Fost Plus is closely following discussions about the new PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), which will determine the future of packaging and recycling in Belgium. As the organisation seeking to promote sustainable management of household packaging in Belgium, Fost Plus recognises this regulation’s importance in helping its members achieve their ambitious sustainability goals.
Public & Regulatory Affairs Manager Thomas De Meester emphasises that although the new packaging rules now come in the form of a regulation rather than a directive - a positive change, as it is intended to create a more level playing field in the European market - the real impact will only become clear once the secondary legislation comes into force. ‘This secondary legislation, consisting of more than 30 delegated and implementing acts, will define the specific rules and guidelines needed to achieve the set goals. But that will definitely be a long process.’
Big differences in recycling infrastructure
Fost Plus has identified several key points that need to be addressed. The first significant point is the concept of “recycled at scale”. By 2035, a recycling target of 55% must be achieved across Europe for certain packaging materials; otherwise these materials will no longer be allowed on the market. The challenge lies in the varying levels of recycling infrastructure in the Member States.
‘Belgium has a very extensive network of modern, local sorting and recycling infrastructure, whereas other countries are still in the early stages of waste collection. The blue PMD bag is used to recycle not just PET bottles, cans and drinks cartons, for which the market is already very mature, but also PP film or PS trays, which aren’t even collected separately in some countries. This inequality could undermine the progress that’s been made in Belgium if the materials are banned because targets haven’t been met elsewhere.’
General public’s behaviour will determine adoption rate of reusable packaging
The second challenging aspect is the prevention targets that have been set. By 2030, Member States must reduce the amount of packaging waste per person by 5% compared to the 2018 level. Even for countries that have already made progress, such as Belgium, this target presents significant challenges. Although prevention and reuse are absolutely key to reducing the impact of packaging on the environment, the market still needs to be developed further.
A robust logistics chains is needed – to bring reusable packaging back into circulation, for example – but so is the general public’s support. Their adoption rate will determine the speed of development. In its new social role, Fost Plus will support and help to scale up pilot projects over the next few years, with a clear focus on the ecosystem and people’s behaviour.
Public & Regulatory Affairs Manager (Fost Plus)
Need for a legislative framework for chemical recycling
Finally, the PPWR sets ambitious targets for the use of recycled material, and recycled plastic in particular.
‘Companies are concerned about the availability of high-quality recycled plastic. This will become an even bigger issue for contact-sensitive materials. Chemical recycling can provide a solution here, but these tonnages aren’t included in the recycling figures. So there’s still work to be done in terms of policy.’
Want to know more about the PPWR? Download the slides of the webinar here.