The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK-based environmental charity, has announced a partnership with European organisations to tackle packaging waste across the continent.

This initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials, particularly plastics, by promoting sustainable practices within the industry.

Focus on plastic packaging reduction

Initially, the collaboration will concentrate on decreasing plastic packaging waste. WRAP EU plans to work with industry stakeholders to implement strategies that minimise the use of virgin plastics and enhance recycling efforts.

This approach aligns with the European Commission's objectives to make all packaging recyclable by 2030 and to reduce packaging waste per capita by 15% by 2040, compared to 2018 levels.

Emphasis on reuse and refill systems

A significant aspect of the partnership involves promoting reuse and refill systems within the packaging industry.

By encouraging businesses to adopt reusable packaging solutions, the initiative seeks to decrease the reliance on single-use packaging, thereby reducing overall waste generation.

This effort supports the EU's broader goals of preventing packaging waste and decreasing the use of virgin materials in packaging.

Collaborative efforts for sustainable packaging

The partnership aims to unite businesses, policymakers, and environmental groups to develop practical solutions for sustainable packaging.

By fostering international cooperation, WRAP and its partners hope to create long-term strategies that can be implemented across various sectors to minimise environmental impact.

This collaborative approach is essential for achieving the ambitious targets set by the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which seeks to reduce waste and ensure all packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2030.

This EU-wide collaboration marks a significant step in addressing packaging waste management challenges and promoting sustainable practices within the packaging industry.