A recent study finds that many plastic packaging products will face challenges meeting the EU reuse targets established by the PPWR. Alas, the prescribed quotas are deemed unrealistic according to the study. On behalf of BKV, the feasibility of the reusable packaging targets for various plastic packaging items was examined. The emphasis was on transport and sales packaging for shipping purposes. The following packaging types were analysed:
- Buckets or tubs
- Drums
- Canisters
- Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
- Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs)
The study is based on two methods: secondary research into existing data and just under a dozen interviews with experts from industry, producers and associations. This results in a practical assessment of the reusable packaging targets. Respondents identify several key obstacles to the implementation of reusable packaging quotas: there is a lack of reliable data on the current proportion of reused packaging, which makes it difficult to set realistic targets. Furthermore, a deficiency of economic viability, standards and hygiene requirements all present significant obstacles to the reuse process. The study also shows that exemptions from reusable packaging obligations are conceivable. Such exemptions could be taken into account under the PPWR. To enable a realistic assessment, existing reusable systems were also analysed. The main emphasis was on identifying their success factors to help form practical regulatory conclusions.
The planned reuse targets present several challenges for producers of plastic packaging. On the one hand, they must prepare for potential mandatory quotas, particularly a target of 40 per cent for certain types of packaging. At the same time, the study shows that, in the view of many industry representatives, these targets are currently largely unachievable and not considered realistic by any expert.
Secondly, several structural factors – such as economic issues, a lack of standards, hygiene and safety requirements – complicate the practical implementation of reusable systems. Furthermore, due to the insufficient data available, there is uncertainty regarding the current state of reuse and thus regarding the actual starting conditions for achieving the targets. The study also indicates that exemptions may be relevant in future delegated acts. For producers, this means that the regulatory framework may continue to evolve and that existing reusable systems, along with their success factors, could be incorporated more heavily into future regulations.
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