European legislations: sustainable cosmetic packaging
In a previous post on mPackting’s blog, we mentioned the content of the 2022 PPWR, a regulation in the EU that focuses on packaging and packaging waste. We discussed the positive aspects as well as the obstacles it presents.
However, in the last month, there has been a noteworthy acceleration towards enforcing this European regulation.
This is a pivotal milestone for a more environmentally aware packaging industry.
First, some context
The waste regulation proposal was given a 'general approach' by the European Council on December 18, 2023. This approach outlines the environmental sustainability and labeling requirements for packaging throughout its entire life cycle. The regulation embraces various aspects including the sale, responsibility of producers, and the collection and treatment of packaging waste, with a focus on recycling.
By harmonizing national measures and promoting a circular economy, this regulation plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market.
Ecofriendly Packaging: Future Prospects
Despite not having unanimous agreement and being the outcome of negotiations, the general approach has several positive aspects. One of them deserving of a special focus special is the European Parliament's position towards biodegradable packaging, a category including our mBlack™ material.
Products made from biodegradable plastics can be crafter and sold (in Europe) as long as they meet the rules described in PPWR’s Article 6, which deals with recycling. The interesting news is that packaging made from biodegradable plastics has been officially acknowledged and included in the list of packaging types for which the EU Commission will provide reciclability criteria. By the year 2025, the European Commission will review the necessity for new goals regarding the use of materials derived from plants and will consider implementing the 50% recycled content targets outlined in Article 7 for plastic packaging.
This institutional recognition signifies a positive acknowledgment of the benefits derived from biobased and biodegradable materials, now considered valid alternatives for a lower-emission and sustainable packaging.
Room for Improvements
Despite the positive direction taken, there is still space for progress in this updated version of the PPWR.
The packaging industry already knows that biodegradable polymers can be reused, similar to conventional plastics. However, it is also evident that research on this topic is still in its early stages. This poses a challenge in applying the same deadlines and recycling targets for bioplastics as for traditional plastics, which have benefitted from extensive research and experimentation over the years. If these criteria are not adjusted to allow some time to recently developed materials, producers may find themselves in a dilemma: either create products that obtain certification for compostability or revert to the use of traditional materials.
What Happens Next:
The first half of 2024 will be a decisive moment. Negotiations between the Environment Council, European Parliament, and European Council are scheduled for March, followed by the expected conclusion of the approval process by the European Parliament and Council in April. The goal is to finalize the process before the European elections in June.
mPackting:
At mPackting, we continuously monitor the dynamic changes and evolutions in the packaging industry and packaging design trends, as consumers and companies increasingly recognize the importance of a sustainable approach. This led us to develop mBlack™, a proprietary material crafted from biochar (a carbon sink) derived from wood waste generated during our production activities. mBlack™ is 100% natural and Ok bio-based certified, leaving no microplastics at the end of its life cycle.
Eager to learn more about mBlack™? Click here!
