„Contains Plastic“
Anyone who takes a closer look at their daily shopping, has probably already noticed it on some of the packaging – the new and important label „contains plastic“. The background to this: since 3 July, members of the EU are obliged to implement the Single–Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) of the European Union in their own national regulations. This means that in some products, the use of plastic has been completely forbidden or that product packaging must indicate that plastic is used in the product in question. We had a look at what products are affected by this, how this is actually implemented and how much fossil-based plastic we are still buying without being aware of it.
„Contains Plastic“: the label to heighten awareness
It can be found in even the remotest parts of the world: plastic remains, often in the form of microplastic. The raging plastic pollution of our planet spurned the European Union to pass the Single–Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) in July 2019. The directive was the first step towards the restriction of single-use materials. Some two years later, this must be followed by action in the member states – what matters now is putting this directive into practice.
Restrictions and labels
Since July 2021 certain single-use plastic products, for which alternatives of other materials are available, have been forbidden in Europe. This involves both conventional, fossil-based plastics as well as organic plastics. For example, cotton buds, plastic cutlery and plates, straws, stirrers or cups and food containers of styrofoam are all affected. In the same way manufacturers have to inform consumers about the negative impact of incorrect disposal – this is to be conveyed in the form of easily comprehensible pictograms. Without labeling like this, the products in question may no longer be circulated.
How is this implemented?
Pictograms with the inscription „product contains plastic“ are new. In the meantime, this labeling can be found on all forms of packaging for tobacco products, beverage cups, food containers, as well as on packaging for monthly hygiene articles and wet wipes. The pictogram’s aim is to inform the consumer that the product in the packaging contains fossil-based plastic or plastic. For us it is clear: #ItsInOurHands! Actively looking at the packaging of our favorite products is important to make us aware of how many of the products, which we buy every day, contain fossil-based plastic.
With this information we, as consumers, have the possibility to have a positive impact on the plastic crisis through our own purchasing behavior – such as through the deliberate selection of product alternatives. The wood-based VEOCEL™ cellulose fibers are a sustainable alternative since they are biodegradable and compostable –and thus they are a pioneering counterpart to conventional fossil-based plastics in wet wipes and many other everyday hygiene products for baby care, cosmetics or the household.
SOURCE & FURTHER INFORMATION
https://www.global2000.at/einwegplastik-richtlinie
https://www.circularfutures.at/themen/kunststoffe/single-use-plastics/
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019L0904&from=DE
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