Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission
17.5.2022
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD)[1] applies to all packaging, including ceramic packaging. All packaging placed on the EU market must comply with the essential requirements, which are formulated without differentiation by material.
In the context of the ongoing revision of the PPWD, the Commission services are considering to further define reusable packaging to ensure that reusable packaging is part of a reuse system that incentivises consumers to return it. In addition, the Commission services are considering to propose a definition of recyclable packaging and a framework for its assessment. The details are still under development but there is expectation that these rules should also apply to ceramic packaging.
As part of the ongoing impact assessment to revise the Waste Framework Directive[2] in 2023, the Commission is looking at ways how to harmonise the separate collection systems in the Union to facilitate contribution to the waste prevention objectives and high recycling performance objectives of the circular economy model the Union pursues[3]. As part of this assessment, the Commission will also look at how the different separate collection systems co-exist to seek synergies and efficiencies.
- [1] European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste, OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10‐23.
- [2] Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3‐30, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 109‐140.
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13225-Environmental-impact-of-waste-management-revision-of-EU-waste-framework_en