Mixed reactions to Flemish government decisions on recyclable packaging

Mixed reactions to Flemish government decisions on recyclable packaging

Business leaders in Flanders have expressed satisfaction with the decisions taken by the regional government on Friday, after a marathon 20-hour sitting preceding their departure on vacation. The decisions concern new rules on waste dumping and recyclable packaging, as well as the decision not for the moment to introduce a levy on plastic bottles and metal cans.

For the organisation Comeos, which represents small independent supermarkets, including those franchised from large chains like Carrefour and Delhaize, “We are happy the sector’s commitment has been recognised, and that the Flemish government has opted for a total approach, which will offer a solution on all packaging,” the federation said in a statement.

The global plan of the government is for all packaging coming onto the market by 2025 to be recyclable, reusable or compostable. However the government places the onus on the industry, not only on the consumer, who carries the responsibility for selection at present.

In the meantime NSZ, which represents small businesses, welcomed the lack on a law on deposits on drinks cans and plastic bottles, which has long been pushed by environmental organisations.

However the organisation also expressed regret that the ban on plastic bags issued by retailers was not accompanied by measures to encourage the use of more environmentally-friendly shopping bags.

Alan Hope
The Brussels Times


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