In an effort to reduce waste and overpackaging, while increasing reuse, the European Parliament will vote on the packaging waste regulation. The Commission predicts that this proposal, which prohibits overpacking and single-use packaging for fruits, vegetables, and small shampoo bottles in hotels, will lead to economic savings of over 47 billion euros in the EU. However, with more than 500 amendment proposals on the table, MEPs anticipate a complicated and difficult vote.

The Government of Finland has raised concerns about reducing packaging leading to an increase in food waste or endangering food safety. As a result, negotiations between the EU Commission, the Parliament, and the Council of member states will determine the final shape of this law. The environment committee of the European Parliament voted on packaging waste in October and supported a proposal for at least 20 percent of non-alcoholic beverages to be offered in reusable packaging from 2030.

However, concerns have been raised about increased costs and negative environmental impacts resulting from reuse goals by the food and brewing industries in Finland. MEPs have expressed dissatisfaction with the Commission’s proposal regarding life cycle thinking and sustainability practices. Despite this opposition from some MEPs, a majority of them supported this proposal to reduce packaging waste by offering at least 20 percent of non-alcoholic beverages in reusable packaging by 2030.