Belgian legislative framework

For packaging, the 3 regions of Belgium concluded a Cooperation Agreement which is maintained by the Interregional Packaging Commission. This Cooperation Agreement is the Belgian response to European Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

The Cooperation Agreement is the Belgian interregional framework for the transposition of European Directive 94/62/EC.

The first version dates from 1997 and determines:

Who are the “parties responsible for packaging”
What their obligations are

It also determines the recycling rates to be achieved.
Cooperation Agreement

The Interregional Packaging Commission is responsible for the enforcement of the Cooperation Agreement.

The new version of the Cooperation Agreement has been in force since 5 March 2020.

This new version transposes European Directives 2015/720 and 2018/851 amending Directive 94/62/EC.

The emphasis is on reusable packaging, recycling and increasing recycled content in packaging.

Recycling rates are being increased. These rates are calculated in accordance with the European procedures.

Interregional Packaging Commission

Material	Current target (Belgium)	2025 target (Europe)	2030 target (Europe)
Paper/cardboard	90%	75%	85%
Ferrous metals	90%	70%	80%
Plastic	55% / 65%*	50%	55%
Wood	80%	25%	30%
Glass	90%	70%	75%
Aluminium	75%	50%	60%
All packaging		65%	70%

* For household plastic packaging, the rates must be 65% in 2023 and 70% in 2030.

* For commercial and industrial plastic packaging, the rates must be 65% in 2030.

Transposition of the directive on single-use plastics.

Royal Decree limiting the marketing of certain single-use certain single-use products and to increase the recycled content of certain products.

ART 3

From 01/01/2026: single-use rigid food packaging containing min 10% plastic
From 01/01/2028: single-use rigid food packaging containing min 8% plastic
Single-use rigid food packaging for immediate consumption (plastic or otherwise)
Single-use rigid food packaging for takeaway food for immediate consumption (plastic or otherwise)

ART 5

From 05/01/2025

Plastic sticks and skewers (between 1 and 30 cm) for holding foods
Cutlery and plates containing no plastic except home compostable
Unaddressed plasticised advertising material (cards on car windscreens)

ART 6

From 05/01/2025: plastic-wrapped unaddressed advertising material intended for distribution in letterboxes (width > 15cm)
From 01/1/2028: plastic-wrapped unaddressed advertising material intended for distribution in letterboxes

ART 7

From 15/07/2024: all drinking cups containing 100% plastic
From 01/01/2026: drinking cups containing min. 10% plastic
From 01/01/2028: drinking cups containing min. 8% plastic
From 01/01/2030: single-use drinking cups for immediate consumption (plastic or otherwise) if min 3% plastic
From 01/01/2030: single-use drinking cups for take-home immediate consumption (plastic or otherwise) if min 6% plastic

ART 4 – Mandatory recycled content

Plastic compost barrels and bins
- From 01/01/2025: 80% recycled content of which min. 75% PCR
- From 01/01/2026: 100% recycled content of which min. 75% PCR
Plastic wheelie bins for waste
- From 01/01/2025: 50% recycled content of which min. 50% PCR
- From 01/01/2026: 80% recycled content of which min. 50% PCR
Plastic street furniture
- From 01/01/2025: 80% recycled content of which min. 75% PCR
- From 01/01/2026: 100% recyled content of which min. 75% PCR