Today in Strasbourg, MEPs voted on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with 426 votes in favour, 125 votes against and 74 abstentions. Copa and Cogeca note strong improvements to the initial proposal, taking into account the specific characteristics and realities of agricultural sectors.
Among the improvements, we welcome a notable reprieve for the wine sector that MEPs voted to exclude from reuse targets, along with exemptions for in-sale spirits from reuse targets, avoiding arbitrary and unfeasible targets for these sectors. Nonetheless, the survival of restrictions for packaging design, which would have negative effects on the wine sector, which relies on features such as double bottoms that reinforce the strength of bottles in transit remains problematic.
For the fruit and vegetables and HORECA sectors, MEPs also voted down restrictions on single-use packaging, safeguarding not only consumer health and safety, but also commercial viability of producers. As Copa and Cogeca have consistently voiced concerns on this provision that would inevitably increase food waste, this outcome is very welcomed by farmers and agri-cooperatives.
Finally, a heavily publicised amendment safeguarding wood packaging for cheese was good news for our producers.
Copa and Cogeca now call on the Council to take due consideration of today’s vote in Strasbourg, so that this regulation contributes to a realistic, evidence-based, and affordable circular economy.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
