On a global scale, the concern for climate change and environmental destruction has triggered a series of sustainable practices and actions aimed at sustainability. Worldwide, 141 million tons of plastic packaging are produced annually, contributing to approximately 1.8 billion tons of carbon emissions each year. Concerns are heightened by the fact that only 14% of plastic packaging is collected for recycling, while 40% of it is used only once before being discarded.

According to a survey by "The Conscious Insider," less than 30% of businesses are adequately prepared to comply with regulations, and a similar percentage of businesses have established clear measurable indicators related to recycling, sustainability, or the use of recycled content in their packaging materials.

As part of these efforts, the Association of Plastic Industries in Greece organized the first Plastainability Conference in November 2023, titled "Rethinking Plastics" (evolving from the Annual Conference of the Association of Plastic Industries in Greece). The conference aims to become a tradition and a reference point in the evolving discussion on promoting sustainable plastic management in Greece. It intends to present challenges, opportunities, innovative initiatives, and best practices, considering the new regulations of the European Union on packaging and packaging waste.

To address these concerns, Greece has adopted regulations and embraced sustainability standards that affect the packaging industry, following European Directives. The Greek legislation on packaging is based on the European Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (Directive 94/62/EC), which was amended in 2018 by Directive 2018/849/EU and Directive 2018/852, incorporated into national law by Law 4685/2020.

Packaging Regulations in Greece:

According to this law, new targets for packaging recycling have been set with two key deadlines for their achievement. By 2025, the goal is to recycle 50% of plastics, 20% of wood, 70% of ferrous metals, 50% of aluminum, 70% of glass, and 75% of paper and cardboard. By 2030, the corresponding recycling rates should reach 55% for plastics, 30% for wood, 80% for ferrous metals, 60% for aluminum, 75% for glass, and 85% for paper and cardboard. By the end of 2030, 70% of packaging waste must be recycled.

To achieve these goals, Greece has introduced an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for certain packaging materials such as plastics, glass, paper, and aluminum. EPR systems require producers and importers of packaging to pay for the collection, transport, and recycling of the packaging waste they generate or import.

In late 2022, the European Commission proposed the revision of EU legislation on packaging and packaging waste to limit the use of plastic and paper packaging. The proposed changes have three main objectives: prevent the generation of packaging waste, make all EU market packaging recyclable in an economically sustainable way by 2030, and increase the use of recycled plastics in packaging through mandatory targets.

These coordinated efforts in Europe support the European Green Deal, aiming to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy with zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It promotes economic growth decoupled from resource use, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Sustainability Standards for Packaging:

In addition to regulations, several sustainability standards have been implemented to help businesses improve the sustainability of their packaging. These standards assist businesses in reducing the environmental footprint of their packaging, increasing recyclability, and enhancing their image as environmentally conscious enterprises.

1. ISO (International Organization for Standardization):

ISO is an international organization that issues standards for a wide range of products and services. It has developed standards for packaging, covering issues such as recycling, the use of renewable materials, and the reduction of environmental impact.

1. LCAs (Life Cycle Assessments):

LCAs are tools used to measure the environmental impact of a product or process throughout its life cycle. LCAs assist in evaluating the environmental impact of packaging in areas such as resource use, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation.

1. FSC™ (Forest Stewardship Council™):

FSC™ certification has been established by the non-profit organization Forest Stewardship Council ™, ensuring that all primary materials from forests used in FSC-certified products come from controlled and responsibly managed sources. As an environmentally conscious company, Cartabianca has obtained FSC™ (FSC™ C172223) certification and can offer eco-friendly solutions,upon its customers' request, including packaging from responsibly managed FSC™ certified forests, recycled materials, and other controlled sources.