EUROPEN works for the achievement of non-conflicting national packaging measures based on:
- full understanding of the issues
- close co-operation between all sectors of the packaging chain
- avoiding barriers to trade
- in order to meet in the short-term justifiable goals for packaging waste management in each country as quickly as possible in the interests of the environment, consumers and the packaging chain alike. EUROPEN ultimately supports adoption of integrated waste management approaches which will deliver real environmental improvements at lowest cost under local conditions.
EUROPEN members believe that the environmental challenges facing the packaging chain will only be satisfactorily resolved by action which:
- is led by members of the packaging chain united in their positions and objectives does not discriminate against specific packaging materials or systems
- is proactive and co-operative, not reactive and confrontational
- involves governments, legislators, environmental interest groups and consumer representatives
Membership of EUROPEN provides companies with advance information on all packaging and environment developments with financial consequences and detailed status reports on packaging laws and regulations covering:
- EU Packaging Directives
- National legislation in over 25 European countries
- Packaging taxes and levies
- National systems for packaging waste recovery and recycling
- Essential information for corporate strategic planning
- A pan-European perspective of current issues and industry responses
- A voice in shaping industry initiatives, positions and responses in EU packaging law
- Participation in members forums covering topical issues
- Valuable networking opportunities between executives concerned with environmental affairs and with customers and suppliers
- An opportunity to support EUROPEN`s activity to promote a balanced view of the use, benefits and environmental aspects of all types of packaging
EUROPEN is controlled by the Council of Members which elects an Executive Committee which in turn appoints a managing director. Working groups, drawn both from members and outside resources as necessary, are established to deal with specific subjects.
The Council, comprising all members, meets three times per year and adopts an annual activity plan. The Executive Committee and work groups meet as often as required. EUROPEN finances its activity from membership fees set annually by the Council of Members for the following year`s budget.
EUROPEN is a non-profit association registered in Belgium with headquarters in Brussels. EUROPEN`s statutes specifically prohibit it from engaging in any activity which would render it or any of its members in breach of any competition laws in force in the European Union or under any national laws of any of the members. A copy of the statutes is available on request.
EUROPEN membership is open to any company with an economic interest in packaging or packaged goods. Special low fees are available for small to medium size enterprises (SMEs). National industry groups with similar objectives to EUROPEN may also join as associate members. (Membership is not open to individuals.)
For information about membership, please contact the EUROPEN Managing Director Julian Carroll.
