The
packaging directive (94/62/EC) was introduced in 1994. Member states (of
the EU) had to have the EU directive transposed into national legislation
by August 2005.
The packaging directive introduces a producer responsibility for packaging waste. Producers and importers have to arrange for take-back and recycling of packaging materials introduced to the national markets. All packaging materials are covered, including paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, metal, glass and plastics/PET. The aim of the EU directive is to reduce the use of packaging materials and thus minimize the impact of such materials on the environment. The responsibilities run through the entire national distribution chain; from importers of raw materials used to produce packaging materials, to the final retailer that sells the product.
In order to assist companies in complying with the legal requirements, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO) have been established on a national level. A company can decide to join such an organization, pay a license fee and report the marketed amounts of packaging materials to the scheme in order to comply with the packaging legislation. If a company wants to take the individual route to compliance, it has to provide a governmental approved take-back system and guarantee financing of the system. Furthermore, an annual report on sales and collected volumes has to be provided. As the individual route is a complex one due to bureaucratic reasons this option is not advised.
The packaging directive introduces a producer responsibility for packaging waste. Producers and importers have to arrange for take-back and recycling of packaging materials introduced to the national markets. All packaging materials are covered, including paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, metal, glass and plastics/PET. The aim of the EU directive is to reduce the use of packaging materials and thus minimize the impact of such materials on the environment. The responsibilities run through the entire national distribution chain; from importers of raw materials used to produce packaging materials, to the final retailer that sells the product.
In order to assist companies in complying with the legal requirements, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO) have been established on a national level. A company can decide to join such an organization, pay a license fee and report the marketed amounts of packaging materials to the scheme in order to comply with the packaging legislation. If a company wants to take the individual route to compliance, it has to provide a governmental approved take-back system and guarantee financing of the system. Furthermore, an annual report on sales and collected volumes has to be provided. As the individual route is a complex one due to bureaucratic reasons this option is not advised.
