The European Container Glass industry welcomes the European Parliament's decision to protect distinctive packaging designs.

The European Container Glass industry welcomes the outcomes of the European Parliament Plenary session vote on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) designed to make the packaging sector a key contributor to the EU Circular Economy.

It applauds the European Parliament (EP) recognition of the key role of packaging design to convey product identity, brand recognition and value of high-quality EU products.

The industry now calls on the Council of the EU also to ensure adequate protection of all Intellectual Property rights and therefore of distinctive and iconic products that rely on them.

It appreciates that MEPs have recognised the vital role of Intellectual Property Rights for packaging design.

Adeline Farrelly, Secretary General of the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE), said: “Packaging is an inherent part of the product and by its design it helps consumers recognise brands and make informed choices. Unique and creative packaging shapes are a key touchpoint on the shelves for all consumers.

“Protecting Intellectual Property Rights is a major step forward in safeguarding creative designs and the fundamental role of packaging in product differentiation, identity, brand recognition and value creation.”

Furthermore, the industry appreciates the EP’s decision to maintain the ambitious packaging waste reduction targets while maintaining a level playing field.

Ms Farrelly said: “The Parliament’ vote mitigates against the risk that heavier but circular materials like glass are replaced by lighter packaging materials, but which are harder to recycle or reuse."

She continued: “The introduction of recyclability performance grades rewarding packaging that can be recycled multiple times and that can feed into a closed material loop scheme is a major milestone.

“These grades have the potential to incentivise materials like glass that is infinitely recyclable in a closed product loop.”