The European Union’s packaging waste regulation, if implemented as agreed upon, is expected to result in significant investment requirements for the Finnish brewing industry. This regulation will lead to the creation of two different bottle return systems and require investment of hundreds of millions of euros for the brewing industry. The member companies of the Brewery Association, such as Hartwall, Olvi, and Sinebrychoff, are impacted by the regulation, which mandates that at least ten percent of beverages must be sold in reusable packaging by 2030.
The unpredictability of the legislation poses challenges for the industry in making investment decisions and renewing production lines. CEO of Panimiolito Tuula Loikkanen expressed hope that the industry can influence the regulation with the EU Commission’s executive instructions in the future. However, concerns about the interpretation of the regulation and its applicability to different types of drinks remain unclear.
The Finnish brewing industry is concerned about implementing this regulation as it requires not only investment from the industry but also changes in trade practices and bottle return systems. Logistics systems will need to be revamped to accommodate the shift to refillable bottles, which poses challenges for breweries located in different regions. The regulation’s impact on Nordic countries and differences in existing bottle return systems in Central Europe are also key issues for this industry.
In conclusion, while acknowledging its importance to reduce packaging waste, the brewing industry emphasizes clarity and consistency in implementing this packaging waste regulation while addressing concerns related to national practices and goals.