Study by Ireland's EPA examines how single-use packaging for fruit and vegetables can be reduced, along with results of a national survey on usage and attitudes; report will help inform Ireland's approach to EU’s forthcoming PPWR, says minister of state

July 26, 2024 (press release) –

• Circular Insights Study publication welcomed by Minister Smyth

Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, welcomed the publication last week of the EPA's Circular Insights Study report examining how single-use packaging used in the sale of fruit and vegetables can be reduced, along with the results of a national survey on usage and attitudes to single use packaging for fruit and vegetables. The Minister noted the report will help inform Ireland’s approach to the implementation of the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

The report was mandated in the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, and aims to examine how single-use packaging used in the sale of fruit and vegetables can be reduced. The report gathers information and insights on the types of single-use packaging used to bring fruit and vegetables to the point of sale, the role of producers, wholesalers/distributors and retailers in specifying the type and use of single-use packaging in the sale of fruit and vegetables, and suggests options to reduce such single-use packaging.

Packaging presents a serious challenge, with the generation of packaging waste increasing at a faster rate than improvements in recycling rates. Although Ireland is meeting its current packaging targets, we are not on a secure course to meet our 2025 targets for plastic, aluminium and overall packaging.

Measures taken within Ireland to improve our recycling rates include the recent introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme, the ending of self-compliance for packaging producers, and the reintroduction of soft plastics into the recycling bin.

Welcoming the publication of the Report, Minister Smyth said:

"I look forward to studying this report and its recommendations, which come at an important juncture as we prepare for the necessary changes in how we approach packaging that will come with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The generation of packaging in Ireland has grown substantially within the last decade, so we need to do much better to prevent this waste arising in the first place. Reuse and refill solutions offer great potential in this regard."

At a European level, a new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been agreed and is expected to come into force within the next 6 months. The PPWR includes specific proposals for the mandatory use of reusable and refillable packaging, banning certain forms of packaging, setting design criteria for packaging, mandatory rates of recycled content in packaging and the introduction of new harmonised labelling on how to recycle.

ENDS