2024-03-04 22:12:55
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Other single-use plastic containers are also banned at the same time: miniature shampoo bottles in hotels, small sauce pods, protective films surrounding suitcases in airports, plastic packaging for unprocessed fruits and vegetables, etc. , ultralight plastic bags will have to disappear, with a few exceptions.
Certain exempt sectors
Considering that recycling is not enough, the legislation sets binding levels of reuse (reuse or refill possible) of packaging for various sectors (e-commerce, household appliances, drinks, beer, etc.) by 2030. The wine sector is exempt. , such as micro-enterprises.
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Above all, exemptions have been made for States which both exceed their recycling objectives by at least 5 percentage points and are considered “on track to achieve their waste prevention targets”, according to a Council press release. of the EU. Likewise, cardboard or paper packaging is not targeted. Ways to satisfy Italy in particular, which fiercely defended the important recycling system in which it has invested.
Catering was the subject of violent negotiations until the end, under the pressure of intense lobbying from fast-food giants and the paper industry: they praised the “ecological” merits of cardboard packaging, recyclable or from of sustainable forests, compared to plastic or reuse – which they say would require using more water and energy.
Polyfluoroalkyls in the viewfinder
While Brussels initially set targets for reusable packaging for takeaway drinks and food, these binding targets disappear from the final agreement. Ultimately, restaurants will simply have to “strive” to achieve 10% reusable packaging, but will on the other hand be required to accept containers brought by customers.
Read also: Plastic waste: will Switzerland follow the EU?
Finally, the legislation prohibits from 2026 the intentional addition in food packaging of polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS, “eternal pollutants”), for example in pizza boxes, despite warnings from scientists regarding their harmful effects.
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