EU Parliament makes important step towards a circular economy, says Smurfit Kappa
Smurfit Kappa says it “fully supports” the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s (PPWR) as part of Europe’s Green Deal objectives.
The sustainable packaging company sees the European Parliament’s vote on the PPWR legislation yesterday as a significant step towards a circular economy, following the EU Commission’s proposal last year.
In 2020, the EU Council already welcomed the intention for all packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2030.
The European cardboard industry has already had, for decades, the best recycling system of all packaging materials. Total cardboard production in the EU is 32 million tonnes per year out of which 90% is recycled. A box can be recycled up to 25 times making it the most recycled packaging material in Europe.
The European cardboard industry is positioned as a frontrunner in delivering Europe’s green transition with a product that is 100% recyclable, renewable and biodegradable.
Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said the EU Parliament has made a “historical” decision on a landmark legislation leading Europe towards a truly circular economy.
“It took a pragmatic approach on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation eyeing a significant reduction of nonrecycled packaging waste,” he added.
“The Parliament has recognised that reuse and recycling of packaging are complementary and the robust recycling systems that have existed for decades are cornerstones of EU policies for environmental sustainability.
“We call on the Council of Environmental Ministers to follow the Parliament in acknowledging that both reuse and recycling systems go hand in hand in the interest of a greener Europe.”
