European Green Deal: Putting an end to wasteful packaging, boosting reuse and recycling, and certifying carbon removals

It also brings clarity to consumers and industry on biobased, compostable and biodegradable plastics and has adopted a proposal for a first EU-wide voluntary framework to reliably certify high-quality carbon removals.

On average, each European generates almost 180 kg of packaging waste per year and without any action this waste will increase to almost 215 kg by 2030.  The new rules aim to stop this trend. They will ensure reusable packaging options, get rid of unnecessary packaging, limit overpackaging, and provide clear labels to support correct recycling, allowing consumers to have a clear overview. 

The Commission also brings clarity to consumers and industry on biobased, compostable and biodegradable plastics. The proposals are key building blocks of the European Green Deal’s Circular Economy Action Plan and its objective to make sustainable products the norm. 

In addition, the Commission adopted a proposal for a first EU-wide voluntary framework to reliably certify high-quality carbon removals. The proposal will boost innovative carbon removal technologies and sustainable carbon farming solutions, and contribute to the EU's climate, environmental and zero-pollution goals. The proposed regulation will significantly improve the EU's capacity to quantify, monitor and verify carbon removals. Higher transparency will ensure trust from stakeholders and industry, and prevent greenwashing.

These proposals are essential to the EU's goal of becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

More information:

• Press release: European Green Deal: Putting an end to wasteful packaging, boosting reuse and recycling
• Press release: European Green Deal: Commission proposes certification of carbon removals to help reach net zero emissions
• Questions and Answers on the policy framework for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics
• Questions and Answers on the Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste
• Questions and Answers on EU Certification of Carbon Removals
• A factsheet on Circular economy and the new rules on Packaging and Packaging Waste    
• A factsheet on EU Certification of Carbon Removals