Stay informed on the latest sustainability developments with this weekly update, covering pivotal shifts in environmental policy, energy efficiency, and regulatory frameworks. This week, we explore the European Union’s newly enforced Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which aims to curb waste and enhance recyclability. In the U.S., the EPA is reconsidering several environmental regulations that could impact global climate policies. Meanwhile, Cyprus has set ambitious renewable energy targets, Germany edges closer to energy independence, and Ireland faces potential EU fines for missing emissions targets. Additionally, the latest UNCTAD Global Trade Update sheds light on shifting trade patterns and economic uncertainties for 2025.
The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into force on February 11, 2025, replacing the previous directive. This regulation is designed to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability, and support a circular economy across EU member states.
Key Objectives of the PPWR:
- Waste Reduction: Measures to prevent and minimize packaging waste, including promoting reuse and refill systems.
- Recyclability by 2030: Ensuring all packaging on the EU market is recyclable in a cost-effective manner by 2030.
- Recycled Content: Increasing the use of recycled materials in packaging while maintaining safety standards.
- Climate Neutrality: Reducing reliance on virgin materials to align the packaging sector with the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.
Notable Provisions:
- Single-Use Plastics Restrictions: Banning certain single-use plastic items, such as pre-packed fruits and vegetables under 1.5 kg and individual condiment portions in the hospitality sector.
- Packaging Minimization: Requiring that packaging weight and volume be kept to the necessary minimum for safety and consumer acceptance.
- Recycled Content Targets: Setting minimum percentages of recycled content in packaging by 2030 and 2040.
- Reusable Packaging: Mandating that take-away businesses allow customers to use their own containers at no extra cost.
These measures aim to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption while reducing the environmental and health impacts of packaging waste.
By transitioning from a directive to a regulation, the PPWR ensures uniform implementation across all EU member states, creating a consistent framework for packaging and packaging waste management.
Packaging waste – European Commission
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to reconsider over two dozen environmental rules, including those limiting climate pollution from power plants and vehicles. This move could have implications for international environmental standards and policies
The EPA has announced dozens of environmental regulations it plans to target | WUNC
The Global Trade Update published by UNCTAD in March 2025 highlights that global trade reached a record $33 trillion in 2024, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a 9% rise in services trade, contributing $700 billion, while goods trade experienced a modest 2% increase, adding $500 billion. However, both sectors saw a slowdown in the latter half of 2024, with services growing by just 1% and goods by less than 0.5% in the fourth quarter.
Developing economies led this expansion, with imports and exports rising by 4% over the year and 2% in the fourth quarter, mainly due to the performance of East and South Asia. In contrast, developed economies’ trade remained stagnant throughout the year and declined by 2% in the fourth quarter.
The report also notes widening merchandise trade imbalances. The United States’ trade deficit with China reached $355 billion, increasing by $14 billion in the fourth quarter, while its deficit with the European Union grew by $12 billion to $241 billion. China’s trade surplus hit its highest level since 2022, and the EU shifted from a deficit to a surplus for the year, aided by high energy prices.
Looking ahead to 2025, while trade has remained stable in early months, the report warns of potential disruptions due to escalating geoeconomic tensions, protectionist policies, and trade disputes. Additionally, declining shipping indices suggest weakening industrial activity, particularly in sectors reliant on complex supply chains.
Global Trade Update (March 2025) | UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Cyprus has set ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030, aiming for 33.17% of its energy consumption to come from renewable sources. The National Energy and Climate Plan, submitted to the European Commission in December 2024, outlines a strategic shift to a green economy
Cyprus Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets for 2030 – The Future Media
Germany is set to secure energy independence but is projected to narrowly miss its 2045 climate neutrality target. A report indicates that while the country will significantly shift its energy mix towards renewables, achieving a 95% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 compared to 1990, the 2045 target may not be met
Germany set to secure energy independence, but narrowly miss climate target
A joint report by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) and Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) has warned that Ireland risks paying a significant bill (€8 billion to €26 billion) to other EU members if it fails to meet its 2030 climate targets. The report indicates that Ireland is currently not on track to meet its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Ireland Risks €26Bn EU Fine Over Emissions Gap: Why Is Payment Inevitable?