Fibre Packaging Europe delivers statement on One Europe – One Market: Why competitiveness must lead the way

Fibre Packaging Europe has a simple message for EU leaders: if Europe wants a truly circular, sustainable economy, competitiveness must sit at the heart of every policy decision. The Coalition, which includes the Food and Beverage Carton Alliance, has released a statement reiterating that packaging plays a vital role in ensuring that products such as food, beverages, medicine, and appliances can move safely, efficiently, and competitively across borders within the Single Market. 

Representing 1,500 companies and 2,200 facilities across Europe, the FPE warns that fragmented packaging rules remain one of the biggest barriers to a functioning Single Market. With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) set to apply in the second half of 2026, industry needs clear, stable, and consistent guidance, not conflicting national rules or last‑minute reinterpretations.

As the EU progresses towards the full application of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, we call for clear guidance and measures that:

✅Eliminate barriers and drive harmonisation
✅Prevent regulatory overlaps
✅Support innovative, bio-based solutions
✅Strengthen recycling through separate collection

Michele Bianchi, Pesident of Pro Carton and newly elected president of Fibre Packaging Europe commented:

“As FPE’s new president, I take office with a clear conviction: We must now focus on policies that strengthen our European industry. With this in mind and in the context of the roadmap on ‘One Europe – One Market’ to be presented by the European Commission to EU leaders, FPE asks to consistently embed competitiveness and Single Market considerations across all EU policies and supportive initiatives”.

Supporting more than 700,000 jobs and over €110 billion in economic activity, the fibre packaging value chain stands ready to work with policymakers. The goal is shared: a competitive, sustainable European market that strengthens industry rather than holding it back.

Read the full FPE press release.