The Union wants to reduce the gigantic waste mountains. But the new packaging rules are raising eyebrows.
In 2001, every EU resident created 189 kilograms of packaging waste. The trend is increasing rapidly: within ten years the waste mountain has grown by 20 percent. The EU now wants to pull the emergency brakes and intervene in many areas. From 2030, all packaging must be reusable or recycled.
The EU Parliament will vote on the planned new rules on Wednesday. And these go quite far. For example, small sugar packets should be banned in coffee houses, and the same goes for packets of salt, pepper, ketchup or mustard. The bottles for shampoo, shower gel and other cosmetic items in hotels must also disappear.
But the closer the vote gets, the more emotional the debate becomes. And the more resistance arises. Many countries have their own sensitivities and their own reservations about the plans from Brussels. Spain, for example, is opposing the planned end of foil packaging for vegetables. The country is one of the largest vegetable exporters: cucumbers, broccoli, etc. are wrapped in foil to extend the shelf life of the goods.
Chocolate bunny should lose bubbles
France has completely different concerns: a revolution almost broke out there because the wooden box in which Camembert is traditionally sold would fall victim to the new packaging rules. There is still no established recycling process for wooden boxes. And finally, Germany also defends itself: according to regulations, the Lindt chocolate Easter bunny should lose its bell. Because this would mean too much packaging in the future.
The resistance is not only a matter for the states, but also for the parties: the European People’s Party wants to prevent the ban on sugar bags. “We really have other concerns at the moment,” said German MP Peter Liese (CDU), spokesperson for the group’s environmental policy. And to show that the bags are also used in the EU Parliament, he presents some packages that he received from the canteen.
The waves are rising in the European House, the packaging industry is lobbying with full force. Wednesday’s vote will likely be an uphill battle.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
