EU PPWR FAQs Updated August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 60
XVII.
WASTE PREVENTION
1) How are the packaging waste reduction targets going to be implemented?
The implementation of packaging waste reduction targets is the responsibility of each Member
State. It is Member States9s responsibility to reach the target and put in place the waste reduction
measures necessary to reach the targets set out in Article 43. While the Regulation harmonises
several packaging waste prevention measures, such as laying down reuse targets, refill and reuse
obligation for take-away sector, packaging bans, and minimisation of packaging requirements,
including empty space thresholds, it is up to the Member States to implement some of these
harmonised measures, as well as to lay down possible additional national waste prevention
measures necessary to reach the targets set out in Article 43(1).
National measures which are applied in addition to the EU harmonised measures may include, but
are not limited to, economic incentives, EPR schemes, and public awareness campaigns, as this is
outlined in Article 43(5). The measures may also include additional obligations on economic
operators, such as higher or additional reuse targets, subject to the conditions under Article 29(15)
and -(16) as explained also in the Commission guidance document. Pursuant to Article 43(5),
national implementing measures must be proportionate and non-discriminatory and be designed to
avoid barriers to trade or distortions of competition. They must not lead to a shift to lighter
packaging material, which does not comply with other sustainability requirements, such as
recyclability, being used to fulfil the goal of the packaging waste reduction.
2) What happens if a Member State does not reach the waste prevention targets?
Each Member State must reduce the packaging waste generated per capita, as compared to the
packaging waste generated per capita in 2018 and as reported to the Commission in accordance
with Decision 2005/270/EC, by at least 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040. The
Commission will monitor the implementation of these targets based on the data on packaging waste
generated reported by Member States. A Member State9s failure to meet the targets is susceptible
to lead to appropriate enforcement action by the Commission.
3) Does the waste reduction target cover all packaging waste generated in a Member
State or only household packaging waste?
The PPWR applies to all packaging and to all packaging waste, whether it originates from industry,
other manufacturing, retail or distribution, offices, services or households. The provisions related
to the calculation of the packaging waste generated (see Article 53(2)) cover all packaging waste
generated on the territory of a Member State. Therefore, the statistical data on packaging waste
generated, as reported by Member States to the Commission, cover all packaging waste generated
on the territory of a Member State.
It is up to Member States to decide how they implement Article 43 and what measures they take to
meet the waste reduction targets established in that provision. Member States can exclude certain
types of waste from the national waste prevention targets and focus merely on the household
packaging waste, if they consider that this will be sufficient to meet the targets. Member States may
maintain the established separate systems for the management of household packaging waste, on
the one hand, and for industrial and commercial packaging waste, on the other hand (Article 43(3)).
4) Will Member States be obliged to notify the national rules they wish to introduce to
achieve the waste reduction targets via the TRIS?
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