SUSTAINABLE RAW MATERIALS
PPWR: new packaging rules affect the entire chain
The new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) also affects the oils and fats sector on several fronts. Packaging itself must contain less material, become more recyclable and increasingly include recycled material. Reuse requirements for transport packaging, among other things, raise new questions for companies about return flows, cleaning and logistics. At the same time, the safety and quality of the product within a food chain must remain guaranteed. In doing so, the PPWR affects not only the packaging, but the entire chain: from packaging choice and procurement to production, transport, use and take-back.
Since 12 August, the European 'Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation' (PPWR) has applied. The extensive regulation is intended to reduce packaging waste and make packaging in Europe more recyclable and more reusable. Many of the specific requirements apply from 2030. There are also implications for companies in the oils and fats sector.
The PPWR looks beyond what happens to a package once it becomes waste. The design, material use, weight, recyclability and reuse of packaging are also regulated. Packaging is therefore increasingly becoming a product and legislative issue.
The directive (PPWR) focused on consumer packaging. With the introduction of the regulation (PPWD), transport packaging also falls under the rules. For the primary oils and fats industry, the rules on transport packaging are particularly important. Oils, fats and products based on them are stored in a range of packaging, such as drums, IBCs and jerrycans. Pallets and other transport packaging also fall within the scope of the regulation.
Registration and reporting
Since 12 August, companies must register their packaging in every member state in which they operate. In addition, they must have a file for each package demonstrating that the requirements have been met: the 'Declaration of Conformity' (DoC). The DoC must be shown on request to the regulator, in the Netherlands the Inspectorate for Environment and Transport.
From packaging to return system
From 2030, European targets for the reuse of certain transport packaging will apply. For various categories, at least 40 per cent must be reusable. Reuse therefore goes beyond simply choosing a package that can be used multiple times.
For a food raw materials chain, there is another important issue: food safety. After reuse, a package must again be suitable for the product it is used to transport. Product residues, cleaning and possible contamination can therefore help determine whether reuse works in practice.
2030 starts now
Reuse is also only one part of the PPWR. From 2030, requirements for the recyclability of packaging will also be tightened and minimum percentages of recycled material will apply to various plastic packaging types. These requirements will be tightened further later on. The direction is clear: packaging must contain less virgin raw material, become more recyclable and, where possible, remain in circulation for longer. For the oils and fats sector, the challenge will be to connect those circularity goals with what remains at least as important in practice: a safe, efficient and workable chain.
