The Plastic Sector’s Response to regulation

The plastic industry is pushing back against the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), claiming it “discriminates” against plastic.

In a joint statement, three major trade associations, European Plastics Converters, IK, and Elipso, argued that the proposed regulation unfairly singles out plastic by imposing specific bans on plastic packaging, while providing exemptions for other materials. They claim the PPWR sets out different rules for plastics when it comes to recycling requirements and waste reduction goals. They also argue that the PPWR will prevent fair competition by disadvantaging plastic producers and  favouring companies using other materials. 

Further, these trade associations  commissioned a legal assessment by the firm Dentos, published in February 2024. The authors  argue  that the regulation does not just violate the principle of equal treatment, but could also backfire environmentally. By pushing out lightweight, recyclable plastic, Dentos maintains, the regulation may actually encourage the use and mass production of harder-to-recycle materials, which could lead to even more waste and emissions in the long-run].

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It is interesting to see the plastics industry leaning on fair competition arguments. This position may appear contradictory, especially given its long-standing role in the packaging waste problem. But, this does show how tricky it is for policymakers to strike a balance. Cutting down on waste while keeping the rules fair and legal isn’t exactly straightforward, especially with so many materials involved in the unseen journey from production to the shop shelf.

Learn more about plastic throughout our supply chains and how it might apply in the UK in our next post.

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For more information contact: info@scarabtrust.org.uk

Image: Cardboard for recycling - Image by Debby Urken (ST ref: 1315)

Edited by Sophia Stilwell