[originaltext] Exporters are going to have to change if they hope to penetra

Exporters are going to have to change if they hope to penetrate the large European markets. The European Union (EU) has launched a two-sided attack on packaging waste. It wants both to decrease sharply the amount of packaging waste that is generated and to increase the level of recycling necessary packaging. To accomplish these objectives, two key targets have been established. First, by 1998, 60 percent of package waste by weight has to be recoverable for recycling or other uses and by 2003, the percentage to reach 90. The second target requires that more than 10 percent by weight of the waste remains to be disposed of (e.g. in landfills). The individual EU countries are free to determine on their own by what methods they want to achieve these targets and how they will finance these necessary waste recovery infrastructures. Most countries will place the largest part of burden on those manufacturing, using, or selling packaging. Marketers have been encouraged to adopt the four environmentally correct redesign, reduce, reuse, and recycle. Germany, which has been the front-runner in issue, requires producers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers to take packaging from their customers to use or recycling independently of the public waste disposal system. These criteria will directly affect U.S. and other exporters seeking markets in Europe. If packaging-of exports does not meet the EU requirements, products may be denied entry. Exporters to the EU will seek out distributors with experience in dealing with waste management requirements. While the system is a burden, it offers some benefits. Cutting down on packaging can save on materials and shipping costs.