PPWR2: Optimizing Packaging Systems' Safety for Reuse and Recycling in Compliance with the New Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

The new PPWR is a cornerstone of the European Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan. All packaging in the EU will need to adapt to these regulations starting in 2025. Join us for the 2nd Symposium on Packaging Materials Supply Chain Safety.

2nd Franco-American Symposium
Image generated by Dr. Olivier Vitrac

PPWR2: Optimizing Packaging Systems’ Safety for Reuse and Recycling in Compliance with the New Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

9-10 Nov. 2023

22 place de l’agronomie, Université Paris-Saclay, Campus Agro, 91120 Palaiseau, France

The European Commission's adoption of the new Circu- lar Economy Action Plan (CEAP) in March 2020 marked a significant step in the EU's commitment to environ- mental sustainability, fostering sustainable growth and job opportunities. This transition towards a circular economy is pivotal to achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target and addressing biodiversity loss. The CEAP outlines a comprehensive range of initiatives cov- ering the complete lifecycle of products and packaging. It includes measures that promote sustainable product design, foster circular economy processes, encourage responsible consumption, and ensure effective waste prevention and resource retention within the EU econ- omy.

A key initiative within this action plan is the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), proposed by the European Commission on November 30, 2022. The PPWR aims to replace and repeal the outdated Directive 94/62/EU (Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive). Following an initial round of commentary that ended on April 24, 2023, a revised version of the regulation is an- ticipated by the end of this year.

The PPWR outlines rigorous requirements for packaging across its entire lifecycle. Its primary focus lies in pro- moting environmental sustainability, minimizing pack- aging, enhancing cross-sector reusability, increasing re- cycling rates and recycled content, eliminating hazardous substances, improving label- ing, and enforcing strict regulations for biobased and biodegradable materials. These requirements apply to all packag- ing available in the EU market, with an enforcement schedule set to begin in 2025 and extend over the next 15 years, featuring progressively ambitious goals.

In anticipation of the forthcoming regu- lation, several member states, including France, have proactively established ad- ditional regulations to curb improper waste disposal and reduce excessive waste. France's anti-waste law for a cir- cular economy, for instance, mandates a reduction in single-use plastic consump- tion and advocates for reuse and recy- cling. Consequently, the entire packaging supply chain must prioritize reuse, max- imize packaging material recovery, and increase recycled content.

In light of these developments, we in- vite you to our 2nd Symposium on the Safety of Packaging Materials Supply Chain and the Growing Demand for Re- use and Recycling. We are gathering es- teemed global experts from the Euro- pean Commission’s Joint Research Cen- tre, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and academia from the US and EU. The first meeting, titled “Im- plication of the EU PPWR on creating sustainable food packaging systems,” was held in Dijon, Paris.

This 2nd symposium aims to delve deeper into the implications of the new PPWR and foster discussions on safety within the packaging material supply chain. We invite you to register for this workshop via the provided link and choose your preferred mode of attendance, online or in-person.

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