European paper manufacturers are among the associations expressing concern about mandatory refill and reuse targets in the revision of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). In a joint statement issued with paper, carton and board packaging associations last week, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) argued that re-use and refill targets needed to be evidence-based and developed using a life-cycle approach. "Recyclable, sustainably sourced packaging should be used where it has an environmental advantage over reusable alternatives as well as where reuse can pose health, safety, and food security issues," the organsations wrote. Additional statement signatories included the food, nonwovens and home appliance industry associations Copa Cogeca, Edana and Applia.
"Waste prevention can be achieved via both reuse & refill, and recycling," said the industry groups. To ensure that recycling would continue to complement reuse/refill, reuse and refill targets should only be set for packaging categories and/or systems when they have proven benefits for the environment and society, Cepi and the statement's other signatories maintain....
