The trend towards such packaging materials was a topic at the last meeting of the Conference of Environment Ministers (UMK) in June, reports Euwid.
 

According to the preliminary minutes, the UMK noted that manufacturers are increasingly relying on materials such as paper, cardboard and paperboard for the packaging of consumer goods. The environment ministers were "very concerned" about paper packaging, which is not used purely, but as fiber-based composite packaging with plastic components, which often contain functional barriers for product protection, are hardly or not at all recyclable, but are increasingly being used for food, cleaning and cosmetic products in particular. According to the minutes, the UMK sees an urgent need for action and calls for comprehensive measures to improve recyclability and producer responsibility. According to the UMK, it is also particularly alarming that the system participation rate for paper composites, at only around 56%, is significantly lower than for other types of packaging. In addition, the collection quality of waste paper is deteriorating due to misdirected waste, as consumers are inadequately informed about the disposal of this packaging. In order to develop solutions for the deficits that the UMK believes exist, such as the lack of system participation, labeling and recyclability, a round table should be set up with the dual systems and manufacturers with the participation of the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR).
 
Sources:

• Euwid Recycling und Entsorgung 24/2024 (11.6.2024)
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