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NEWS: Disposable products made from single-use plastics have been banned throughout the EU since 3 July 2021. The ban is based on the European Single-Use Plastics Directive. The banned products include, for example
- Disposable cutlery and plates,
- Drinking straws,
- Stirring rods,
- Cotton buds and
- Balloon sticks.
Other articles should also no longer be placed on the market. These include, for example, to-go food containers and drinks containers made of polystyrene. Products made from oxo-degradable plastic will also be banned. Oxo-degradable plastics are plastics that quickly fragment after use under the influence of UV light and oxygen into very small particles that are no longer recognisable to the naked eye. In contrast to biodegradable plastics, oxo-degradable plastics do not decompose completely and pollute the environment.
Banning the above-mentioned single-use plastics will make a significant contribution to improving our environment. According to estimates by the Association of Municipal Enterprises, this waste accounts for around 201TP3 tonnes of the waste produced in parks, public spaces and streets.
The products mentioned above can already be replaced by more environmentally friendly materials. However, this is not yet possible for all disposable plastic products. Since 3 July 2021, disposable products that are particularly harmful to the environment must therefore be labelled with a warning clearly visible on their packaging in the form of a pictogram with text supplements. These products include, for example
- Hygiene products such as sanitary towels, tampons and tampon applicators as well as wet wipes,
- Tobacco products with filters containing plastic or filters containing plastic for use in tobacco products and
- Disposable drinks cups.
The bans apply throughout the EU. In addition, the import of banned products or unlabelled products from non-EU countries will be prohibited in future.
Further parts of the Single-Use Plastics Directive will be implemented in the Packaging Act. Among other things, a mandatory deposit will apply to all single-use plastic drinks bottles and cans from 1 January 2022. In addition, from 1 January 2023, a reusable offer obligation will apply to most plastic to-go packaging.
Image source: istock.com/Mukhina1
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