Lovverk relevant for emballasje

There is an increased attention to the sustainable production and consumption of packaging as well as handling of packaging waste. Therefore, both EU and Norway work actively with the revision of the existing packaging and packaging waste regulations and introduction of the new legislations.

1. Packaging-related regulations at EU level

Directive on packaging and packaging waste (94/62/EC)

• essential requirements on the composition and the reusable and recoverable, including recyclable, nature of packaging
  • to limit the weight and volume of packaging to a minimum adequate amount in order to still meet the required level of safety, hygiene and acceptability for the packed product and for the consumers
  • to minimize the content of hazardous substances and materials in the packaging material and its components
  • to design reusable or recoverable packaging, which may include design for material or organic recycling as well as design for energy recovery
  • financing the return and/or collection of used packaging and/or packaging waste and its channeling to the most appropriate waste management option
• reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags
• increase in the share of reusable packaging
• recycling targets for each type of packaging material
• use of materials obtained from recycled packaging waste
• marking of packaging
• correct labelling of biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags
• concentration levels of heavy metals present in packaging

Currently the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive is under revision. Changes will be made to the essential requirements for packaging with a view to, among others, improving design for reuse and promoting high quality recycling. There are will be increased level of standardization and broader range of requirements to the design of packaging and to treatment of packaging waste.

Harmonised standards under Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste:

• EN 13427:2004 Packaging - Requirements for the use of European Standards in the field of packaging and packaging waste
• EN 13428:2004 Packaging - Requirements specific to manufacturing and composition - Prevention by source reduction
• EN 13429:2004 Packaging – Reuse
• EN 13430:2004 Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling
• EN 13431:2004 Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable in the form of energy recovery, including specification of minimum inferior calorific value
• EN 13432:2000 Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging

Directive on single-use plastics

• Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. Some of the requirements include:
  • PET beverage bottles contain at least 25 % recycled plastic from 2025
  • caps and lids made of plastic shall remain attached to the containers during the products’ intended use from 2024
  • prohibit the placing on the market of some single-use plastic products and products made from oxo-degradable plastic
  • restrictions on placing on the market some single-use plastic products and consumption reduction; marking requirements

• Commission implementing decision (EU) 2022/162 laying down rules for the application of Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the calculation, verification and reporting on the reduction in the consumption of certain single-use plastic products and the measures taken by Member States to achieve such reduction:
  • requires reporting weight and number of plastic cups for beverages and food containers.

• Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2020/2151 of 17 December 2020 laying down rules on harmonized marking specifications on single-use plastic products listed in Part D of the Annex to Directive (EU) 2019/904:
  • harmonized packaging marking specifications for beverage cups, for tobacco products with filters and filters, wet wipes, sanitary towels (pads), and tampons

Directive on plastic bag (2015/720)

• Directive (EU) 2015/720 amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags:
  • reporting requirements on plastic carrier bags
  • specific measures for biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags

2. Packaging-related regulations in Norway

https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2004-06-01-930

Product Regulation, chapter 2b (Regulation of certain plastic products)

https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2004-06-01-922/KAPITTEL_4#KAPITTEL_4

3. Announced EU legislations relevant for packaging and packaging waste (in preparation)

https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/consumers/sustainable-consumption_en

Proposal for a policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics – aims to promote bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics that lead to genuine environmental benefits, by providing consumers with clear and trustworthy options

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/plastics/bio-based-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastics_en

Legislative proposal for substantiating green claims made by companies – aims at reducing greenwashing, to substantiate claims about the environmental footprint of the products/services by using standard methods for quantifying them

https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12511-Environmental-performance-of-products-businesses-substantiating-claims_en