EAA calls for change to packaging waste law
The European Aluminium Association (EAA) has called for a change in legislation to improve the EU waste rules and increase the availability of scrap for the European recycling industry.
“We see recycling as a win-win solution: it helps the environment and helps the European industry to continue producing and providing valuable and innovative end-use products,” says Gerd Götz, Director General EAA. “However, a change in legislation is needed to help to further unlock the recycling potential of our industry and respond to growing scrap leakage.”
His comments come at the closing of the public consultation on the review of the EU Waste management targets. The EAA is also calling for a consistent approach to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes at the EU and national level.
The EAA has always been a strong proponent of an ambitious EU packaging recovery policy and more ambitious recycling targets. However, it says the current Packaging Waste Directive has led to a situation where different types of recovery schemes – public, private or mixed systems – have shown strengths and weaknesses in their ability to recover packaging material from different waste holder categories, being households and non-households.
“If we are serious about recycling, we must considerably improve general performance level of all EPR in Europe and learn from best in class. The guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes can help to achieve this,” said Laurent Musy, chairman of EAA Packaging Board, speaking at the EAA Aluminium Packaging Seminar, taking place in Berlin. “Efficient collection and sorting systems are essential steps in the fight for higher recycling ambitions. The aluminium industry encourages policy makers and all actors to implement best practices and consistent approaches throughout Europe.”
