Spring 2024

Dear Esteemed Readers,

We hope this EXPRA Newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits.

The spring season has drawn to a close with remarkable activity for EXPRA and its esteemed members, marked by pivotal events and focused priorities.

After years of assessments, discussions, stakeholder meetings, and extensive trilogue consultations, the European Parliament adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) at its first reading on April 24, 2024. This regulation is designed to facilitate the transition to a circular economy. Once fully implemented, the PPWR will replace the existing Packaging Directive 94/62/EC.

The PPWR represents a profound shift in how packaging is regulated within the European Union, aiming to harmonize the Union’s internal market for packaging (Art. 1(2) PPWR). It will encompass a wide array of packaging types used in production, importation, distribution, and inter-company logistics across the EU, impacting millions of businesses and citizens.

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), took place from 23 to 29 April 2024 at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada.

The session was preceded by regional consultations on 21 April 2024.

The Revised draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (UNEP/PP/INC.4/3) is available in all six UN official languages.

The European Parliament elections (9-11 June 2024) marked a notable shift to the right, with populist and far-right parties securing up to 25% of the seats. The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) remains the largest group, while the influence of the Socialists and Liberals has diminished. Major gains for the far-right were observed in France and Germany, significantly impacting national politics, with Macron calling for a general election. Ursula von der Leyen is expected to seek a second term as Commission President, but forming a stable pro-European majority will be challenging. The election results indicate a stronger pro-business agenda but also increased challenges for multinationals navigating the new political landscape