On April 22, 2024, Earth Day 2024 was celebrated under the theme “Restore our Earth”. The primary focus was on addressing the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and promoting sustainable lifestyles aimed at reducing our ecological footprint.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the European Green Deal and combating climate change, with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Goals and Measures of the European Green Deal
The European Green Deal is a pioneering political initiative by the EU Commission aimed at making the EU the world’s first climate-neutral region by 2050. This ambitious plan lays the foundation for a sustainable future and defines the Green Deal action plan, which encompasses a variety of measures and objectives. These include reducing CO2 emissions, promoting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and transitioning to circular economy systems for production and consumption. Given the urgency of climate change and increasing environmental pressures, implementing these measures is crucial for ensuring a livable future for generations to come.
The Role of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Ordinance (PPWR)
A central component of the European Green Deal is waste reduction and the promotion of a circular economy to reach that goal. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Ordinance (PPWR) is a significant instrument in achieving this objective. According to the new packaging regulations, all packaging on the EU market should be reusable or recyclable by 2030. Strict guidelines dictate the proportion of recycled materials that packaging should contain. The PPWR sets clear requirements for how companies must shape their packaging practices to meet the demands of a more sustainable circular economy and reduce resource consumption.
Practical Example: Implementing the PPWR
A leading company in heating and climate technology sees the new law primarily as a step towards more sustainable packaging practices: By 2026/27, all packaging in internal factory transport within the EU must be done in reusable packaging. Similarly, 100% of packaging in national goods receipt, if the supplier is located in the same member state as the factory, must be in reusable packaging by this time. Additionally, the company has set clear measures to ensure compliance with these regulations: a fee of €0.20 per kilogram of packaging waste is charged to finance disposal, while non-compliant packaging incurs a penalty of €0.80 per kilogram of packaging waste.
The Importance of Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Companies play a crucial role in implementing the European Green Deal and integrating sustainable practices into their business models. Many companies have already defined clear goals for a green future, including reducing CO2 emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, reducing resource consumption, and minimizing packaging waste.
Through our collaboration with companies like yours, we can collectively contribute to shaping a greener future. Contact us to learn more about our sustainable solutions and partnership opportunities. Together, we can advance the European Green Deal and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
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