Packaging and packaging waste directive
1994 European Union directive
- 2 min read
- 3 chapters
Related on Lably
Through European Union, Packaging and Waste
Content
The directive obligates member states of the European Union (EU) to meet targets for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste. The directive covers all packaging placed on the market in the European Community, as the EU then was. Targets are set as a percentage of packaging flowing into the waste stream.
The directive:
- sets targets for recovery and plastic recycling
- requires the encouragement of the use of recycled packaging materials in the manufacturing of packaging and other products
- requires packaging to comply with 'essential requirements' which include the minimisation of packaging volume and weight, and the design of packaging to permit its reuse or recovery
- requires the implementation of measures to prevent packaging waste in addition to preventative measures under the 'essential requirements', which may include measures to encourage the re-use of packaging.
It was noted in the directive that European Community health, safety and transportation measures already applied to packaging, and the packaging directive was not intended to detract from those measures.
An earlier directive, 85/339/EC, was repealed by this measure.
Sign in to keep reading
2 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Transposition
Under EU law, directives need to be transposed into the domestic law of the member states of the EU. In the United Kingdom, prior to Brexit, articles 9 and 11 of the directive were implemented via the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003, although these were later replaced by the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2015.
Proposed regulation
In November 2022, the European Commission proposed an EU regulation to replace the directive, along with a communication to clarify the labels biobased, biodegradable, and compostable.
This new regulation came into force in February 2025. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandates increased recycled content in plastic packs, clear labelling, the banning of certain materials and enhanced recyclability - as well as encouraging reuse and deposit return schemes.