Less well known than the CSRD, but still important

Many companies are now well-acquainted with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires organizations to transparently report on their environmental impact and sustainability efforts starting in 2025. Less widely known, but equally relevant to the circular economy, is the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (Directive 94/62/EC).

This European directive, originally introduced in 1994, is specifically targeted at reducing packaging waste and promoting circular processes through reuse, recycling, and minimizing unnecessary packaging. The goal is to reduce the amount of packaging material within the EU and reduce harmful substances in packaging, while keeping packaging functional for product protection.

Companies that use, process, or produce packaging materials are encouraged through this directive to operate more sustainably and minimize the environmental impact of their packaging.

What does the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive mean?

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive sets European standards for the production, use and disposal of packaging. Member states are required to:

• Minimize packaging waste: Prevent unnecessary packaging.
• Promote recycling: Member states must meet targets for recycling packaging materials such as plastic, glass, paper and metal.
• Encourage reuse: The use of reusable packaging should be encouraged.
• Reduce environmental impact: Limit harmful substances in packaging, such as heavy metals.

Recent revisions

Under the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), the European Commission strengthened the directive in 2022 with the goal of:

• Make all packaging reusable or recyclable by 2030.
• Ban unnecessary packaging such as duplicate or decorative packaging without functional added value.
• 50% reduction in plastic packaging waste by 2040.

These stricter regulations force companies to reassess their packaging strategies and consider more sustainable alternatives.

How in-situ disinfection technology aligns with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive

In line with the objectives of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, in-situ disinfection technology, such as Watter's, offers an effective solution for minimizing packaging waste.

What is in-situ disinfection?

In-situ disinfection technology produces the disinfectant on-site, exactly when it is needed. This means companies no longer need to purchase or store pre-filled bottles, jerry cans or other plastic containers.

How does it contribute to packaging reduction?

• Elimination of disposable packaging: No transport or storage of pre-filled disinfectants.
• Reduced plastic waste: No single-use plastic bottles or jerry cans.
• Reduced CO₂ emissions: Because no packaged disinfectants need to be transported, CO₂ emissions from transportation decrease.

This approach aligns perfectly with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive goals of less waste, fewer pollutants and more circularity.

Hand in hand with the CSRD: Sustainability reporting requirements

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which applies to many large companies starting in 2025, requires companies to report in detail on their environmental impact, including packaging use and waste management. Applying in-situ disinfection technology contributes to this reporting by:

• Enables reduction of packaging waste, in line with the objectives of the Packaging Waste Directive.
• Supports carbon reduction through reduced packaging production and transportation.
• Encourages sustainable materials management by moving to a process without disposable packaging.

Conclusion

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive plays an important role in reducing packaging waste and promoting the circular economy within Europe. Technologies such as in-situ disinfection, which minimize packaging waste while contributing to the goals of both this directive and the CSRD, are a valuable step toward more sustainable business management.

Sources:

• European Commission. Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. Consulted from environment.ec.europa.eu.
• Green Deal press release packaging: Consulted from ec.europa.eu.
• European Commission. Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). Consulted from ec.europa.eu.
• European Commission. Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Consulted from ec.europa.eu.
• Photo by Magda Ehlers