Single-use plastic products banned
Plastic is widely used in products: it is light, cheap, and can be used for different purposes. But plastic is bad for the environment. Once produced, it never degrades. New legislation to reduce litter is on the way. We explain what is going to change and when.
Single-use plastic banned from 3 July 2021
The new European Single-Use Plastics Directive will come into effect on 3 July. From that date, producers will no longer be allowed to market single-use plastic products, such as plastic earbuds, cutlery, plates, straws, drinks stirrers and balloon sticks. The ban also applies to products partially made of plastic or bioplastic. Existing stocks may still be sold.
Product packaging
As of 3 July 2021, producers of single-use plastic products are also required to state on the product packaging that the product contains plastic, in which rubbish bin it belongs after use, and what damaging effects the product has on the environment.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
In future, producers will contribute to the cost of waste collection and the clearing away of litter. They must also implement measures to raise awareness amongst consumers. The EPR measure will come into effect in phases from 5 January 2023. Rules about implementation are still being developed.
Other measures
The European Commission will introduce additional measures in due course. For example, loose caps will no longer be allowed from 3 July 2024, and 25% of soft drink and water bottles must be made of recycled material from 2025. That will rise to 30% from 2030.
Deposit on plastic bottles
The Dutch government is taking additional measures to tackle litter. On 1 July 2021, a deposit on small plastic drinking bottles was implemented. A deposit of 15 euro cents applies to bottles of less than 1 litre. From 31 December 2022, there will also be a 15-cent deposit on cans of soft drinks, water and beer.
About the SUP guideline
The European Union has introduced the European Single-use Plastics guideline (SUP guideline) to reduce single-use plastic and to collect and recycle more plastic. This guideline applies to the 10 plastic products most commonly found on European beaches. The measures apply to all EU member states.
Objective of SUP guideline? To reduce the plastic soup!
Plastic litter is a big environmental problem. The amount of single-use plastic in our oceans is increasing every year. Plastic often contains toxic substances and is not broken down by nature like paper, for example. Many animals also accidentally eat plastic waste. Animals can get sick from this. Plastic waste particles also finds its way back into the food chain. Europe wants to counter that with the SUP guideline.
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