verpakkingsrichtlijn

The Packaging Directive, officially Directive 94/62/EC, is a key piece of European Union legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging. Its primary objectives are to prevent the generation of packaging waste, promote reusable packaging, and encourage the recycling and recovery of packaging materials. The directive sets out specific targets for member states regarding the recycling and recovery rates of packaging waste, and it also establishes essential requirements for packaging placed on the market, focusing on its composition, reusability, and recoverability.

Member states are required to implement the directive into their national laws, establishing systems for collecting, sorting, and recycling packaging waste. This often involves producer responsibility schemes where manufacturers and importers are financially or operationally responsible for the management of their packaging waste. The directive has been instrumental in harmonizing packaging waste management across the EU, leading to significant increases in recycling rates and a reduction in the amount of packaging waste sent to landfill. It has also spurred innovation in packaging design and materials, encouraging the use of more sustainable options. The directive is periodically reviewed and updated to address emerging environmental challenges and to maintain its effectiveness.