WPV claims classification of bag-in-box-packaging as a single-use plastic product is not justified

摘要

The German Trade Association of the Paper Converting Industry (WPV) criticises the latest draft implementation guidelines to the European Single-Use Plastics Directive. The association is convinced that the classification of bag-in-box packaging as a single-use plastic product is not justified and counterproductive under aspects of environmental policy. In accordance with the most recent draft of the guidelines dated 16 December 2020, bag-in-box packaging falls into the category of beverage containers. The document, drawn up in English, calls this type of packaging "Carton box with plastic inner bag (up to three litres)". According to the WPV, bag-in-box packaging does not serve immediate consumption on the go. Rather, it is a type of multi-serving beverage packaging for longer-term consumption after having been opened at home. Therefore, such packaging does not cause a littering problem. Moreover, the WPV says that consumers can easily separate the two components of bag-in-box packaging and dispose of them separately using the correct waste disposal channels so that bag-in-box packaging fulfils the minimum standard of "recyclability" defined by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR).