Packaging is the focus of attention. Through the European directive Single-use-plastics, the anti-waste law for a circular economy (Agec), new regulations aim to limit, and in the longer term, ban single-use plastic packaging.
An extensive definition of plastic packaging
« These regulations were built very quickly on ideas that seem very simple, but turn out to be particularly complex to implement." explains Kareen Desbouis, General Delegate of Carton ondulé de France, which represents 70% of the French companies in the corrugated board sector.
What should be done with packaging that is not made of plastic but contains some plastic? "The difficulty we have with the Single-use-plastics directive is that it has a completely broad definition of single-use plastic packaging, in the sense that any packaging that contains some plastics, regardless of the majority material, is considered under this directive as plastic packaging says Kareen Desbouis.
Many cardboard packages incorporate a thin plastic film, partly because of the need for barrier properties. "Manufacturers offer solutions that do contain plastic, but reduce the amount of plastic used. Since cardboard packaging is highly recycled, the little plastic that is eventually shipped does not end up in nature.»
A difficult application
Some regulations will be difficult to implement for manufacturers. Among the many provisions of the law, the ban in 2022 of plastic overpackaging for fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg.
"For fruits that are not too wet, such as apples, it is possible to replace the plastic with a treatment, but for other products, for example endives, it will be complicated, there are not necessarily technical solutions available. We hope that there will be exemptions.»
The General Delegate of Carton ondulé de France remains confident. "Companies are trying to respond as best they can. On all fronts, there are things to develop. We will see many innovations in the coming years. I have confidence in the inventiveness of our members, who are able to create new, highly specialized and inventive packaging.
