Highlighting the role of DRS to deliver a circular economy for beverage packaging
MPE organised a pivotal event at the European Parliament, focusing on the critical role of DRS in achieving the EU's ambitious circular economy goals. The event, hosted by MEP Cyrus Engerer (S&D, Malta), brought together key stakeholders to discuss the importance of DRS in advancing sustainability objectives for beverage packaging.
Setting the Stage for a Circular Future
MEP Engerer opened the event by highlighting the transformative potential of DRS in creating a cleaner environment. He pointed to Malta's success story as an example of how DRS can significantly improve beverage recycling rates. However, he acknowledged the need to address accessibility challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations, to ensure a fully inclusive system.
EU Leaders Advocate for Transnational Solutions
Mr. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director for Circular Economy at the European Commission (DG ENV), emphasised the effectiveness of DRS in boosting beverage container recycling. He called for developing transnational solutions to facilitate seamless packaging recycling across borders and urged sustained pressure on policymakers to prioritise and strengthen recycling initiatives.
Industry and Sustainability Experts Discuss the Path Forward
The opening panel discussion featured leading figures from the packaging industry and environmental organisations, including Claudia Bierth (Ball), Nicholas Hodac (UNESDA), and Joan-Marc Simon (Zero Waste Europe). They acknowledged the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as a positive step towards setting minimum standards. However, they stressed the need for the EU to adopt a more ambitious approach and further promote packaging sustainability. A material-oriented approach with ambitious recycled content targets was identified as crucial to accelerate beverage circularity, with Ms Bierth highlighting the importance of such targets in reducing waste generation.
Building a More Efficient DRS System
The second panel explored concrete actions to optimise DRS systems. MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, Finland) joined Sandrine Duquerroy-Delesalle (CROWN), Maarten Labberton (European Aluminium) and Julia Leferman (Berarii României - a member of The Brewers of Europe). The discussion focused on measures including return point expansion, lowering deposit fees and fostering cross-border recognition of DRS packaging. Additionally, the panel highlighted the benefits of aluminium as a highly recyclable material. They advocated for broader DRS implementation across all EU member states, including in non-retail settings like sports and cultural venues. Furthermore, discussions addressed the need for lower deposit fees for smaller packaging and exploring cross-border DRS recognition. The panel also critiqued the proposed Digital DRS system as potentially less efficient than traditional methods.
The event concluded with a presentation showcasing the success of the Every Can Counts initiative and its collaboration with PURE RECYCLE on Antiparos Island in Greece. This real-world example is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of aluminium beverage can recycling initiatives.
MPE remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration between policymakers, industry, and civil society to build a more circular and sustainable EU.