Concerns have been voiced at newly-table EU proposals on the so-called 'circular economy', legislative plans that seek to encourage better use of waste and packaging.
Parliament is due to adopt a report on the Commission's circular economy package, which comprises legislative measures on waste and packaging, later this week.
If adopted by Parliament and Council, member states would have two years to implement the wide-ranging measures, that include targets for waste and packaging.
The issue was the subject of a debate on Tuesday, hosted by the Parliament Magazine and EUROPEN, the Brussels-based body representing Europe's packaging industry.
The event, 'A Growth-Oriented and Competitive Circular Economy', attracted a mix of experts and stakeholders.
One of the keynote speakers, Hans van Bochove, European deputy Chair of Coca Cola, expressed "very serious" reservations about elements of the circular economy proposals that was re-submitted by the Commission in December after the original proposals were withdrawn by the executive in 2014.
He said, "Though the package is much better than the original one it still needs some critical amendments, particularly where it pertains to 'extended producer responsibility'.
"We also feel that the role of retailers and citizens should be recognised and made explicit. Many would say that defining the roles of all actors falls on member states, but I don't understand why this wouldn't apply for the role and responsibilities of the producers, or it is just about the money?"
His biggest concern, though, was the proposal's "lack of clarity" regarding producer responsibility.
"It is totally unclear what is meant by 'treatment operations' and since this is about business some parties have already started to define it for themselves and include activities for which we as producers don't feel any responsibility whatsoever.
"Some believe that for them it will be cake every day, paid by the producers. I am afraid we will have to disappoint them."
He also pointed out that while the concept of a circular economy was the current "buzzword" it was "nothing new" to some companies, including his own which employs about 50,000 people across Europe.
"Today, almost 65 per cent of packaging waste is now recycled but this is something that didn't just happen by itself."
Martin Reynolds, EUROPEN Chair, who, opening a lively two-hour discussion, pointed out that his members largely support much of the content of the legislative part of the proposal, said that there were however a number of recommendations that the packaging sector wanted to see incorporated into the draft legislation.
The "key points" of these, he said, were strengthening the internal market for packaging and packaged goods and harmonisation "but only where it makes sense."
He added, "We support harmonisation of waste legislation where relevant. There are some instances, however, where harmonisation, instead of providing clarity, actually creates confusion."
His organisation recommends amendments to the draft legislation, including altering the waste framework directive.
Reynolds said, "We have made some recommendations to enhance the internal market safeguard for packaging and packaged goods.
"We have also made some additional recommendations to increase the likelihood that circular economy objectives can be met, by ensuring that harmonisation does not disadvantage our sector."
Another keynote speaker was Julius Langendorff, deputy head of the waste management and recycling unit at the European Commission's environment directorate.
He said a circular economy meant more than mere waste management but was also about keeping products in circulation "for as long as possible."
Langendorff also conceded there was a "huge challenge" facing the EU in encouraging member states to meet existing waste packaging targets.
He said a "significant" number of member states needed to take "strong, additional" measures, adding that the Commission was working with these unspecified countries in order to help them meet targets.
He told attendees at the packed lunch debate that he believes the circular economy is more all-embracing than the much-vaunted "green economy," adding, "it appeals to much more than just the environmental community."
Outlining the emphasis the incoming Slovakian EU Council presidency will place on the circular economy proposals was Katarina Butkovska.
Butkovska, an environment counsellor at Slovakia's permanent representation to the EU, believes the circular economy offers several opportunities, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Although the transition to a circular economy was not a short-term objective, it is something the Slovakian presidency will focus on, she assured participants.
"We will listen to all stakeholders and try to find solutions to concerns they have on this," she said.
Drawing the debate to a close, the host, German EPP group MEP Karl-Heinz Florenz, said the discussion - and Commission proposals - both underlined the importance of cutting the environmental impact of packaging - one of the two objectives of the EU packaging and packaging waste directive.
The event had also highlighted what remains to be done, he said, in terms of implementing current and future waste reduction targets.