EU Imposes Strict Bans on Agricultural and Food Packaging
· Milliyet Ekonomi
The EU's new packaging regulation bans PFAS in food-contact materials, while single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables under 1.5 kg will be eliminated starting in 2030.
EU Packaging Regulation Enters into Force
The European Union's Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste is directly applicable across all 27 member states starting August 12. According to Eurostat data, 79.7 million tons of packaging waste were generated in the EU in 2023, equating to 177.8 kg of waste per capita. The new regulation mandates member states to reduce packaging waste per capita by 5% in 2030, 10% in 2035, and 15% in 2040, compared to 2018 levels.
New Bans in Food and Agriculture
In the initial phase of implementation, the use of PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' in food-contact packaging is completely prohibited. On the same date, limits on heavy metals and the requirement for a declaration of conformity for packaging placed on the EU market come into effect. In February 2027 and February 2028, requirements for reusable containers in the food and beverage sector will be expanded. The most significant restriction begins on January 1, 2030; from this date, packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, as well as single-use plastic products, will not be allowed on the EU market.
Process and Deposit System in Turkey
According to data from the Turkish Plastics Industry Research, Development and Training Foundation (PAGEV), Turkey imported 623,000 tons of waste plastic in 2023. In line with the new rules for export markets, Turkey has implemented the Deposit Return System for Packaged Products (DOA). Under this system, managed by the Turkish Environment Agency, consumers who return plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage packaging with the DOA logo receive a 1 TL refund per packaging unit.