2050 in figures

Some key statistics & targets

65%

Or 42 Mt of total plastics used by converters will be made from circular feedstocks by 2050
43%

of the total plastics used by converters will be recycled plastics
х6

Increase in circular produced plastics capacity by 2050, compared to 2021
55%

Estimated GHG emissions reductions (129 Mt COze) through the shift to circular feedstock and avoided incineration by 2050
46%

An estimated bioplastics market growth in 2050
0

Net zero by 2050!

EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR)

March 2024 update
The new European regulation for packaging and packaging waste PPWR came a step closer.
According to the vote on the result of the trilogue in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (AStV) and schedule, the PPWR regulation could still be adopted - as originally planned - before the elections to the EU Parliament in June 2024.

30 April 2024
The European Parliament adopted new measures to make packaging more sustainable and reduce packaging waste in the EU.
The regulation, was approved with 476 votes in favour, 129 against and 24 abstentions.

Recyclability, compostability

While all packaging placed on the market must still be recyclable, now packaging will be considered recyclable when designed for material recycling, and when the waste packaging can be separately collected, sorted and recycled at scale. This latter condition will apply from 2035.
The headline 2030 and 2040 targets for minimum recycled content in plastic packaging have been maintained, with the Commission reviewing the implementation of the 2030 targets by 2034. At the same time, the Commission will also assess the feasibility of the 2040 targets.

Packaging waste reduction

The proposed new rules require manufacturers and importers to ensure that the weight and volume of packaging are minimised, except for protected packaging designs. And, in line with the Commission’s proposal the general approach includes overall headline targets for reducing packaging waste, based on 2018 quantities:
5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040.

Reusable packaging and re-use targets

The Council has set new re-use and re-fill targets for 2030 and 2040.
Different targets apply to large household appliances, take-away packages for food and beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding wine), transport packaging (excluding packaging used for dangerous goods or large-scale equipment and flexible packaging in direct contact with food) and grouped packaging. Cardboard packaging is also exempted from these requirements.

Deposit return schemes (DRS) and restrictions on certain packaging formats

By 2029, member states must set up deposit return systems (DRS) to ensure the separate collection of at least 90% annually of single-use plastic bottles and metal beverage containers.
Systems that were in place prior to the entry into force of the regulation and that achieve the 90% target by 2029 are not required to meet these minimum requirements. Nor are member states reaching a separate collection rate of over 78% in 2026 are also exempt from these requirements.
Restrictions on certain packaging formats include single-use plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables, for food and beverages, condiments, sauces, and small cosmetic and toiletry products used in the hospitality sector.

EU Green Deal and ESRS

Status - March 2023