The way we currently handle packaging within the EU is essentially unsustainable. Single-use packaging is widely used in nearly every sector of the packaging business, yet it comes at a high social and environmental cost. Our ability to investigate potential alternatives is hampered by the current situation. Adoption of reusable packaging and waste prevention measures present intriguing opportunities. As the European Parliament is ready to cast a critical vote to amend the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which would change European packaging laws, several stakeholders are pushing for aggressive reuse objectives and provisions. Still up for debate is whether Brussels will give those who are dedicated to switching to reusable packaging methods a strong message.

It’s Time for a Revolutionary Change

If you enjoy roasted coffee and early morning commutes, you should be aware of these startling statistics: 16 billion paper cups are used for coffee consumption annually, which amounts to the cutting down of 6.5 million trees, the waste of 15 billion liters of water, and the use of energy equivalent to 54,000 homes being powered for a year. The manufacturing of single-use packaging materials—whether made of paper or another material—contributes to excessive energy use, resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and a host of other social and health issues.

Europe’s Need for a Transition

Using package reuse technologies offers a chance to dispense with the conventional produce, consume, and dispose paradigm. Adopting reusable packaging systems could cut down on the amount of virgin materials used and greenhouse gas emissions associated with most packaging options. Reusable packaging systems include things like food containers, bottles, and cups that are made specifically to be used again by consumers rather than being thrown away after one use. Reusable packaging has benefits for the environment, but it may also provide new revenue streams, local jobs, and economic value retention. Examples of this can be found in products already on the market.

An Appeal for Vigorous Leadership

Consider the situation of consuming coffee in the morning. It is insufficient for customers to bear the entire burden of introducing reusable coffee mugs for on-the-go use. Circular alternatives, such reusable coffee mug systems with handy return stations, need to be widely accessible in order to bring about the necessary major shift in public opinion. Concrete reuse targets incorporated in EU legislation are necessary to achieve this.

There is a strong wave of support for this change coming from academic institutions, retailers, civil society organizations, and well-known international companies. Still, some legislators are hesitating due to the exceptionally intense lobbying surrounding the PPWR that was seen in Brussels. As such, there’s a chance that the EU will continue to be firmly rooted in a disposable economy and single-use packaging.

Members of the European Parliament: A Close Look

The European Parliament members who will vote this week are the center of attention right now. They must decide whether to support reuse targets in order to accelerate the packaging industry’s transition toward reuse, or whether to retain the status quo and maybe introduce legal uncertainties that could jeopardize current national initiatives. They now bear the accountability.

Aline Maigret is the Head of Policy at Zero Waste Europe, a network of communities, professionals, change agents, and local leaders from around Europe who are all committed to eliminating waste from our society.”