European Legislation relating to Beverage Cans and the Environment

The European Packaging Directive

On December 20, 1994, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted the "Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste".  The objective: to harmonise the various measures applied in the member states in respect of packaging and packaging waste management.

The Directive contains provisions relating to the avoidance of packaging waste, re-utilisation of packaging, disposal of packaging (including waste incineration to generate energy) and recycling of packaging waste.  On the one hand, the intention is to avoid or reduce any detrimental effects of packaging waste on the environment. On the other hand, the aim is to guarantee that the internal market functions properly and to prevent trading obstacles, as well as competition distortion and restrictions. 



In accordance with the amendment dating from December 2004, the EU member states are obliged to meet the following minimum targets by 31st December 2008.

• To re-use at least 60% of post-consumer packaging (including incineration to generate energy)
• To recycle between 55 and 80% of post-consumer packaging

In addition, the recycling quotas indicated below must be met for the following materials:

• Glass   = 60%

• Paper   = 60%

• Metals   = 50%

• Plastics  = 22.5%

• Timber = 15 %