SWITCH-Asia

WHEN:  28 May 2025     I    TIME:  14:00 - 15:30 (Bangkok Time)    I    Register  HERE

Background:

In February 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation entered into force with new measures to prevent packaging waste, promote reuse and further tackle the environmental challenges caused by excessive packaging. It will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, water use and environmental impacts from the packaging sector. In parallel, the regulation will create opportunities for reuse and refill systems as well as for recycling. It is an important step towards a more competitive, sustainable and circular economy for the EU.

The new measures aim to develop a single market for waste, secondary and reusable materials; promote recycling; and reduce dependency on primary resources. They include promoting reuse and refill as alternatives to single-use packaging and improving consumer. Packaging will be more sustainable and enable consumers to reuse and sort their packaging waste more effectively, with solutions customised to the specific needs of Member States and businesses. The regulation will thus enhance resource efficiency and boost the circular use of materials.

In effect, the EU has moved from recycling promotion measure to a series of far-reaching packaging design changes set as a minimum condition of market access. It addresses economic operator directly and obliges them to make changes that may fundamentally alter their entire packaging portfolio and strategy. The Regulation introduces binding measures on prevention, reuse, and recycled content while making recyclability and recycling at scale a minimum requirement.

The new Regulation has a broad reach and will have real economic impact. Any company that uses packaging to distribute, handle or import goods into the EU, or that supplies or imports packaging or packaging materials, is affected. How will this change the products made in Asia and imported to EU but also those that are placed on Asian markets?

Webinar Session:

The EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component and the European Environment Bureau, are convening the webinar, The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: a source of inspiration for the Asia-Pacific Region to:

• Present the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
• Understand what is means for the Asia-Pacific region
• Present what is expected in the coming years, what opportunities will arise from this new Regulation and more generally from circular economy perspectives for the packaging value chain.

Agenda