In addition they called for a ban on intentionally added micro-plastics in cosmetics, personal care products, detergents and cleaning products by 2020, as well as for a minimum of recycled content for some plastic products as well as quality standards for recycled plastics. Discover its strategy from increasing recycling to introducing bans on certain micro-plastics and single-use plastics. In a bid to tackle plastic pollution, the European Commission proposed a plastics strategy with the aims of ensuring that by 2030 every piece of plastic packaging can be reused or recycled, as well as of reducing the consumption of single-use plastics and the use of micro-plastics. Global plastics production has been multiplied by 20 since the 1960s and is expected to double by 2036. According to the Commission, this proposal is an ambitious step towards making the European plastics system more resource-efficient and … The plenary vote on it is expected to take place in October. The rest either goes to landfill, is incinerated, or ends up uncollected in nature, including on beaches or in forests, rivers and seas.In a bid to tackle plastic pollution, the European Commission proposed a plastics strategy with the aims of ensuring that by 2030 every piece of plastic packaging can be reused or recycled, as well as of reducing the consumption of single-use plastics and the use of micro-plastics. Direct access to language menu (press "Enter"), Direct access to search menu (press "Enter"), How to reduce plastic waste: EU strategy explained, proposal to ban certain single-use plastics, agreed in December 2018 to ban certain single-use plastics, Legislation restricting lightweight plastics bags. The European Commission launched the Single-Use Plastics Directive in 2018. I accept cookies. European Commission to work with European Committee for Standardisation and the industry to develop quality standards for sorted plastic waste and recycled plastics. Search this websiteSearch. The main aim of the SUP is the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the … 37 EU funding is also being deployed to understand and combat the rise of marine litter, 38 supporting global, national and regional action. The Single Use Plastic (SUP) Directive 2019 also forms part of the EU’s Plastic Strategy, and will be transposed into Irish Law by 5 July 2021. Globally 5 to 13 million tonnes of plastics – 1.5 to 4% of global plastics productions end up in the oceans every year. - Market for recycled and innovative plastics is successfully established with more products containing recycled content. The European Commission sees the SUP directive as a way to reduce marine plastics litter (Photo: PIE) On 21 May 2019, the European Council formally adopted a directive that will ban certain single-use plastic (SUP) items. European Commission will integrate recycled content in Green Public Procurement criteria. EUR 100 million up to 2020 to finance priority measures such as developing smarter and more recyclable plastics material, making recycling more efficient and … Commision has already proposed new rules on waste maangement – step up separate collection, targets to encourage investment in recycling cpacity and avoid infrastructural overcapacity for processing mixed waste and harmonise rules on extended producer responsibility. The Strategy looked to start addressing the issue of microplastics in the European Union by beginning the process to restrict the use of intentionally added (primary) microplastics. PLASTICS STRATEGY – CONTRIBUTION OF BIOPLASTICS TO A SUSTAINABLE CIRCULAR PLASTICS ECONOMY Position of European Bioplastics Actions on EU level: The following measures will facilitate the transition to a low-carbon, bio-based circular economy. In a resolution adopted on 13 September 2018, MEPs welcomed the Commission plans. As part of this strategy on plastics the Commission launched the voluntary pledges campaign. - By 2030 half of plastics waste generated in Europe is recycled. - Europe leader in sorting and recycling equipment, © Copyright British Plastics Federation 2021, Plastics: A Vision for a Circular Economy, EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy - communication, EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy - staff working document, EU Strategy for plastics in the Circular Economy - brochure, Factsheets on the strategy for plastics in a circular economy, Factsheet - changing the way we use plastics, Other 2018 Circular Economy Action Plan initiatives, Hi-Cone Gains Strength in the Spanish Market Helping Its Customers Meet Their Goals, Transparent Certified Renewable Content, Carbon Neutral Packaging Film, Ricoh 3D launches powder-based 3D composite, Technology to solve the global plastics problem becomes reality as construction begins in the North East, Industrial Plastics Welding & Fabrication Group, Masterbatch and Technical Compounds Group. Englishen. In this context, the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, adopted on 16 January 2018, aims to transform the way plastic products are designed, produced, used and recycled in the EU. Find out more about micro-plastics’ sources and effects. Home - European Commission. Cheap and durable plastics are widely used, but their soaring popularity has been accompanied by growing amounts of plastic waste and marine litter, which affects the environment and people's health. Measures to ensure waste generated on ships or gathered at sea is delivered to land and adequately managed. On 16 January 2018, the European Commission published its Communication ‘A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy’. - Recycled plastic has become an increasingly valuable feedstock. In their ‘vision for Europe’s new plastics economy’: Look at particular areas which show good potential for uptake of recycled content – examples given were construction and automotive sectors. Finance research and innovation projects on better identification of contaminants and on decontamination of plastic waste through Horizon 2020. Goals for plastic recycling cost EUR 8.4-16.6 billion – create an enabling framework for investment and innovation. Less than 30% of it is recycled, while some of it is exported to non-EU countries for treatment. It is the first Europe-wide plastics strategy of its kind. States there will be measures to reduce plastic pellet loss. Voluntary commitments from industry to back the strategy. In the context of the European Strategy for Plastics, as described in Annex III, the European Commission is promoting an EU-wide pledging campaign for the uptake of recycled plastics.. Asking for pledges by June 2018. The strategy announced by the European Commission, the EU-executive, follows China's decision to ban imports of foreign products to be recycled, including huge quantities from Europe. Find out more on how we use cookies and how you can change your settings. Several of the policy recom-mendations have already been, or are being, dealt with following related initiatives, including the EU Plastics Strategy and the Bioeconomy strategy, updated in 2018. The European Strategy for Plastics is a step towards establishing a circular economy in which the design and production of plastics and plastic products fully respect re-use, repair and recycling needs and in which more sustainable materials are developed and promoted. The target is that 10 million tonnes of recycled plastics find their way into products in the EU by 2025. The EU’s plastic strategy is a major step in the right direction and reflects ongoing efforts by NGOs to spread information and awareness on key topics like single-use plastics and microplastics. Options to be explored include deposit schemes. EU PLASTICS STRATEGY. By end 2018, companies and business organisations, including those representing the full supply chains for major plastic materials currently in use in Europe such as … In May 2018, the European Commission put forward a legislative proposal seeking to address the issue of marine litter from plastics. The EU has already taken steps by setting requirements for Member States to adopt measures to cut the consumption of plastic bags 36 and to monitor and reduce marine litter. Event date: 17/10/2018 Plastics pervade modern life. Legislation restricting lightweight plastics bags was adopted by Parliament in 2015. Sustainability is the underlying motivation behind the plastics strategy with a goal of addressing how plastics are designed, used and recycled in the EU. It is also part of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan adopted in December 2015 and aimed at turning Europe into a more sustainable, circular economy. Incorporation with the European Food Safety Agency the Commission will also assess whether safe use of other recycled plastic material could be envisaged, for instance through better characterisation of contaminants. - By 2030 all plastic packaging placed on the EU market is reusable or can be recycled in a cost-effective manner. - Innovative material and alternative feedstocks for plastic production are developed This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Without clear labelling and adequate waste collection and treatment it could increase plastic leakage and create problems for mechanical recycling. This will enable more environmentally and economically sustainable plastic waste management in the EU. Commission fact sheet on plastics in Europe . The European Union (EU) has adopted a strategy on plastics that is part of its transition towards a more circular economy. EPR systems could help improve efficiency of the recycling process, encourage design for recycling, reduce waste and litter. The Single Use Plastic (SUP) Directive 2019. I refuse cookies. - By 2030 sorting and recycling capacity has increased fourfold since 2015 – with 200,000 new jobs across Europe.Improved separation and investment in innovation, skills and capacity, export of poorly sorted plastics waste has been phased out . EU lawmakers agreed in December 2018 to ban certain single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates and balloon sticks, and to require goods packaging companies to contribute towards the cost of cleaning up discarded plastics. BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE will deliver sustainable strategies and solutions for bio-based plastics to support the EU-Plastic Strategy and promote circularity in the economy. Aim being to make it easier to process or remove these substances during recycling. Too often, according to the Commission, the way plastics are currently produced, used and discarded fail to capture the economic benefits of a more circular approach. Learn more about recycling rates in the EU. Find out more . To support further its Strategy, in May 2018 the European Commission proposed new EU-wide rules to target the 10 single-use plastic products most often found on Europe's beaches and seas, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear. are trying to tackle the plastic waste problem. Implementing the EU plastic strategy and the Single Use Plastics Directive will push the EU in this direction by reducing plastic waste with low value and high environmental impact, while improving the quality of plastic waste. They are found in growing quantities in the ocean, but also in food and drink. European Commission will look at how to promote this through upcoming evaluation of EU rules on construction and end-of-life vehicles. Finalise the authorisation procedure for over a hundred safe recycling processes. Check progress on the strategy for plastics . Such policy initiatives were triggered by the need to take urgent EU action on plastics and plastic waste. Commission website on European strategy for plastics . The new Directive is part of the EU Plastics Strategy, adopted in 2018 and aimed at protecting citizens and the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation. - Reduction in reliance on fossil fuels Originally expected at the end of 2017 (see Plasteurope.com of 22.12.2017), the strategy is based on recycling, waste prevention, investment incentives and leading international cooperation – all within the greater objective of protecting the environment from plastics pollution. Analytical work and public consultation to determine the scope of the legislative initiative on single-use plastics. They are also proposing that companies release less micro-plastics when producing products such as textiles, tyres, paint and cigarette butts. Increasing biodegradable material has opportunities and risk. European Strategy on Plastic Waste in the Environment3. But is the existing and planned action at the EU level ambitious enough? EU measures include the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, and a legislative initiative on single-use plastics (SUPs) proposed in May 2018. Measures to reduce abandonment of fishing gear at sea. 75,000 to 300,000 tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment each year in the EU. EU rules supporting higher recycling rates and better waste collection systems are also … The directive, which originates from the Commission’s Plastic Strategy, focuses on reducing marine litter.Certain nonwovens products, namely feminine hygiene products and wet wipes, have been included under the Single-Use Plastics Directive. According to estimates, the potential annual energy savings that could be achieved from recycling all global plastic waste is equivalent to 3.5 billion barrels of oil per year. Goals for plastic recycling cost EUR 8.4-16.6 billion – create an enabling framework for investment and innovation. In the vision for Europe innovative solutions are found which prevent microplastics reaching the seas. Life cycle assessment to identify the conditions under which the use of biodegradable or compostable plastics is beneficial. Remain committed to developing product requirements under the Ecodesign Directive that take account of Circular Economy aspects to make it easier to recycle. Single-Use Plastics Directive . MEPs called for a ban on intentionally added micro-plastics in cosmetics, personal care products, detergents and cleaning products by 2020. European soft drink makers unveiled their new vision for 2030 on Monday (22 February), announcing plans to reach 100% recycled or renewable materials in plastic bottles by the end of the decade. In addition MEPs are also currently discussing a proposal to ban certain single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates and balloon sticks, as well require goods packaging companies to contribute towards the cost of cleaning up discarded plastics. Eco-modulation of fees - financial reward for more sustainable produce design choices. Keen on innovation that are full biodegradable but also reverse logistics, designing for sustainability. Microplastics may be secondary, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, or primary, and specifically manufactured to size. The EU wants to reduce plastic waste. They also proposed stricter norms for products such as textiles, tyres, paint and cigarette butts in order to reduce the release of micro-plastics from them. The EU’s Plastics Strategy is an important step towards a low-carbon Circular Economy based on recycling, renewables and responsible sourcing, and we are ready to make our contribution as a leading food processing and packaging provider. Building upon previous efforts to tackle the escalating problem of plastic pollution, in January 2018 the EU adopted the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy.The Strategy aims to protect the environment and citizens from plastic pollution and to demonstrate the business case for transforming the way that products are designed, produced, used and recycled. Microplastics are very small particles (<5mm) of plastic material. The new plastic strategy seeks to transform the way products are designed, produced, used, and recycled in the EU. Bio-based feedstocks to reduce fossil fuel but need to ensure these are environmentally beneficial. The EU wants 55% of all plastic to be recycled by 2030 and for member states to reduce the use of bags per person from 90 a year to 40 by 2026. The commison has already proposed mandatory produce design and marking requirements to make it easier to and safer to dismantle, reuse and recycle electronic displays. EU wide pledging campaign to ensure that by 2025, ten million tonnes of recycled plastics find their way into new products on the EU market. Taking a … Formal adoption of single-use plastics directive by European Council. Every year about 26 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated in the EU. Under the new Plastics Strategy, the European Union aims to: Make recycling profitable for business; Curb plastic waste; Stop littering at sea; Drive investment and innovation; Spur change across the world; Through: the design and production of plastics and plastic products which … Vision for Europe includes new companies emerging that provide circular solution to disposal of plastic. The rising demand for plastics compounds in the EU economy is increasing Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials… The strategy calls for all plastic packaging on the EU market to be either reusable or recyclable in a cost-effective manner by 2030. Financial resource through EPR schemes including for litter and investing in extended and improved separate collection. Developed criteria to improve recyclablity of plastics in its Ecolabel and Green Public Procurement criteria. Parliament resolution on European strategy for plastics in a circular economy . Demand for recycled plastic grows four-fold. In January 2018, the European Commission published its European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy ; this followed the broader EU Action Plan for a circular economy released end 2015. In the EU 150,000 to 500,000 tonnes of plastics waste enter the ocean every year. European Commission will accelerate work to identify possible ways to make chemicals easier to trace in recycled streams. In 2018, European Union adopted a European strategy for plastics in a circular economy as a part of their action plan for a circular economy. Under REACH restrict the use of intentionally added microplastics – request European Chemicals Agency to review the scientific basis for this. Skip to main content. More on this ban in our article: key facts on plastic in the ocean. According to its new Plastics Strategy, the EU executive will work to ensure that all plastic packaging placed on the internal market is either reusable or easily recyclable by 2030.. By the same year, the Commission hopes that more than a half of all plastic waste will be recycled, thanks to new effective waste collection programmes. - Plastic value chain is more integrated, and the chemical industry works with plastics recyclers to help them to find wider and higher value applications for their output. We are not only a research project, but also an intervention which takes into account the transformations triggered by a … EUR 100 million up to 2020 to finance priority measures such as developing smarter and more recyclable plastics material, making recycling more efficient and tracing and removing hazardous substances. of the EU Plastics Strategy (Annex I), in order to understand coherence. The EU wants to reduce the amount of harmful plastic waste ©AP images/European Union -EP . They will boost competitiveness by providing new revenue streams for farmers, by connecting farmers