the regulation to be formally adopted and then implemented in the EU Member States. According


to Jukka-Pekka


Rantakokko,


Senior Manager, Public Affairs at UPM, some of the biggest discussions have related to restrictions on single-use packaging and reuse targets. “The original Commission proposal would have restricted more widely single use packaging made of all materials. In the end, the PPWR will only restrict the use of single-use plastic packaging in end- uses – such as grouped packaging at the point of sale – packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables (less than 1.5 kg) and for food and drink in the HORECA (hotels, restaurants and catering) dine-in sector,” said Jukka. Restrictions will apply from 2030. Reusable packaging will increase, but not to the extent originally proposed by the European Commission in 2022. For example, there will be no mandatory reuse targets for the HORECA sector. However, this sector will be required to provide a system for consumers to bring their own container to be filled and to offer the consumers the option of packaging within a system for re-use,” continued Jukka.


One of the driving ideas behind the PPWR


is that all packaging put on the market should be recyclable. UPM believes that this is imperative for the entire packaging value chain to increase the recycling rate of all materials. We are pleased that in the end recycling and reuse were seen as complementary solutions in the regulation. However,


many of the detailed


requirements arising from PPWR will remain open for several years. In particular, design for recycling guidelines and recyclability performance grades will be defined by the European Commission in so-called delegated acts by 1 January 2028. When drafting these delegated acts, the Commission must take into consideration standards developed by European Standards Organisation, which in packaging means the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).


Many industry associations and initiatives


– such as 4evergreen – have been working for years to develop the recyclability and recycling of packaging materials.


The next steps


After the EU elections in June, the newly elected Parliament will have to approve the provisional agreement by means of a


‘corrigendum’. The regulation would then be formally adopted by the European Council at the end of 2024 and enter into force 20 days after its publication in the


bakeryproduction.co.uk Conclusion The forthcoming PPWR degulation


The PPWR will restrict the use of single-use plastic packaging in end- uses – such as grouped packaging at


the point of sale. EU’s Official Journal.


The regulation will apply 18 months after its entry into force. This means that in practice, new rules for EU packaging will have to implemented in all 27 EU Member States in the summer of 2026.


represents a significant shift towards sustainability, and will have far-reaching implications for the bakery sector across Europe and beyond. However, by preparing ahead of time, staying informed, and embracing innovation, bakeries will be able turn these regulatory changes into opportunities for growth and brand enhancement.


More about PPWR


Through its proposed revision of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation


– part of the


European Green Deal – the European Commission says that it wants to prevent the generation of packaging waste, boost high quality recycling, and reduce the need for primary natural resources including through mandatory recycling targets. In the PPWR,


the Commission


is promoting a shift to reusable packaging,


despite growing


evidence of the adverse effects on the economy, food safety and the


environment. By focusing on reusable packaging, the PPWR could have unintended consequences and be counterproductive to the overall goals of the Green Deal. With the


proposal now


considered by the European Parliament and national governments in the Council,


Packaging


Together for Sustainable is calling


on decision


makers at EU level to pause, assess the increasingly significant data, and reflect upon the best way forward, as well as for national governments not to proceed with their own legislation.


Kennedy’s Bakery Production April/May 2024 31 being


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