The European Commission had proposed that EU countries reduce the waste stream by about 15 percent by 2040. The EU politicians in Strasbourg expanded this with a three-step plan: by 2030, 2035, and 2040 it must be reduced by 10, 15, and 20 percent respectively.
Additionally, the MEPs established a ban on the sale of lightweight plastic bags, with exceptions for hygiene reasons or to prevent food waste.
The European Parliament also decided not to ban single portions of sauces and spices, disposable packaging for food and drinks in restaurants, and plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables. The now approved law does contain a provision that plastic containing PFOS chemicals may not be used for vegetables and food.
The new packaging rules follow two recently adopted proposals to green the economy and limit the waste stream. Brussels is also working on laws to require producers to repair broken items earlier and more often. Furthermore, the export of plastic waste to poor countries is also being ended.