{"id":120174,"date":"2026-05-13T10:16:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T08:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eeb.org\/?p=120174"},"modified":"2026-05-13T10:16:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T08:16:45","slug":"160-environmental-and-health-groups-respond-to-last-minute-attempt-by-coca-cola-mcdonalds-and-others-to-reopen-eu-packaging-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eeb.org\/es\/160-environmental-and-health-groups-respond-to-last-minute-attempt-by-coca-cola-mcdonalds-and-others-to-reopen-eu-packaging-law\/","title":{"rendered":"160+ environmental and health groups respond to last-minute attempt by Coca-Cola, McDonald\u2019s and others to reopen EU packaging law"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leaked CEO letter prompts opposition from broad alliance of environmental and health advocates defending landmark EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.<\/h4>\n

A\u00a0leaked letter<\/a>\u00a0signed by more than 100 food and beverage company CEOs, including Coca-Cola, Heineken, McDonald\u2019s, Kraft Heinz and Mondelez, is calling on European Union institutions to delay and reopen key provisions of the\u00a0Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)<\/a>, just months before implementation is set to begin in August 2026.<\/p>\n

On 29 April, CEOs requested EU institutions to delay key implementation timelines and revise provisions. If acted upon, requests could weaken restrictions on harmful PFAS chemicals in food packaging, and expand exemptions to keep large volumes of single-use packaging on the market, undermining the EU\u2019s objective to reduce packaging waste at a time when waste levels remain high. Notably, a number of signatories and active sponsors of this initiative are headquartered outside the EU, raising questions about the extent to which corporate interests beyond Europe are seeking to undermine democratically agreed EU law.<\/p>\n

A broad alliance of over 160 Break Free From Plastic members and allies, communities impacted by plastic and PFAS pollution, universities, consumer rights organisations and businesses committed to reuse, have\u00a0sent a letter in response<\/a>\u00a0urging EU leaders to reject this lobbying push and uphold the Regulation as agreed by the European Parliament, Council and Commission.<\/p>\n

They have warned that reopening agreed legislation at this stage risks weakening environmental protections, undermines regulatory certainty for companies already investing in compliance, and sets a precedent for corporate influence over environmental law after adoption.<\/p>\n

Companies have shaped the Regulation and have had years to prepare<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The PPWR, one of the most heavily lobbied EU files, was adopted through the full legislative procedure, following extensive public and industry consultation. Companies have had both regulatory clarity and guidance to adapt their business models and supply chains.<\/p>\n

Environmental and health groups argue that reopening agreed provisions would erode trust in the legislative process and deflect responsibility for democratically agreed environmental commitments\u00a0back<\/em>\u00a0onto<\/em>\u00a0EU institutions.<\/p>\n

Public commitments contradicted by private lobbying<\/strong><\/h5>\n

There is a contradiction between the voluntary sustainability commitments made by major brands and their behind-the-scenes policy positions. Several signatory companies have presented themselves as climate and circular economy leaders, yet are now seeking to weaken packaging reduction rules, delay chemical safety measures, and limit implementation of reuse systems. However, the PPWR mandatory reuse targets exist precisely because recycling alone cannot deliver the structural shift Europe needs to reduce packaging waste.<\/p>\n

The lobbying push is creating collateral damage for businesses,\u00a0 including major market players, that are genuinely committed to the success of the regulation and are already investing in the transition. Companies that have already started to adapt their supply chains around PPWR compliance are now facing unnecessary regulatory uncertainty, putting planned investments and innovation at risk.<\/p>\n

The power of precedent<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The outcome of this lobbying effort will be closely watched across Europe and beyond as governments around the world consider similar packaging and plastics policies. If corporate lobbying succeeds in reopening a regulation weeks before it applies, it risks signalling that even landmark environmental law remains vulnerable to last-minute, covert lobbying pressure, regardless of democratic process.<\/p>\n

Quotes:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Marco Musso,\u00a0<\/strong>Deputy Policy Manager for Circular Economy at the European Environmental Bureau, said:<\/p>\n

\u201dIt is disappointing to witness yet another attempt to delay and dilute a legislation designed to protect citizens and to stop the uncontrolled growth of packaging waste. Fortunately, the usual suspects behind the CEO letter do not speak for the majority of the packaging value chain. Across Europe a multitude of businesses, including major players, remain genuinely supportive of the regulation and are already investing to prepare for it. We stand with the EU institutions to preserve the integrity of the regulation and ensure effective implementation.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Emma Priestland,\u00a0<\/strong>Corporate Campaigns Coordinator for the Break Free From Plastic movement, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe letter sent by some of the world\u2019s biggest users and polluters of plastic is a shocking example of corporations trying to override the democratic will of 27 countries. Their last minute attempt to derail this vital piece of legislation shows a frankly appalling disregard for the wishes, safety and wellbeing of their own customers. Companies should be focusing on ending their reliance on single-use packaging rather than influencing the law of an entire region.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Catia De Cao,\u00a0<\/strong>from Italian civil society network\u00a0Rete Zero PFAS Italia,<\/em>said:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI am deeply concerned about PFAS, having grown up in a region of Italy\u2019s Veneto that has been severely affected by \u2018forever chemical\u2019 contamination. Years of exposure have left many people in my community with dangerously high levels of PFAS in their blood, increasing the risk of a multitude of serious health issues. But regardless of whether people live in pollution hotspots or not, we are all exposed to PFAS on a daily basis, as it is commonly used in food and beverage packaging. To protect people\u2019s health \u2013 and especially the health of the youngest generations \u2013 the European Commission must go ahead with the ban of PFAS in food packaging.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Sam Pearse,\u00a0<\/strong>Campaigns Director from Story of Stuff, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PPWR is a direct response to decades of fast-moving consumer goods companies shifting to disposable packaging\u2014shedding microplastics and harmful chemicals while pushing their costs onto society. Now, some of those same companies, including U.S.-based corporations like McDonald\u2019s, claim to support the law\u2019s intent after pouring resources into weakening it and carving out exemptions. Their complaints ring hollow. The PPWR sets a critical global benchmark for moving away from throwaway packaging. EU leaders must hold the line \u2014 the world is watching.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

ENDS<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Notes to the editor<\/strong><\/h5>\n