Less plastic: EU plans stricter rules on packaging

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

MPs also want to ban the sale of very lightweight plastic carrier bags unless they are necessary for hygiene reasons or are used as ready-made food packaging, the EU Parliament announced in Brussels on Tuesday. Consumers also need to be able to bring their own containers to restaurants.

As a result of the amendment suggested by the committee in the EU Commission’s proposal, persistent chemicals that are said to be harmful to health should also be removed from food packaging.

The plenary meeting of the parliament is planned to be held in November. Parliament must negotiate with the states before the new rules come into force. EU countries discussed the new regulations for the first time in March, but no agreement has been reached yet.

Companies in the packaging industry criticized the plan before the vote. According to the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) in Brussels, reusable packaging uses more water and is less hygienic than disposable paper packaging, while increasing costs and CO2 consumption.

Environmentalists welcomed the Commission’s proposal, but are calling for even tougher measures. European environmental charity EEB wants stricter rules for all types of single-use packaging. European consumer organization ANEC also praised the Commission’s proposals as they promise improvements for the environment and consumers. (SDA)

Source :Blick