The European glass industry has responded to the new packaging minimisation requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The CEOs of 23 glass packaging manufacturers, including O-I, Verallia, and Ardagh, have written to the European Commission calling for a technical adjustment to the new PPWR requirements.
The regulations would require manufacturers to cut the amount of packing surrounding a product to a minimum.
The CEOs argue that this would leave no room for creative packaging design, including the shapes, features, or brand elements that consumers recognise and trust.
They believe that for sectors such as wine, spirits, cosmetics, perfumery, gourmet foods and beverages, this would severely limit global competitiveness – and in some cases, jeopardise entire value chains.
The CEOs have requested that the PPWR is workable, proportionate, and legally clear, calling for the following:
• Ensure a fair balance between packaging minimisation and design freedom: product presentation, marketing and brand identity should be explicitly acknowledged.
• Strengthen IP Protection and review the 2025 cut-off date.
• Amend the refences to rigid maximum weight limits.
With over €140 billion in EU exports relying on glass packaging, getting this right is imperative to thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as major European brands.
The European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) said it remains committed to working with EU and national decision-makers to ensure the PPWR delivers both in terms of environmental ambition and industrial competitiveness.
The CEOs' letter is available to read here.
