The CEOs of Europe’s leading glass manufacturers have written to the European Commission calling for a technical adjustment to the new packaging minimisation requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) through the upcoming Environmental Omnibus or other legal tools.
Glass manufacturing is one of Europe’s oldest industrial traditions, a sector built on craftsmanship, design and continuous innovation. Today, it remains a global benchmark for circularity. The container glass industry strongly supports the ambition of the PPWR and continues to invest heavily in decarbonisation, furnace electrification, improved recycling systems and is supporting the uptake of reuse. Glass already achieves a high recycling rate in Europe and continues to raise the bar on both circularity and innovation.
The new packaging minimisation requirements of PPWR, as currently drafted, would require all packaging to be cut to the “minimum necessary” in a way that leaves no room for creative packaging design and innovation. That means no space for the shapes, features or brand elements that consumers recognise and trust.
For sectors like wines, spirits, cosmetics, perfumery, gourmet foods and beverages, this would severely limit global competitiveness and, in some cases, jeopardise entire value chains.
The request is narrowly focused and constructive; a clarification in the upcoming Environmental Omnibus that maintains ambition while ensuring that the PPWR is workable, proportionate and legally clear:
- Ensure a fair balance between packaging minimisation and design freedom: product presentation, marketing and brand identity should be explicitly acknowledged.
- Strengthen IP Protection and review the 2025 cut-off date
- Amend the references to rigid maximum weight limits
With over EUR 140 billion in EU exports relying on glass packaging, getting this right matters for thousands of SMEs, major global brands, and Europe’s leadership in circular, high-quality and sustainable manufacturing.
FEVE remains committed to working with EU and national decision-makers to ensure the PPWR delivers both in terms of environmental ambition and industrial competitiveness.
The FEVE CEO’s letter on Packaging Minimisation Rules is available here.