Single use plastics: out with it!

Straws made of steel or even pasta? Cotton buds made of bamboo? Within a few years, this will be the most normal thing in the EU. The European Commission has made a proposal to limit the use of single-use plastics.

You may have already heard: not only Starbucks and McDonalds, but Ikea too has indicated its intention to ban single-use plastics. Soon you will no longer get a plastic straw with your milkshake or iced latte, and in two years the plastic plates and cutlery at Ikea will be replaced with a sustainable alternative.

The reason for these statements is the European Commission's proposal for a Directive to reduce the effects of certain plastic products on the environment. With this, Europe wants to curb litter in oceans and seas. The measures apply to the 10 most commonly encountered single-use plastic products. Together, these represent 43% of all stranded litter found on European beaches.

Are you a manufacturer or importer of single-use plastics? If so, there are three measures in particular you should consider:

• Ban on trade;
• Extending producer responsibility;
• Marking requirements.

Ban on trade

For single use plastics for which a sustainable, affordable alternative exists, a ban will be introduced. This ban applies to plastic straws, cotton buds, cutlery, plates, stirrers and balloon sticks.

Single-use beverage containers may be marketed only if the plastic caps and lids are attached to the cups or bottles.

Extending producer responsibility

Producers must contribute to the cost of waste prevention and management. This applies to producers of plastic food containers, packages and wrappers, beverage containers and cups, wet wipes and balloons, among others.

Marking requirements

Hygiene products and wet wipes are subject to mandatory marking requirements regarding information on disposal, negative environmental impact and the presence of plastic in the product.

Need support?

Do you want to know how the new EU regulations affect you and make sure your products are compliant? Précon Quality Services can help you analyze what is or is not permissible and think with you about sustainable alternatives. Feel free to contact us at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010.