Topic

Waste prevention targets

Member states must reduce packaging waste generated per person compared with 2018: 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040. They must use prevention measures such as economic instruments and producer waste-prevention plans, and must not meet the targets simply by switching to lighter materials. They must also encourage hospitality venues to serve tap water free or at low cost in reusable or refillable format. These are national duties, but they shape EPR fees and national rules that reach producers.

What you must do

• Expect tightening national prevention measures and EPR fee modulation.
• Track your own per-unit packaging weight trend, since lightweighting alone will not count.
• Watch national plans in your largest markets.

Dates that apply

• 31 December 20305% packaging waste reduction per person

Source: Article 43 (prevention of packaging waste).