limits food waste. It proposes amendments to recognise chemical recycling alongside mechanical recycling, to apply technological neutrality, and to ensure recycled content targets do not harm food quality. It asks for flexibility on reuse targets because of water and energy use, and for exemptions for micro- and small-sized enterprises. It proposes that deposit and return systems be optional for Member States rather than obligatory, and that compostable packaging rules be clarified.

Committee position. The committee supports the proposal's objectives but asks the lead committee to take into account amendments giving specific attention to the agri-food sector, recognising chemical recycling, ensuring food safety and quality, and providing flexibility and exemptions for small operators.

Key points

  1. The committee supports the proposal's sustainability objectives but says the agri-food sector needs specific attention to avoid negative effects on the supply chain and products.
  2. It states that packaging preserves food quality, organoleptic properties and shelf life, and helps limit food waste and encourage fruit and vegetable consumption.
  3. It asks that recycled plastic content targets not jeopardise food quality, and that chemical recycling be considered a complementary method to mechanical recycling.
  4. It proposes that reuse targets take account of water and energy use, and that Member States be able to adapt their production model to water availability.
  5. It proposes exemptions from reuse and refill targets for micro- and small-sized enterprises and for operators with a sales area of not more than 100 m2.
  6. It proposes that Member States may, rather than shall, set up deposit and return systems, and that these not apply to wine, aromatised wine products, spirit drinks, milk and milk products.
  7. It proposes that packaging be recyclable in line with design-for-recycling criteria and recyclability at scale requirements, with dates set for application.
  8. It proposes that compostable packaging rules be based on harmonised standards, and that tea, coffee, herbal and fruit infusion bags be treated as packaging.
  9. It proposes that packaging minimisation not compromise food safety, hygiene, quality or shelf life, and that air and protective gases not count as empty space.
  10. It proposes that the Commission assess the impact of the regulation on the agri-food system and food waste, and that SMEs receive guidance and a transition period.
  11. It proposes that micro-enterprises be exempt from certain documentation, inspection and information obligations.
  12. It proposes that single-use packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables be allowed regardless of quantity.

Who is affected

  • Agri-food producers and the supply chain: the committee asks for specific attention and flexibility to avoid negative impacts.
  • Micro- and small-sized enterprises: the committee proposes exemptions from reuse targets, documentation and inspection obligations.
  • Member States: the committee proposes they may set up deposit and return systems and adapt production to water availability.
  • Food businesses in logistics, wholesale and large-scale processing: the committee proposes exemptions from transport packaging reuse obligations.
  • Producers of wine, spirit drinks and milk products: the committee proposes deposit and return systems not apply to their packaging.

Figures and deadlines

  • 88 million tonnes of food waste generated in the EU each year, over 50 % from households and consumers.
  • Empty space in grouped, transport and e-commerce packaging should not exceed 40 %.
  • Innovative packaging given 8 years to comply with recyclability requirements.
  • Recycled content targets from 1 January 2030: 30 % for contact sensitive PET packaging, 35 % for other plastic packaging.
  • Recycled content targets from 1 January 2040: 65 % for plastic packaging other than contact sensitive non-PET.
  • Composite packaging: a material constituting no more than 15 % of total mass may be considered insignificant.
  • Reuse target: 90 % of large household appliances in reusable transport packaging from 1 January 2030.
  • Reuse targets from 1 January 2030: 30 % for certain transport packaging, 10 % for other transport and grouped packaging.