Main Questions and Answers on SUPD 

1. Did the EU ban Single-use plastics?

Yes, the EU has banned single-use plastic products to reduce the danger these non-recyclable products pose to our environment.

2. What is the new EU Single-use Plastic Directive about?

The new EU Single-use plastic directive is a further clarification of guidelines made by the European Commission on the regulation of single-use plastics in the European Union. This directive applies to all member states within the EU. This new directive was issued on 31st May 2021, and it is what we refer to as an explanatory manual with detailed examples of products included or excluded from this regulation.

3. When is the new directive’s deadline?

The Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) was approved in May 2019, and by 3rd July 2021, the ban on single-use plastic products and marking requirements will come into force.

4. Are all plastics referred to as Single-use plastics?

No. According to the directive, plastics refer to materials that consist of polymer to which additives or other substances might have been added. Also, this can function as a primary structural component of final products, excluding natural polymers that have not been chemically modified.

Also, Single-use plastics are products made with plastic and used one time before being thrown away: no hope of reusing or recycling them. Single-use plastics are also known as ‘disposable plastics’.

5. What are the marking requirements provided by the directive?

From 3rd July 2021, all single-use plastic products placed in the market will have a marking, either on the packaging or the product itself. This marking only applies to the products that were listed in part D of Directive 2019/904. These products are sanitary towels, tampons, tampon applicators, wet wipes, tobacco products, and cups for beverages. Read more here.

6. Who are the affected parties?

The EU directive on Single-use plastics applies to all member states within the EU. However, non-EU countries are not bound by this regulation at all.

7. Which Single-use Plastics are specifically banned?

Here is a list of the banned single-use plastics:

• Plastic straws
• Plastic plates and cutlery
• Beverage stirrers
• Balloon sticks
• Cups, food, and beverage containers made with expanded polystyrene
• Products made of oxo-degradable plastic
• Plastic water bottles
• Plastic shopping bags

Although there are some significant plastic product exemptions, they are food containers that require further preparation of the food before it can be consumed, beverage cups & lids, and plastic bottles of over 3 liters.

To get a complete list,contact us at compliance@gpcregulatory.com

8. Why EU Single-use Plastic Directive?

Plastic now makes up 80 to 85% of marine litter, and of this, 50% are single-use plastics. The main objective of SUPD is to reduce and further prevent the impact these plastic products have on the environment, especially our human health and aquatic environments. It will also help the Member States have an extensive reduction in the consumption of these products by 2026, 2022 being the base year, that is, the first year in the years to follow.

9. What other options do food manufacturers and retailers have as replacements for plastic spoons used with single-serve containers?

Starting from 3rd July 2021, only cutleries approved by the directive will be allowed in restaurants, events, and retailers. The approved ones include paper and wooden cutleries that have no poly in the board or coating.

10.What is the next step to take (if there is any action point (s)?

• Yearly report by member states to the European Commission. 77% of single-use plastic products in the market must be recycled by 2025, and 90% of it by 2029.
• Member States need to put in place measures that will guarantee that single-use plastic products are no longer placed in the market starting from 3rd July.
• Member States should see to it that affected products are replaced with affordable alternatives.
• According to the list provided by the directive, Member States must ensure that concerned single-use plastic products placed in the market bear a marking either on them or their packaging.

Content

Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)

On the 31st of May 2021, the European Commission released a new directive on single-use Plastics. The new EU Single-Use Plastic Directive aims to make further clarifications about plastic products that fall within that category and give further explanation about its regulations and policies. 

The new directive further mentions the reporting format to be used by member states and the deadlines for submitting their reports to the commission. The directive applies to every product considered as single-use plastic within the EU.

By 3rd July 2021, the ban on single-use plastic products and marking requirements will come into force.

GPC prepares a summary report for your reference. Download it here.