Packaging contributions

The impactful SUP ragulations and packaging contributions in the Netherlands

In an era where protecting our environment and reducing plastic pollution are a growing concern, important steps are being taken to reduce our use of disposable plastic. In the Netherlands, a number of regulations have been introduced in recent years that seek to reduce the impact of plastic on the environment. We as a packaging manufacturer would like to inform our customers what these regulations entail both for us as producers and for them as customers.

Waste management fee from packaging

After January 1, 2023, there will be an important development in the field of sustainable waste management: the introduction of the packaging waste management levy. As of this date, the definition of the term "producer or importer" has changed for the purposes of the Packaging Waste Management Contribution, at the intercession of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, so that it aligns with the definition in the legislation.

This contribution is a measure introduced to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste and promote more sustainable use of materials. The waste management levy is now imposed on producers and importers of packaged goods according to the adjusted definition. This aims to provide an incentive to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging materials.

The introduction of this levy is an important step towards a circular economy, in which waste is minimized and materials are reused as much as possible. This contributes to a cleaner environment, reduces pressure on natural resources and helps reduce plastic pollution.

The change affects organizations that:

• Professionally commissions another person to mark the packaging of products with its name, logo or mark (as well as the contractor).
• The duty to contribute shifts in general (there are exceptions) from the contractor to the principal, production of a product for which the mark does not belong to the manufacturer, for example under house brand or private label;
• Placing (empty) packaging on the market that is intended (possibly with third parties) to be added to it when products are made available to the user.
• The contribution obligation shifts from the supplier to the company marketing the (empty) packaging.

Sup-regulation

The Single Use Plastics (SUP) scheme is an important initiative designed to reduce the negative impact of single-use plastics on the environment. In particular, this scheme focuses on reducing the use of plastic products that are single-use and often end up as waste after a short use, such as plastic straws, disposable cups, plastic cutlery and stirrers.

To support the implementation of the SUP scheme and promote environmentally friendly waste management, waste management fees have been introduced. These contributions are imposed on producers and importers and end users of packaged goods to finance the management of packaging and its waste.  

The SUP scheme encourages producers and consumers to use alternatives to disposable plastic, such as reusable materials and biodegradable products. This helps reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our ecosystems and helps protect our oceans and our environment.

The goal of this scheme is to promote a more sustainable and cleaner future where we minimize the impact of plastic pollution on the environment while protecting our natural resources for future generations. By consciously choosing alternatives and supporting waste management contributions, we can all make a positive contribution to preserving our environment.

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