APEAL (steel for packaging) APPLAUDS PLENARY VOTE TO IMPROVE RECYCLABILITY MEASURES IN PPWR

APEAL (Association of European Packaging Steel Producers) has welcomed the European Parliament (EP) plenary vote in favor of stricter recyclability measures within the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Praising the European Commission’s ambitious proposal for these original measures, APEAL acknowledges the effectiveness demonstrated by the rapporteur, MEP Frédérique Ries, and the shadow rapporteurs throughout the EP procedure.

Recyclability grades

APEAL is particularly supportive of packaging recyclability performance grades. The introduction of a performance sorting system with clear criteria is the first of its kind, and is essential to ensure that packaging materials are designed for recycling, but are also effectively collected, sorted and recycled on a large scale.

“The recyclability grades represent an important step towards achieving a truly circular EU economy. These grades, which combine quantitative thresholds and qualitative recyclability criteria, are set to stimulate innovation,” said Alexis Van Maercke, Secretary General of APEAL.

APEAL also welcomed the European Commission’s ambition to link the ecomodulation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rates to recyclability grades.

“We welcome the application of the principle of net cost per packaging type, a principle whereby EPR financial contributions are based on the actual net cost of collection, sorting and recycling or recovery of packaging,” commented Steve Claus, APEAL’s Director of Sustainability.

High-quality recycled

We welcome the definition of high-quality recycling, which serves as a catalyst for packaging manufacturers to raise the recyclability of their products, contributing to a more effective and efficient recycling process.

Reuse objectives

APEAL regrets that steel pails, drums, intermediate bulk containers and cans are classified as transport packaging in the proposed legislation. These types of packaging are clear examples of sales packaging, which are consumed by the end user and explicitly labeled as sales packaging in national legislation and in the guidelines of several EU Member States. However, we welcome the removal of the 2040 reuse targets for these applications.

No recyclable packaging to landfill

But to fully close the loop, further action is still required. In line with the waste hierarchy, which places waste disposal through landfills as the least preferred option, the measures provided for under this Regulation should be complemented by a review of the Landfill Directive with the aim to accelerate the phasing-out of landfill of packaging waste.

As the model material for a circular economy, with 85.5% recycled in ²⁰²⁰¹, steel is ideally positioned to reach ambitious but achievable recycling rates by 2025 and help the EU transition to a more circular and environmentally conscious future.

APEAL looks forward to the trilogue discussion with the Council and Commission. and calls upon the Council of the EU to ensure it preserves circularity, environmental protection, and the conservation of EU resources. The association eagerly anticipates collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to realize these objectives.