Crucial vote ahead: the state of play on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

In a significant development, the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee recently approved a series of compromise amendments to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The amendments, aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability, have garnered both support and concern from various industry sectors and stakeholders.

Ahead of the plenary vote next week and the upcoming Council discussions, we urge legislators to consider the specific nature and needs of hospitality SMEs.

HOTREC opposes the proposal to provide tap water for free or at a low cost upon consumer request because it doesn’t take into account that access to water for human consumption is already regulated under the Directive (EU) 2020/2184. Additionally, we question the feasibility of offering refillable beverages and takeaway food in reusable containers at a “lower price” without increased costs, given insufficient supporting data. Finally, we advocate for an explicit exemption to the single-use packaging ban for dairy products, emphasizing consumer safety regarding allergies and intolerance, as well as preventing extended exposure of foodstuffs to air at room temperature.

HOTREC also joined forces with other sectors to call on MEPs to support the complementarity of single-use recyclable packaging and reusable packaging.

As the Regulation moves closer to adoption, HOTREC fears that it may not fully consider the potential consequences it will have on SMEs operating in the food and beverages sector. While committed to the implementation of sustainable practices, these companies must continue to prioritize food safety at the heart of their operations.