The “Packaging Innovations” conference, held annually in Kyiv, is one of the key industry events where packaging manufacturers, consumer goods producers, and retail representatives exchange experiences and business strategies. This time, over 150 representatives from various companies participated in the conference.

The event participants discussed the situation in the packaging market during the war and changes in domestic and European industry legislation. The discussion also covered new opportunities in PET bottle production, packaging solutions for e-commerce and postal shipments, innovations in label usage, automation of packaging processes, workforce training for the packaging industry, and more.

Head of the Executive Committee of UKRPEC, Volodymyr Slabyi, participated in a discussion on the topic “Experience in implementing sustainable packaging. Legislative changes in the EU and Ukraine.” In his speech, Volodymyr Slabyi focused on changes in domestic legislation regulating packaging waste management. In particular, he analyzed the key differences between the current household waste management system and the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which the upcoming industry reform aims to implement.

The speech also addressed key concerns that packaging manufacturers and producers of goods in packaging have regarding the implementation of the reform. Business representatives emphasize that under current conditions, it will be impossible to achieve high recycling rates at the initial stage of the reform, as proposed by legislators. Instead, UKRPEC considers it reasonable to set targets at 10% with annual increases. Additionally, Volodymyr Slabyi informed the conference participants about the adverse consequences that could result from the high fragmentation of the packaging waste management market.

However, the greatest concern among industry representatives is the fact that for many years, the creation of a European-style packaging waste management system in Ukraine has been artificially stalled, and funds allocated for implementing the principles of a circular economy are being spent inefficiently.

“The current Framework Law “On Waste Management” includes a provision for implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility system, specifically outlining the powers of local self-government bodies. As part of a pilot project aimed at creating a system for separate collection and recycling of packaging waste in communities of the Kyiv region, UKRPEC is working closely with local self-government. I must admit that establishing communication with local authorities can sometimes be very challenging. I am convinced that a full-fledged start of the reform is impossible without the adoption of special laws, particularly the Law “On Packaging and Packaging Waste,” which will define the specific mechanisms for implementing EPR and penalties for failing to meet target indicators. Unfortunately, we do not know what this Law will look like today, as there are currently three versions under consideration in parliament. Government Draft Law No. 10066 was developed over two years with the participation of the European Union, business representatives, and all interested parties. However, two more draft laws have since emerged. In September of last year, parliamentarians proposed combining the three draft laws into one and preparing it for the first reading. But to date, this has not happened. We still do not have the text of the draft law. When Ukraine becomes an EU member, we will have to comply with European legislation, which, for example, requires recycling 70% of PET bottle waste by 2025 and 90% by 2030! How can we achieve this if we have not passed the legislation, created the EPR system, or educated the public on separate waste collection? Ukraine has been postponing solving this problem for decades. UKRPEC’s practical experience shows that this is very challenging work, but to achieve anything, we must at least start,” emphasized Volodymyr Slabyi, Head of the Executive Committee of UKRPEC, in his speech.