The European Union (EU) has reached a tentative agreement on a new law aimed at reducing packaging waste and phasing out single-use plastics, with exceptions for certain sectors (Reuters, europa). The initiative follows a proposal by the European Commission in 2022 to overhaul regulations on packaging waste, spurred by a 20% increase in such waste in the past decade, largely due to online shopping and quick consumption habits (Reuters).

Under the agreement, targets are set for reducing packaging waste by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2040, with the requirement for all packaging to be recyclable by 2030. Single-use plastic items like disposable plates, cups, and lightweight bags will be banned by 2030, along with "forever chemicals" in food contact packaging. Re-use targets, including a 10% target for take-away packaging and drinks containers, will also be implemented, although exemptions apply to certain items like cardboard and specific drinks containers (Reuters, europa).

Additionally, negotiators agreed that packaged goods should contain no more than 50% empty space, aiming to curb oversized packaging for online deliveries. However, these targets won't apply to very small businesses (Reuters, europa). One member of the European Parliament, Frédérique Ries, commented, “For the first time in an environmental law, the EU is setting targets to reduce packaging consumption, regardless of the material used. We call on all industrial sectors, EU countries and consumers to play their part in the fight against excess packaging. The ban on forever chemicals in food packaging is a great victory for the health of European consumers” (europa).

While the provisional deal marks significant progress, it still awaits approval from the European Parliament and EU governments, with potential hurdles given the upcoming EU elections in June (Reuters).