Finnish Brewing Industry Braces for Challenges Amid New EU Packaging Waste Regulation Approval

The European Union’s packaging waste regulation has been approved by the European Parliament in Strasbourg, which marks a victory for the Finnish forest industry but a disappointment for the beverage industry. According to Tuula Loikkanen, CEO of Panimiolito, the regulation will result in significant investment requirements for the Finnish brewing industry. The brewery association members such as Hartwall, Olvi, and Sinebrychoff are impacted by this regulation that mandates at least ten percent of beverages must be sold in reusable packaging by 2030.

The Finnish brewing industry is concerned about the interpretation of the regulation and its applicability to different types of drinks. Implementing this regulation will require not only investment from the industry but also changes in trade practices and bottle return systems. The shift to refillable bottles poses challenges for breweries located in different regions, and logistics systems will need to be revamped to accommodate this change. Additionally, key issues for the industry include the impact on Nordic countries and differences in existing bottle return systems in Central Europe.

Despite these concerns, Tuula Loikkanen expressed hope that the industry can influence the regulation with the EU Commission’s executive instructions in the future. However, she acknowledged that unpredictability of legislation poses challenges for making investment decisions and renewing production lines. In conclusion, while acknowledging its importance, the brewing industry emphasizes clarity and consistency in implementing this packaging waste regulation while hoping to work with EU Commission to address concerns and find solutions that align with national practices and goals.