The EU has taken a significant step towards a circular and competitive economy with the formal adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The regulation, which became effective this month, is designed to reduce the dependency on primary raw materials and ensure that all packaging in the EU market can be recycled economically by 2030.
It also focuses on the safe inclusion of recycled plastic in packaging and sets the regional packaging sector on a path to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The PPWR encompasses the entire packaging life cycle, aiming to standardise national measures related to the manufacturing, recycling, and reuse of packaging.
The regulation is expected to significantly diminish greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and the adverse environmental and health impacts of packaging waste.
Green Public Procurement is identified as a crucial instrument in achieving the objectives set out by the PPWR.
The European Commission will adopt implementing acts by February 2030, which will outline the minimum mandatory requirements for public contracts involving packaging or products and services that utilise packaging.
These requirements may include technical specifications, selection criteria, or conditions for contract performance.
Article 63 of the PPWR emphasises that these mandatory requirements should be founded on sustainability criteria and consider factors such as the value and volume of public contracts for packaging or packaged products.
The article also mandates the economic viability for contracting authorities to opt for more environmentally sustainable packaging options without incurring disproportionate costs.
Furthermore, Article 63 addresses the need to consider the Union-level market situation of relevant packaging or packaged products, the impact of the requirements on competition, and the obligations related to packaging waste management.
