From 2021, the EU will introduce a ban on single-use plastic and items made from it, such as straws for drinks, cutlery and plates. We will talk about plastic products that most often end up in the environment and for which there is an affordable replacement.
But that is not all
A directive drafted by the European Parliament also prohibits polystyrene packaging for beverages and food, cotton swabs and cotton swabs, and thin plastic bags, among others. In addition, manufacturers of filters for cigarettes, balloons, and some food and beverage packaging will have to pay to dispose of the plastic they produce, which will inevitably end up in the trash. According to the European Commission, 70% of the plastic waste in European waters and oceans comes from these products.
In addition, by 2029, Europe should bring separate waste collection to a point where 9 out of 10 plastic bottles end up in a plastic container. The return of the value of containers, upon delivery, and innovative forms of plastic collection should contribute to this. And starting in 2030, 1 in 3 bottles should be made from recycled plastic.
What needs to change and why it matters
The ban on the use of plastic bags in stores, which went into effect in 2016, is already bearing fruit. There is less plastic in the environment. However, the EU believes that bans alone are not enough. After all, only people themselves can make a difference in terms of the culture of using (or not using) disposable products. Therefore, the EU member states decided, among other things, to start information campaigns so that consumers become more aware of the dangers of plastic entering nature.
The planned ban will have a serious impact on both ordinary people, who will have to rebuild the way they do their business, and the packaging industry and plastic manufacturers, who will have to look for other, more sustainable alternatives.
The European Commission estimates that these measures will save € 6,5 billion. This forecast is based on the recyclability and recyclability of plastic products. The ban will also benefit the environment, as it will reduce CO2 emissions by 3,4 million tonnes.
A number of large retail chains have already announced that they are ready to actively participate in the events and take the lead in the fight against plastic. They have already eliminated plastic straws and plastic utensils from their product range and are trying to use as little plastic as possible when packaging their products.
When does the law go into effect?
The agreement reached at the talks in December 2018 still needs formal ratification. This is expected to happen in mid-2019. After that, it will take 2 years for the directive to be implemented in national legislation and start being used by countries. That is, we are talking about exactly 2021.
Publication Date: 14.08.2019
