European Paper Packaging Alliance says outcome of European Council vote on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation ‘will make Europe more competitive and more sustainable’ and ‘has seen the future of the circular economy prevail’

EPPA President Antonio D’Amato made a statement related to the outcome of the Council vote on PPWR:

“Today marks a significant milestone in the development of the EU’s future economy. Government representatives have embraced a robust agreement that, while not perfect, is broadly aligned with the latest scientific evidence.

This is a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that will make Europe more competitive and more sustainable, and which does not jeopardise the single market or the EU’s world-leading recycling sector. In short, the new Regulation has seen the future of the circular economy prevail. This system is a massive competitive advantage of the European Union, built on the positive collaboration of member states, institutions and European industries.

Thanks to constant investments totalling billions of euros, we have achieved very ambitious waste collection and recycling results that make it possible to combine economic growth and environmental sustainability. It’s no coincidence that the EU is the only continent to see its greenhouse gas emissions fall. Indeed, our CO2 emissions in the third quarter of 2023 were down 7.1% on the previous year.”