The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) requires:
- packaging to be minimised
- packaging be designed for recovery and re-use.
- recovery targets to be met by the UK for waste packaging.
- heavy metals in packaging to be restricted
Responsibility for packaging is split between two government departments:
Additional Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive Information
BIS leads on EU Directive single market and UK Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations. These are from the : Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
Defra leads on broader UK waste and packaging policy and the UK Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations. Defra Environmental Waste
Europa website Packaging and Packaging Waste
Official European list of Standards for Packaging and Packaging Waste