June 2020 - EUROPEN position on the New Circular Economy Action Plan 

Packaging is an integral and essential part of the product supply chain, from the production to the consumption stage. The packaging supply chain, represented by EUROPEN, plays a central role in contributing to a resource efficient and circular economy by optimising resource use, minimising product (and food) waste and protecting products all along the value chains. Our members are continuously innovating to deliver on their sustainability commitments, while preserving the integrity and safety of the products for citizens and businesses.

By putting the accent on the combined goal of increasing sustainability and economic growth, the new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP 2.0) sets the basis for an innovation-driven policy agenda, which must encourage both ambitious and economically viable solutions to scale up the circularity of the EU economy.

To enable the packaging supply-chain making bigger leaps towards a more circular economy, any new packaging-related policies and regulations must be guided by the following general principles:

• Preserve the integrity of the Internal Market, to strengthen the implementation of packaging and packaging waste targets across the EU and avoid competitive distortions that risk undermining those same targets.
• Protect the functionality of packaging ensuring its intended use is fulfilled, thus preserving product integrity and safety, and reduce product waste.
• Embrace a life-cycle approach to circularity, where climate and environmental performance is assessed throughout the entire life cycle of packaging and product. 
• Support innovation and investments in circularity through the deployment of incentive schemes and financing tools that are adequately funded, better streamlined and more easily accessible.