Planned EU legislation on packaging threatens popular seasonal confectionery

Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry fears the end of chocolate Easter bunnies & Co.

06-Feb-2024

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The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) is extremely concerned that the EU's plans for the future design of packaging could mean the end of popular seasonal confectionery such as heart-shaped boxes of chocolates for Valentine's Day or the chocolate Easter bunny or chocolate Santa Claus with decorations such as bows, scarves or hats.

The draft Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) clearly states that the focus should be on minimizing packaging in the future. Unlike the EU Parliament, however, the European Council's position does not provide for any exemptions for seasonal products or gift packaging, which have been appreciated and in high demand by consumers for many decades. Exemptions for mandatory packaging minimization are currently only provided for products with trademark or design protection. However, small and medium-sized companies in particular are unable to apply for trademark or design protection for each of their products due to the considerable costs and administrative effort involved.

"By omitting a ribbon, for example, the suitability of a product as a gift is lost. It is precisely this type of design that makes many popular products unique. For example, the bell or bow on an Easter bunny or Santa Claus or a small Christmas tree on a chocolate snowman are unmistakable features that create added value in consumer expectations. A special presentation of a box of chocolates would no longer be possible under the EU Council's plans," explains Dr. Carsten Bernoth, Managing Director of the BDSI.

The BDSI therefore strongly supports the position of the EU Parliament, which takes into account not only the purely protective function of packaging but also the special design for special occasions. Without taking into account consumer acceptance and the function of the packaging, gift and seasonal packaging would lose its special design, which is appreciated by consumers, if packaging components were removed.

Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.

https://www.yumda.com/en/news/1182652/planned-eu-legislation-on-packaging-threatens-popular-seasonal-confectionery.html