EU-Wide Legislation
1. Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904)
• Status: Adopted in 2019; phased implementation ongoing.
• Key Provisions:
• Bans: Prohibits certain single-use plastic products where alternatives are readily available, including cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, balloon sticks, and polystyrene food and drink containers.
• Reduction Targets: Requires member states to achieve a significant reduction in the consumption of single-use plastics, particularly cups and food containers.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Obligates producers to cover costs of waste management and cleanup for items like tobacco filters, wet wipes, and balloons.
• Product Design Requirements: Sets requirements for beverage containers to be attached to lids and have a minimum recycled content by 2025 and 2030.
• Marking Requirements: Mandates labeling to inform consumers about appropriate disposal methods and environmental impact for items like sanitary products, wet wipes, and cups.
• Collection Targets: Aims for a 90% collection rate for plastic bottles by 2029, with a goal to reach 77% by 2025.
2. European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan
• Status: Ongoing, with various initiatives under development.
• Key Provisions:
• A broader push for reducing plastic waste through increased recycling, design for recyclability, and addressing microplastics.
• Supports innovation and investment in sustainable materials and alternatives to single-use plastics.
• Focus on reducing the environmental impact of plastic production and consumption across the EU.
Pending and Future Actions
1. Revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive
• Status: Proposal under review, with expected updates to targets and measures.
• Key Provisions:
• Sets stricter recycling targets and encourages the use of reusable packaging.
• Aims to reduce packaging waste and improve the circularity of materials.
• Further actions to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging, including single-use plastics.
2. Microplastics Restrictions
• Status: Ongoing consultations and legislative processes.
• Key Provisions:
• Aiming to restrict intentionally added microplastics in products like cosmetics, detergents, and fertilizers.
• Complementing single-use plastic regulations by tackling a significant source of plastic pollution.
3. Sustainable Products Initiative
• Status: Proposals under consideration.
• Key Provisions:
• Focuses on extending eco-design principles to a wider range of products, including packaging.
• Seeks to reduce the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle, including a reduction in the use of single-use plastics.
National Legislation and Implementation
• EU member states are required to transpose the directives into national laws, leading to variations in how each country implements the regulations.
• Some member states have introduced additional measures, such as deposit return schemes for bottles, stricter bans, and taxes on single-use plastics beyond the EU directive.
Key Challenges
• Ensuring consistent implementation across all member states.
• Balancing industry adaptation with environmental goals.
• Addressing the continued use of plastic products that are difficult to replace with sustainable alternatives.
This evolving legislative landscape reflects the EU’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution and advancing toward a more sustainable and circular economy.
