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Joint steel position paper on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
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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, 03 May 2023 – The year 2022 came to a close with a sharper-than-anticipated recession in apparent steel consumption (-7.2%) as steel demand shrank significantly, due to the energy crisis and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Although the worst seems to be over after the fourth quarter of 2022, apparent steel consumption is still projected to be negative (-1%) in 2023, before rebounding in 2024 (+5.4%). However, high uncertainty continues to cast a shadow on the outlook for 2023, which remains bleak. Although steel imports have decreased in tandem with demand, their market share is still historically high (23.4%).
Second quarter 2023 report. Data up to, and including, fourth quarter 2022
Joint industry statement