Directive (EU) 2019/904 (Single-Use Plastic Directive)
In June 2019 the EU passed a directive for the handling of single-use plastic products: Directive (EU) 2019/904 (single-use plastic directive). On the basis of this, the use of plastic in some products is completely forbidden, others have to at least point out the use of plastic on the packaging. The member states have time up until 3 July 2021 to implement the guideline in a national directive. Until recently, which materials are to be covered by the directive was still the subject of heated debate – now the list will be published.
In the ice in the Artic, on our glaciers and even at the lowest point in the earth, the Mariana trench in the Pacific – we can find traces of plastic everywhere, often in whole pieces, but in any case in the form of microplastic. Thus, in the meantime plastic pollution in the world even reaches to the remotest parts of our earth. To at least counter its further growth, the European Commission has enforced the single-use plastic directive, which already entered into force on 2 July 2019. Thesingle-use plastic directive is an essential first step towards curbing the thoughtless use of fossil basic materials in single-use products and thus combat worldwide pollution through single-use plastics.
The directive affects a total of 15 single-use plastic products, which are addressed by numerous political measures, such as the restriction of circulating these products, the reduction in their consumption, labelling regulations, measures to raise awareness and lots more. Here you will find the list of the key measures which will enter into force as of 3 July 2021:
1. Restriction on circulation
Market restrictions and/or prohibitions have been stipulated for a total of nine single-use plastic products, in circulation in Europe. These have to be implemented by the national governments of the member states. This includes cotton buds, disposable cutlery, straws, plates, balloon sticks, drinking cups and drink containers of polystyrene and stirrers for drinks.
2. Mandatory labelling
For other single-use plastic products there will be a labelling obligation for example for drinking cups, tobacco goods and feminine hygiene products and wet wipes. The goal: the labels must clearly show consumers how to dispose of the products correctly, whether they contain plastics and they thus have negative effects on the environment if they are carelessly disposed of in Nature.
3. Measure to raise awareness
Article ten of the Single-Use Plastic directive says that member states of the European Union have to take measures to inform consumers and to create incentives for responsible consumer behavior so that fewer of the products covered by the present directive are carelessly thrown away. They can do this in the form of information about reusable alternatives, reusable systems, waste management, the effect of littering and the incorrect disposal of waste.
All the measures covered by the single-use directive and implementation dates are dependent on the product in question and the existing alternatives – alternatives which give consumers a choice. Our completely biodegradable and compostable VEOCEL™ cellulose fibers are based for example on wood and are a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics in wet wipes and many other daily hygiene products for baby care, intimate care, cosmetics or the household.
Source & further information
Single-Use Plastics Directive – die Einwegplastik-Richtlinie der EU | GLOBAL 2000
This initiative is presented by
Supported by
