EUROFER supports the position of the steel for packaging sector represented by APEAL, the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging, regarding the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) proposal, as it suggests much needed improvements to the new EU legislation in order to contribute to a sustainable and resource-efficient solution for a green and resilient EU economy.
As an essential part of the steel products family, steel packaging is an incredibly versatile material with superior properties used in many applications. The European steel industry emphasises the importance of the criteria for recyclable packaging and recycled content as well as waste prevention, which can be supported through the review of the Landfill directive. The joint position paper also highlights the need for a legal instrument and legal base to ensure the successful implementation of PPWR provisions.
The key messages are the following:
1. Criteria for recyclable packaging:
The current Commission proposal is a step in the right direction. However, to fully close the circular loop the steel for packaging sector recommends:
2. Recycled content:
The steel for packaging sector supports the current Commission proposal that recycled content targets should only apply to materials with a low demand and uptake of recyclates.
3. Prevention of packaging waste:
Waste reduction targets should be set for each of the specific materials contained in packaging waste: plastic, wood, ferrous metals, aluminium and paper/cardboard.
4. Transport packaging:
Steel pails, drums, canisters and kegs are sales packaging and not transport packaging. Consequently, they should not be subject to the re-use targets set for transport packaging.
5. Legal instrument and legal base:
APEAL supports the choice for a Regulation and a full ‘internal market legal base’ for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (article 114 TFEU).
6. Phase out landfilling of packaging waste:
The steel for packaging sector believes that the review of the PPWR should be complemented by a review of the Landfill Directive 99/31/EC, aiming at accelerating the phase-out of landfill of packaging waste.
Full text available below.
Brussels, 07 December 2023 – The inclusion of transformative industrial technologies for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors, such as steel, in the list of net-zero technologies in the general approach adopted by the Council on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), sends a positive signal at a crucial time when governments are deliberating urgent measures to protect the climate at COP28 in Dubai. Parliament and Council should now seize the opportunity to reach an ambitious agreement to promote EU-made green products in public auctions of net-zero technologies and to drive Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) in Europe. Promoting lead markets and CCUS are essential tools for sustaining the transition to low-carbon steelmaking, says the European Steel Association.
Brussels, 01 December 2023 – Further delays in implementing EU sanctions against Russian steel semifinished products would have a perverse effect, ultimately fuelling Putin’s war machine against Ukraine. The EU Council should reject additional exemption requests from a few member states defending the lucrative business model of few steel rerollers. The trade dynamic that takes advantage of cheap steel imported from Russia while aiding the supply to its military and related downstream sectors must come to an end, states the European Steel Association.
Industriall & EUROFER joint statement