The European Parliament is set to vote on the packaging waste regulation, with the goal of reducing waste and overpackaging, and increasing reuse. However, with over 500 amendment proposals on the table, MEPs anticipate a complicated and difficult vote.

The Government of Finland has expressed concerns about the potential impact of reducing packaging on food waste or food safety. The law will take its final shape in negotiations between the EU Commission, the Parliament, and the Council of member states. The environment committee of the European Parliament voted on packaging waste in October, with a majority supporting the proposal for at least 20 percent of non-alcoholic beverages to be offered in reusable packaging from 2030.

However, concerns have been raised by food and brewing industries in Finland about increased costs and negative environmental impacts resulting from reuse goals. MEPs have expressed dissatisfaction with the Commission’s proposal, arguing that it does not adequately consider life cycle thinking and could lead to unsustainable practices.

The majority of members of the European Parliament’s environment committee supported the proposal to offer at least 20 percent of non-alcoholic beverages in reusable packaging by 2030 as a way to reduce packaging waste. However, there are concerns about potential costs and environmental impacts on food and brewing industries, as well as criticism directed towards inadequate impact assessments by the Commission.