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Ref. Ares(2014)1247513 - 22/04/2014
Ref. Ares(2019)5696673 - 11/09/2019
Enterprise and Industry DG
Daniel CALLEJA (Director-General DG ENTR)
Meeting with Ecoembalajes España
(Brussels, 21 April 2014, 10:15h)
BRIEFING NOTE
Mrs.
(Ecoembalajes España – Ecoembes) requested to meet you to
discuss developments on resource efficiency as well as more specifically waste
management, packaging and recycling.
1. RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, WASTE MANAGEMENT, PACKAGING AND
RECYCLING ........................................................................................................ 2
2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY ..................... 3
3. DEFENSIVES................................................................................................ 5
4. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................ 7
5. CV
.......................................................................... 10
1. Resource efficiency, waste management, packaging
and recycling
Line to take:
–
Resource efficiency is one of the 7 flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy
and thus plays an important role in delivering on the EU’s policy objectives.
–
As reflected in the recent industrial policy communications, DG ENTR places a
high importance on the transition towards a more resource efficient economy.
Activities of innovative companies like Ecoembalajes are much encouraged.
–
However, when it comes to introducing new targets on resource use, feasibility and
impacts on the overall economy will need to be carefully assessed.
Name of main contact person:
Telephone
number:
Directorate/Unit:
ENTR.B1
2
2. Background information: resource efficiency
The Commission prepares to bring forward a
circular economy communication, with
adoption foreseen for May 2014 (DG ENV-lead – no inter-service consultation yet). It
will serve as ‘chapeau’ document of the
circular economy package to mark
Commissioner Potočnik’s end of mandate.1
We expect the communication to include a call for a
non-binding target to increase resource efficiency of the EU economy by 30% by 2030, to be integrated into the
Europe 2020 reporting process of Member States. It is to be measured at aggregate
macro-level, based on raw material consumption (RMC)2 by GDP. There is no break-
down at country or sector level foreseen so far. RMC expresses the amount of globally
and domestically induced raw material extractions associated to the EU's consumption.
DG ENTR sees a great
potential for businesses to benefit from increased resource
efficiency, which is reflected in the industrial policy communications from 2012 and
2014. A policy announcement on resource efficiency could also provide more
predictability for
investments into resource efficiency.
However, such a target
should not introduce unjustified burden and curb growth in
still difficult economic times. The
cumulative impact of environmental targets on EU
industry needs to be thoroughly assessed before introducing a new target. Moreover, it
could be difficult to place a resource efficiency indicator on top of the already existing
targets that have a legal base in the waste legislation. We also have a number of questions
on the robustness/usefulness of the proposed indicator. We therefore consider such a
high-profile announcement premature and should at least require making it subject to
further testing and confirmation (
see defensives).
Last year’s
7th Environment Action Programme as decided by the Parliament and
Council actually allows for a longer timeframe:
"…developing measurement and
benchmarking methodologies by 2015 for resource efficiency of land, carbon, water and
material use and assessing the appropriateness of the inclusion of a lead indicator and
target in the European Semester".
Moreover, a potentially coercive approach of achieving an overall target goes against the
philosophy of the
European Innovation Partnership on Raw Materials, which tries to
provide solutions in cooperation with industry to ensure that its raw material supply is
secured.
The
European Resource Efficiency Platform (EREP) has endorsed the proposed 30%
target in its plenary on 31 March 2014, calling upon the EU to set a target to at least
double resource productivity as compared with the pre-crisis trend (i.e. increase of well
above 30% by 2030 –
see EREP flash report). VP Tajani is a member of the platform (not
present in the meeting;
and cabinet member F. Benini). EREP’s
mandate runs until the end of the current Commission, but it might be extended. The
recommendations also include a call for indicators on
land,
water and
biodiversity (in
cooperation with the OECD – no objections at this stage).
1 Initially foreseen to include the waste review, but it now seems unlikely. A progress report on the
Resource Efficiency Roadmap and impact analysis of a resource efficiency target are likely to be included
– the Green SME Action Plan and green jobs communication probably not (discussion ongoing).
2 Including: biomass, metal ores, minerals and fossil energy resources.
3
In the discussions within EREP, the
full spectrum of views was expressed, including
from
industry-side with
some arguing for it – or even proposing a more ambitious 40%
resource efficiency target – and
others against. A consortium of trade associations
(Cembureau, Euroalliages, Eurofer, EUROGYPSUM, Euromines, EuSalt, EXCA, IMA-
Europe, UEPG) and Cefic submitted letters to VP Tajani that strongly criticise the target.
The ongoing
waste review is part of
fitness checks that assess
inter alia the
legally
binding targets in the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive and the
Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). Annex 2 gives an overview of the
proposed targets, which are more ambitious compared to the existing ones. The impact
assessment board initially gave a negative opinion as the underlying analysis was not
considered satisfactory, but turned it positive earlier this month. Discussions are ongoing
when and in which format to adopt the review (now more likely to be a standalone
document in the second half of the year rather than part of the circular economy
communication).
A public consultation on the waste review took place last year.
Industry feedback was
generally positive, including on further actions to increase existing
targets for recycling and
introduce certain landfill bans. They called for an alignment of definitions among
directives (e.g. ‘prevention’, ‘recycling’, ‘reuse’, ‘recovery’) and improvement of data
collection and reporting mechanisms in member states. On packaging waste, Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes were highlighted as important drivers to improve
separation in waste collection in member states. This will be addressed in the review. The
reviewed PPWD will also step up measures to achieve an overall recovery of packaging
material, either through recycling or energy recovery.
The DG ENTR/ENV “
Green Action Plan for SMEs: Enabling SMEs to turn
environmental challenges into business opportunities” is scheduled for adoption
before summer 2014 (results of the public consultation published in March 2014). It
brings forward initiatives to improve resource efficiency within SMEs, promote green
entrepreneurship, develop opportunities for SMEs in a greener value chain and to further
improve internal and international market access for green SMEs.
Under the
European Innovation Partnership for Raw Materials, a number of actions
are of particular relevance to resource efficiency. This includes product design for
optimised use of (critical) raw materials and increased quality of recycling (emphasis on
raw materials and materials efficiency in eco-design; research on product life extension
and critical raw materials in complex products) and optimised waste flows for increased
recycling (qualitative targets; landfill/incineration bans for certain waste; waste
collection systems and Extended Producer Responsibility; reuse and recovery of end-of-
life products).
Contact:
, ENTR.B1 (
)
Annex:
-
Flash report – EREP plenary meeting, 31 March 2014
-
Overview on proposed targets in the waste review (
internal draft)
4
3. Defensives
Why do you consider the introduction of a new resource efficiency target
premature?
I see a great
potential for businesses to benefit from increased resource efficiency,
which is reflected in the industrial policy communications from 2012 and 2014. But, it
should not introduce unjustified burden and curb growth in still difficult economic
times.
The
proposed resource efficiency indicator (raw material consumption/GDP) is
expressed in
relative terms (vs.
absolute – which avoids ‘capping’ growth), and takes
imports into account, which avoids shifting production outside the EU. We had advocated
both conditions in the discussions. However, ultimately, it will be important to get exact
clarity on the target before assessing its impacts on industry.
In this context, I would raise the following points:
o The proposed resource efficiency target is
one more target applying to EU
industry, which will inevitably translate into additional burden for it while it faces
difficult challenges due to strong global competition. There is also a potential risk
that such a target will materialise in hard legislation, which will increase furthermore
the burden.
o The relationship to the
existing waste targets that have as a legal base the waste
legislation should be explained and assessed. It should be made clear why an
additional target is necessary.
o An overall target, as it stands now, does not distinguish the different situations and
aggregates in one single indicator completely different issues. Raw Material
Consumption (
RMC)
is a weight-based indicator, without taking into account any
other parameter like the impact on the environment and health. For instance, the
extraction of one tonne of sand is not comparable to the extraction of one tonne of
gold ore.
o In a related modelling exercise, the timeframe for the
reference period is quite short
(2001-2011) and includes
crisis-related distortions.
o If a target was to go ahead, in order to ensure policy coherence and relevance, it
should be linked to the recently confirmed
aspirational goal for industry to reach
20% of the EU’s GDP by 2020.
o Once this is clarified, detailed impacts will need to be assessed, including on the costs
of production inputs and
cumulative cost impacts if combined with other
environmental objectives (air quality, framework 2030, etc.). DG ENV has
commissioned a
study to
assess impacts of the targets, but I do not consider it
sufficient.
Last year’s
7th Environment Action Programme as decided by the Parliament and
Council actually allows for a longer timeframe:
"…developing measurement and
benchmarking methodologies by 2015 for resource efficiency of land, carbon, water and
material use and assessing the appropriateness of the inclusion of a lead indicator and
target in the European Semester".
5
Why do we consider the preliminary assessment of impacts of a new resource
efficiency target not sufficient?
A recent
study commissioned by DG Environment states that resource productivity
improvement of around 2% to 2.5% per annum can be achieved with net positive impacts
on EU28 GDP and that it turns negative beyond this rate.
I believe indeed that there is a potential for businesses and the economy as a whole to
benefit from a transition towards a more resource efficient economy. However, the
impacts of introducing a new target need to be thoroughly assessed.
On the above mentioned analysis, I would raise the following points:
o The timeframe for the main reference period used for the modelling (2001-2011)
risks producing distorted results due to the crisis with a severe drop in
manufacturing output and of related resource use.
o A thorough analysis would need to take the cu
mulate impact of various
environmental objectives into account (notably air quality directive, energy and
climate targets, waste targets).
o More detailed analysis of
sectors that are negatively impacted would be necessary.
o We question the depth on the analysis of whether the
20% industry share of GDP
could be achieved in conjunction with the new resource efficiency target.
o This analysis was not presented to and discussed in the
European Resource
Efficiency Platform (EREP) before it was asked to endorse the proposed target.
o It's not an EC 'impact assessment'.
6
4. Background
ECOEMBALAJES ESPAÑA, S.A.
Ecoembalajes España, S.A. es una sociedad anónima sin ánimo de lucro,
que se crea a finales de 1996, en previsión de la transposición de la
Directiva Europea 94/62/CE que fija unos objetivos de recic0lado y
valorización a alcanzar en junio de 2001, armonizando así las normas sobre
gestión de envases y residuos de envases entre los distintos Estados
miembros de la Unión Europea.
Tiene como misión el diseño y gestión de un sistema encaminado a la
recogida selectiva y periódica de residuos de envases y envases usados en el
domicilio del particular o en su proximidad, para su posterior tratamiento y
valoración. Éste es el Sistema Integral de Gestión (SIG), identificado por el
Punto Verde.
El accionariado de esta sociedad está compuesto por 57 empresas y
asociaciones de empresas que integran a todos los sectores que participan en
la gestión de envases:
55% fabricantes y envasadores (L´Oreal, Kraft
Food España, Danone, Colgate Palmolive entre otros),
20% comercio y
distribución (Alcampo, Carrefour, Dia, El Corte Inglés, etc),
20%
fabricantes de materias primas (Anep, Recipap, Tetra pak, Ecoeacero, etc)
y
5% recicladores (Anarpla, Acare, Cespa, Recipap, etc).
Las actividades de Ecoembes se financian mediante las aportaciones de las
empresas envasadoras acogidas al SIG. Esta aportación se calcula en
relación a la cantidad de envases puestos en el mercado, aplicándose un
baremo por unidad en función del peso y del tipo de material utilizado en
cada envase.
Ecoembes. Su homólogo, ECOVIDRIO, se encarga de la gestión de los
envases de vidrio. Aunque podrían existir otros Sistemas Integrados de
Gestión de Envases, las principales empresas envasadoras han llegado a la
conclusión de la forma más económica de gestionar los envases y dar
cumplimiento a lo establecido por la ley, es la existencia de un único sistema
de gestión.
7
Para realizar su labor, Ecoembes cuenta con más de 12.000 empresas
adheridas. Dichas empresas realizan anualmente una declaración de los
envases que han puesto en el mercado. En función del peso y el material
utilizado, deben pagar una cantidad de dinero en concepto de “Punto
Verde”, un símbolo que aparece en la mayor parte de los envases.
Ecoembes recoge por esta vía más de 3.800 millones de euros que se
destinan a abonar a los ayuntamientos y entidades locales el sobre coste que
les supone recoger los envases ligero (envases de plástico, bricks y latas) y
los envases de papel y cartón de forma selectiva.
Desde 1998, Ecoembes ha firmado convenios de colaboración con los
municipios y entidades locales de más de 40.000 habitantes y cuenta con la
autorización de todas las Comunidades Autónomas para poder actuar en las
mismas.
Además, Ecoembes trabaja directamente con sus empresas adheridas para
diseñar planes de prevención encaminados a reducir el peso de los envases
puestos en el mercado.
A nivel europeo Ecoembes pertenece a Pro Europe (Packaging Recovery
Organization Europe) encargada de la protección del punto verde y a la que
pertenecen actualmente los sistemas integrados de 34 paises.
Pertenece además a EXPRA (Extended Producer Responsable Alliance).
Esta organización promueve y protege conjuntamente el modelo de
Responsabilidad Extendida Productor (EPR).
ECOEMBES EN CIFRAS
- Más de 12.000 empresas adheridas.
- Gestiona anualmente 1,7 millones de toneladas de envases.
8
- Ecoembes ha recaudado más de 3.800 millones de euros en concepto de
punto verde que se han dedicado a financiar la recogida selectiva.
- Ecoembes actua en todas las Comunidades Autónomas.
- Desde 1999, Ecoembes ha logrado implantar más de 30.000 medidas de
prevención que equivalen a un ahorro de 420.000 toneladas de materias
primas.
- Desde 1996 el peso de los envases se ha reducido de media un 16%.
- En España se reciclan actualmente 7 de cada 10 envases.
- Se han distribuido más de 500.000 contenedores amarillos y azules para la
recogida selectiva de los envases.
- La actividad de Ecoembes genera más de 42.000 puestos de trabajo.
9
5.
CV
10
11
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