EU Strategy on Plastics

EUPLAST - EN · Last update: 3 September 2025

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Executive Summary

The European Union has embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionise the lifecycle of plastics. This initiative, part of the broader EU environmental strategy, aims to drastically reduce plastic waste and foster sustainable industry practices. As we move into a decisive era, key legislative and strategic measures are being implemented to ensure that by 2030, all plastic packaging will be recyclable, ushering in an era of sustainability that aligns with the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal.

In all its documents, the European Union confirms the importance of plastic and how indispensable it is in everyday life. However, it believes that it is necessary to rethink the entire lifecycle of plastic—from production to disposal—to offer greater protection for health and the environment, given the enormous quantities involved.

Regarding pollution and global warming, Europe is not solely responsible, but it is noteworthy that the European Commission aspires to be a global player in solving global problems, including plastics. The European Union is regulating the plastic cycle, especially for packaging and waste treatment. Investigations have been commissioned with the aim of identifying problems arising from certain uses of plastics and new polymers, in order to establish a holistic approach. These projects were entrusted to consultants with the involvement of ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency.

At the end of the initial investigations, during which stakeholders were consulted, the European Commission published a Communication on "A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy," which has also become the subject of an important resolution by the European Parliament.

The European Parliament shares the majority of concerns and objectives and has already debated this issue several times, both as a legislator—approving European Directives and Regulations—and as a political actor, promoting debates and initiatives of its own. The European Commission and the European Parliament are aligned regarding restrictions on plastics and the need to regulate its entire lifecycle. For instance, on 18 April 2019, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Commission’s proposal for a circular economy package, sharing the ambitious objectives expressed in the document.

The European Parliament has consistently demonstrated strong alignment with the environmental ambitions of the European Commission, which is the EU institution with the right of legislative initiative. After some

initial resistance, the Council of the European Union, co-legislator with the European Parliament, is following the strategy of the Parliament and Commission.

Major Legislative and Policy Developments

• Recyclability Mandate: By 2030, EU regulations will require all plastic packaging to be fully recyclable. This standard is set to transform the packaging industry across Europe by promoting sustainable design and production practices.
• Usage Limitations: In response to environmental concerns, the EU has set limits on the number of plastic bags that can be used per person per year, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste.
• Product Bans: The EU has prohibited certain single-use plastic products and has banned oxo-degradable plastics, which do not meet the stringent environmental standards now required.
• Enhanced Waste Management: Emphasising reuse and recycling, the EU is adapting its waste management strategies to comply with global restrictions on waste imports and the stipulations of the United Nations Basel Convention.

Regulatory Framework and Implementation

• Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): The MSFD continues to be instrumental in achieving 'good environmental status' of marine waters, balancing ecological, economic, and social health.
• Public Engagement: Extensive consultations with stakeholders have helped refine the EU's approach, ensuring that new directives are comprehensive and effectively address the nuances of plastic use and disposal.
• Leadership and Commitment: The European Commission, under President Ursula von der Leyen, is committed to fulfilling the Paris Agreement goals despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which have stressed the need for resilient and adaptive policies.

Economic and Sectoral Impacts

• Innovation and Funding: The EU is fostering innovation in the development of safer, more sustainable plastics and alternatives through significant investments provided by the Recovery Plan and ongoing budget allocations.
• Industrial Transformation: The plastics industry is encouraged to shift from the traditional linear model to a circular economy, maximizing resource efficiency and value retention.
• Corporate Responsibility: Major multinational corporations have voluntarily adopted measures to align with the EU’s environmental objectives, demonstrating industry readiness to support legislative goals.

Future Directions and Stakeholder Involvement

The upcoming years will be pivotal as the EU implements a detailed roadmap covering the entire plastics lifecycle. It is crucial for stakeholders to remain actively involved through public consultations and participation in related events. These engagements will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable, plastic-free future and in realising the full potential of the European circular economy package.

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A. Introduction

Overview of the plastics industry: history and current global status

The plastics industry has a rich and transformative history that dates back to the 19th century. The development of plastics began with the creation of Parkesine in 1862 by Alexander Parkes. This material, derived from cellulose and treated with nitric acid, marked the first man-made plastic. However, it was Leo Baekeland's invention of Bakelite in 1907 that truly revolutionised the industry, introducing the first fully synthetic resin derived from phenol and formaldehyde. This innovation ushered in the era of plastics by providing a material that was not only mouldable but also electrically non-conductive and heat-resistant, properties that expanded its applications into areas like automotive and electrical industries.

During the 20th century, the development of plastics accelerated with introductions such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, and nylon. These materials transformed numerous industries, including packaging, construction, and textiles, due to their versatility, durability, and lower cost compared to traditional materials like wood, metal, and glass.

Post World War II, the demand for plastics surged, driven by economic growth and consumerism in developed nations. The 1960s and 70s saw plastics becoming omnipresent in everyday life, from Tupperware to vinyl records. However, this rapid growth also led to increased environmental concerns, particularly regarding plastic waste accumulating in landfills and natural habitats.

Today, the plastics industry is a global powerhouse, critically intertwined with sectors such as automotive, healthcare, electronics, and packaging. Despite its indispensability, the industry faces significant environmental scrutiny. The current global production of plastics surpasses 350 million tonnes annually, with a significant portion contributing to waste due to single-use plastics and inadequate recycling processes.

The environmental impact of plastics, particularly in the oceans, has catalyzed a push towards sustainable practices. The industry is at a crossroads, with substantial pressure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for raw materials (most plastics are derived from petrochemicals), improve

recyclability, and innovate towards biodegradable alternatives. Advances in areas like bio-plastics, which are made from natural materials such as corn starch, and improvements in recycling technology are pivotal. Efforts to incorporate circular economy principles into the industry are gaining traction. This approach emphasizes the reuse and recycling of materials to extend the lifecycle of products and minimize waste. Additionally, regulatory changes such as bans on specific single-use plastics have been implemented in numerous countries, pushing the industry towards more sustainable alternatives.

The plastics industry is a significant component of the global economy, with China being the largest producer, followed by Europe and North America. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market due to its expanding manufacturing sector and rising consumer markets. However, trade tensions, changing regulatory landscapes, and global environmental agreements like the Basel Convention are reshaping industry dynamics, compelling companies to innovate and adapt to new market realities.

The future of the plastics industry lies in its ability to navigate environmental challenges while meeting the global demand for high-performance, affordable, and sustainable materials. As the industry evolves, it must balance profitability with corporate social responsibility initiatives to address the urgent need for environmental sustainability and waste reduction. This balance will not only determine the industry's role in the global economy but also its impact on the planet's ecological health.

B. EU Strategy on Plastics

The European Union is actively addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution through a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating a circular plastics economy. This approach focuses on reducing plastic waste, improving recycling processes, and fostering innovation in sustainable materials.

B.1. Plastic Strategy

In 2018, the Commission launched the EU Strategy for Plastics, which aims to transform how plastics are designed, used, and recycled in the EU.

The Plastics Strategy is a crucial component of Europe's transition towards a carbon-neutral and circular economy. It will aid in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement, and meeting the EU’s industrial policy goals.

The Plastics Strategy aims to protect the environment by reducing marine litter, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on imported fossil fuels. It supports more sustainable and safer consumption and production patterns for plastics, aiming to transform the way plastic products are designed, produced, used, and recycled in the EU. Key actions include making recycling profitable for businesses through new packaging rules to improve recyclability and demand for recycled plastic content, enhancing separate collection of plastic waste, and launching an EU-wide pledging campaign for industry and public authorities.

The Strategy also targets curbing plastic waste with directives on single-use plastic products and fishing gear, measures to restrict micro-plastics in products, and new rules on port reception facilities to tackle sea-based marine litter. Additionally, it drives innovation and investment by scaling up support with an additional €100 million for developing smarter, more recyclable plastics and more efficient recycling processes. Finally, it aims to spur global change by working with international partners to create global solutions and standards for plastics.

To achieve its objectives, the EU is developing European legislation to cover the entire plastic lifecycle, has launched initiatives and research programs to engage laboratories and industry, and

has chosen a global approach to support the worldwide shift towards a circular economy, as plastic pollution is an urgent and global problem. Moreover, EU introduced the Tax on non-recycled plastic.

The Single-Use Plastics Directive, enacted in 2019, bans specific single-use plastic items and promotes the use of alternatives. The Circular Economy Action Plan, launched in 2020, supports resource efficiency, increased recycling, and sustainable product development. These legislative measures collectively aim to reduce environmental impact, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and minimise dependency on imported fossil fuels, while fostering innovation and collaboration across industries and nations. Specific legislative texts address plastics in contact with food, plastic waste management (including collection, transport, import, export, and recycling), marine equipment design, construction and performance, and hazardous waste legislation, including the classification of waste such as plastics.

All this legislation is described in Chapter D.

B.2. Circular Economy Action Plan

The strategy for Plastic is part of a more wide Circular Economy Action Plan, firstly published in 2015 and reviewed with the new 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan.

The EU's new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) is a key element of the European Green Deal, aiming to promote sustainable growth and create jobs while reducing pressure on natural resources. It is essential for achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target and halting biodiversity loss.

The CEAP outlines initiatives for the entire lifecycle of products, focusing on sustainable design, circular economy processes, sustainable consumption, and waste prevention. It introduces both legislative and non-legislative measures to add value at the EU level.

The plan aims to make sustainable products the norm in the EU, empower consumers and public buyers, and focus on resource-intensive sectors with high circularity potential, such as electronics, batteries, packaging, plastics, textiles, construction, and food. It also aims to reduce waste, promote circularity in regions and cities, and lead global efforts on the circular economy.

The European Commission will implement 35 actions from the plan, with a revised monitoring framework to track progress, adding new indicators for material efficiency and consumption footprint. Key actions include restrictions on microplastics, proposals on green claims and the right to repair, and initiatives to prevent pellet losses and reduce microplastic pollution. The CEAP builds on the first circular economy action plan from December 2015, which saw all 54 actions either completed or ongoing. Policy areas covered by the CEAP include chemicals, industry, plastics, waste and recycling, and sustainable development, both within the EU and at the global level.

There are at least four EU documents that link plastics to the circular economy:

1. 2015 - EU plan on Circular Economy, COM (2015) 614, with Annex. This document explains the reasons for a transition to a circular economy, where the value of products, materials and resources is maintained for as long as possible and the production of waste is minimised. Here the phases of the economic cycle of a product where circularity is an important factor: design, production processes, consumption, waste management. Plastic is mentioned in 15 sentences of the text, together with paper, glass, metals and wood, as raw materials whose use should be promoted in a smarter way.
2. 2017 - Implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan, Communication COM (2017) 33 fin. + Annex.
3. 2018 - European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, COM(2018) 28. + Annex, focusing on plastic in this new economy approach.
4. 2020 - New Action Plan on Circular Economy COM(2020) 98 f. + annex. (Click here for a Presentation). The New Action Plan gives explicitly a policy framework for plastic in a circular economy, an explanation on the key product value chain of plastic, how to reduce waste for more value, the place for Regions and Cities and the crosscutting actions needed to make a coherent plan. In addition, the European Environment Agency (EEA) published its Report on Plastics and

Circular Economy in 2020. Read here

B.3. Financing the circular economy

In 2019, the Informal Commission Expert Group “Support to Circular Economy Financing” published its report on “Accelerating the transition to the circular economy: Improving access to finance for circular economy projects” (here the Report). The Expert Group has analysed the status

of barriers to the transition to a circular economy in the EU. The experts have identified major challenges and, to address these challenges, have given their expert opinions and recommendations to the main stakeholders, including policy makers, financial institutions and project promoters.

The European Union is providing several funding programmes in order to support the transition to a circular economy, such as the European Structural and Investment Funds, Horizon Europe and the LIFE programme.

Go to to the EU Budget & Funds Platform and access to all updated EU funds available.

B.4. Circular Plastics Alliance

EU invested also in Industrial alliances, because they can play an important role in achieving key EU policy objectives through joint action by all the interested partners.

The Circular Plastics Alliance aims to boost the EU market for recycled plastics to 10 million tonnes by 2025. The alliance covers the full plastics value chains and includes 272 organisations representing industry, academia and public authorities. New stakeholders can join the alliance by signing its declaration.

The Circular Plastics Alliance count currently 330 (Mai 2024) signatories. It is open to all public and private actors from European plastics value chains that are ready to actively contribute to delivering on the declaration of the alliance. To join the Alliance, an organisation must sign the declaration, committing it to the alliance's shared vision and to contributing to its operational work. Here the list of signatories, the Declaration and the Working Rules of the Alliance.

As explained in the Alliance's declaration, the signatories "take action to boost the EU market for recycled plastics up to 10 million tonnes by 2025". The summary of the alliance’s commitments for action lists the planned deliverables, with deadlines. Several deliverables are already published and new deliverables will be published soon.

As said, the Circular Plastics Alliance (CPA) is committed to boosting the EU market for recycled plastics to 10 million tonnes by 2025. See the web Page on the CPA Commitments and deliverables.

To join the Alliance, stakeholders can apply electronically to sign the declaration and join the alliance.

C. EU Legislation on Plastics

It was in the 1970s that the EU, then the European Community, began to work on common environmental standards and, of course, waste received the first attention. Soon, the European Commission realised that not only waste has an important impact on the environment, but also many substances that enter the biological cycle. And this is how, due to accidents in industrial plants, especially in the 1980s, emissions into the air and water began to be regulated and a long list of harmful substances was banned.

Plastics have more recently entered an holistic EU regulatory program, essentially because the quantities at stake have now become enormous globally.

Until recently, EU legislation for the protection of human health and the environment was limited to banning the release of certain products into the environment, also requiring their recovery and recycling. Then the quantities became important and the rules more stringent, as in the case of plastic. Countries have begun to make massive use of legal and illegal exports of waste. But the quantities involved were becoming more and more huge and certain countries were no longer willing to accept our garbage.

Since then, the EU has called for a reduction in the use of plastics, a ban on the use of harmful plastics and a different set of value chains for certain products, such as plastics. We will see this in Chapter

Lest's check the current EU legislation.

C.1. Biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics

Most plastics are made from fossil fuels and, if not properly managed at the end of their life, can accumulate in the environment, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Alternative plastics, such as bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics, may offer a more sustainable alternative to fossil-based, non-biodegradable plastics. However, they also come with their own sustainability challenges and trade-offs that need careful assessment.

The EU Policy Framework on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics

The European Commission adopted a Policy Framework on the sourcing, labelling, and use of bio-based plastics, and the use of biodegradable and compostable plastics. Consult the Communication COM(2022) 682 final on EU policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics and the Synopsis report. This Policy Framework is part of the European Green Deal, the circular economy action plan, and the plastics strategy.

Objectives

The EU Policy Framework for bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics aims to contribute to a sustainable plastics economy by:

• Improving understanding of these materials and clarifying where they can provide genuine environmental benefits, under what conditions, and in which applications.
• Guiding citizens, public authorities, and businesses in their policy, purchasing, or investing decisions.
• Preventing differences at the national level and fragmentation of the market by promoting a shared understanding across the EU on the production and use of these plastics. “bioplastics” is often used to describe a variety of materials, and the terms “bio-based”, “biodegradable”, and “compostable” can be misleading.

There is widespread confusion among consumers about the different types of plastics. The term

• Bio-based plastics: These are fully or partially made from biological resources rather than fossil raw materials. They are not necessarily biodegradable or compostable. It is crucial to examine the full life cycle of bio-based plastics to ensure they provide environmental benefits beyond reducing fossil resource use, including considerations of land use changes.
• Biodegradable plastics: These plastics biodegrade under certain conditions at their end of life.
• Compostable plastics: A subset of biodegradable plastics, these typically decompose in industrial composting facilities and need to be collected first. Biodegradable and compostable plastics can be made from either biological resources or fossil raw materials. the circular economy and waste hierarchy principles.

-> These plastics should be utilized when reducing, reusing, or recycling is not possible, aligning with

There are three specific EU laws with partial objectives:

• Directive on Packaging and packaging waste - Directive 94/62/CE, with amendments introduced by the Directive on single-use plastics (see the next one), on these type of plastics.
• Directive on single-use plastics - Directive (EU) 2019/904, on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. The Directive specifies that “biodegradable plastic’ means a plastic capable of undergoing physical, biological decomposition, such that it ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide (CO2), biomass and water, and is, in accordance with European standards for packaging, recoverable through composting and anaerobic digestion”. Plastics with other physicochemical behaviour are not considered biodegradable and compostable.
• Directive on plastic bags - Directive (EU) 2015/720 (an amendment to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC)), on reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. This Directive refers to the “European Standard EN 13432 on ‘Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation — Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging’ sets out the characteristics that a material must possess to be considered ‘compostable’, namely that it can be recycled through a process of organic recovery comprised of composting and anaerobic digestion. The Commission should ask the European Committee for Standardisation to develop a separate standard for home-compostable packaging”. Member States must ensure that biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags are labelled in accordance with the specifications provided for in a Commission implementing act. Moreover, the Directive specifies that “Some plastic carrier bags are marked as ‘oxo-biodegradable’ or ‘oxo-degradable’ by their manufacturers. In such bags, additives are incorporated into conventional plastics. Due to the presence of those additives, the plastic fragments over time into small particles which remain in the environment. It can thus be misleading to refer to such bags as ‘biodegradable’ as they may not be a solution to littering and may, on the contrary, increase pollution. The Commission should examine the impact of the use of oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags on the environment and present a report to the European Parliament and the Council, including, if appropriate, a set of measures to limit their consumption or to reduce any harmful impacts”.

The measures taken by Member States include either or both of the following:

• the adoption of measures ensuring that the annual consumption level does not exceed 90 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by 31 December 2019 and 40 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by 31 December 2025, or an equivalent targets set in weight and/or
• the adoption of instruments ensuring that, by 31 December 2018, lightweight plastic carrier bags are not provided free of charge at the point of sale of goods or products, unless equally effective instruments are implemented. which are required for hygiene purposes or provided as primary packaging for loose food when this helps to prevent food wastages) may be excluded from these objectives, but Member States are required to report on their consumption.

Very lightweight plastic carrier bags (plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 15 microns

C.2. Microplastics

Microplastics, defined as small plastic pieces less than 5mm in size, are a growing environmental concern due to their persistence, mobility, and difficulty to remove from nature. They are increasingly found in the sea, soil, food, and drinking water. Most microplastics do not biodegrade and tend to accumulate in the environment, posing risks to biodiversity and potentially human health. The persistence and accumulation of microplastics in various environmental compartments (such as water) raise concerns about their environmental and health impacts. While some microplastics are designed to biodegrade, the process is complex, especially in marine environments.

The European Commission has presented a brochure outlining EU policies and initiatives to combat microplastic pollution. These include promoting research and innovation, as well as ensuring integrated monitoring of microplastics.

EU targets

The European Union (EU) has set a target to reduce microplastic releases by 30% by 2030. This goal will be achieved through:

• Reducing overall plastic pollution, as plastics degrade into microplastics.
• Restricting the use of intentionally added microplastics in products.
• Reducing unintentional releases of microplastics.

Microplastics in the EU

2030 Target: The EU aims to reduce microplastics released into the environment by 30% by 2030. Each year, between 200 and 600 Olympic-size swimming pools worth of microplastics are unintentionally released into the environment. In 2019, over 2100 truckloads of plastic pellets were lost to the environment.

EU Legislation

In 2023, the European Commission adopted a REACH restriction on microplastics intentionally added to products. (go to Reach Page)

Additionally, a Proposal for a Regulation COM(2023) 645 on preventing plastic pellet losses to the environment was introduced. This proposal is part of efforts to meet the Zero Pollution Action Plan’s 30% reduction target for microplastic releases.

Although the European Parliament voted its position on 23 April 2024, this proposal is still being discussed among member states within the Council of the European Union, in order to propose a compromise.

By its proposal, the Commission would address the presence of micro-plastics in the environment by:

1. restricting intentionally added micro-plastics and tackling pellets taking into account the opinion of the European Chemicals Agency;
2. developing labelling, standardisation, certification and regulatory measures on unintentional release of micro-plastics, including measures to increase the capture of micro-plastics at all relevant stages of products’ lifecycle;
3. further developing and harmonising methods for measuring unintentionally released micro-plastics, especially from tyres and textiles, and delivering harmonised data on micro-plastics concentrations in seawater;
4. closing the gaps on scientific knowledge related to the risk and occurrence of micro-plastics in the environment, drinking water and foods.

At the moment, the here are several specific laws with (partial) objectives on microplastics:

• Marine Strategy Framework Directive
• Fertilising Products Regulation
• Commission' Regulation on REACH, as regards synthetic polymer microparticles – which addresses intentionally added microplastics directly and indirectly:

Several EU laws affect the production of microplastics, or their release into the environment, both

• Ecodesign Directive
• Waste Framework Directive
• Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
• Sewage Sludge Directive
• Directive on air quality
• Industrial Emissions Directive
• Regulation on tyre labelling
• Regulation on motor vehicle type approval

C.3. Plastics in contact with food

Regulation 1935/2004 which regulates the use of materials in contact with food. Lastly, this Regulation has been updated in 2019, by Regulation (EU) 2019/1381 on transparency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment in the food chain, and the modification entered into force in March 2021.

The Regulation introduces measures to prevent harmful levels of constituents from leaching into food, avoiding changes to food composition, taste, and odor, and addressing specific considerations for active and intelligent materials.

The Regulation grants the EU authority to implement additional measures for certain materials, such as plastics and establishes procedures for safety assessments conducted by the European Food

Safety Authority. It also mandates labeling requirements, including indications of use and appropriate symbols, and emphasises the importance of compliance documentation and traceability.

The EU identifies 17 materials that it considers necessary to regulate, but this Regulation is limited to four materials: plastics, ceramics, regenerated cellulose and active and intelligent materials. In 2016, the European Parliament voted its own resolution to ask for the extension of EU legislation to other materials (today only regulated by national measures) for risk assessments, traceability, compliance, enforcement and controls. European Parliament Resolution: P8_TA(2016)0384.

• Regulation 10/2011, which introduces specific rules on plastics in contact with food. Last changes were introduced by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1442 (as regards changes to substance authorisations and addition of new substances) and Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1627 (amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 as regards the authorisation of the substance bis(2-ethylhexyl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (FCM No 1079). In 2013 and 2014 the EU Commission published two guidelines: Guideline 1 Guideline 2.
• Commission Regulation 2023/2006, on best manufacturing practices of materials and objects intended to come into contact with food products (including plastics).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to

come into contact with foods, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 282/2008

C.4. Marine equipment design, construction and performance

There is the Directive 2014/90/EU on Marine equipment, last modified on 30 April 2021 (annex III) by Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2021/1206, that enhance safety at sea and prevents marine pollution through the uniform application of the relevant inter-national instruments relating to marine equipment to be placed on board EU ships, and ensures the free movement of such equipment within the Union.

Concerning the marine equipment design, there is also a Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1667 of 8 August 2023 on the Design, construction and performance requirements and test standards for marine equipment (which repeals the previous ones) to facilitate a harmonised, rapid and simple implementation of Directive 2014/90/EU. CEN TC will develop standards for Life Cycle Management and Circular Design of fishing gear, through a tender launched by CEN following

the signing with the European Commission of a contract under the Framework Partnership Agreement 2014.

Other related decisions

• Decision 1/2023 of the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Community and the United States of America of 26 May 2023 on the mutual recognition of certificates of conformity for marine equipment amending Annexes I, II and III [2023/1146]
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/608 of 19 April 2018 laying down technical criteria for electronic tags for marine equipment

Read more details.

D. EU Legislation on Plastic Waste

D.1. EU Legislation on packaging and packaging waste

In the early 1980s, the EU began to regulate packaging management, from production to disposal. Today there is an EU Directive of 1994 to reduce the impact of packaging and two Regulations of 2004 and 2011 for plastics in contact with food:

Packaging

Decision 97/129/EC on identification system for packaging materials. This Decision, which covers all packaging covered by Directive 94/62/EC aims to establish the numbering and abbreviations on which the identification system is based, indicating the nature of the packaging material(s) used and specifying which materials shall be subject to the identification system. The goal was to make the nature of the material used identifiable, both for reasons of health and environmental protection, and to help its disposal.

Packaging waste

Directive 94/62/CE. The directive, last modified in 2018, includes measures to limit the production of packaging waste, to promote recycling, re-use and other forms of waste recovery. Their final elimination must be considered as the solution of last resort. The directive applies to all packaging placed on the European market and to all packaging waste, used or discarded by industries, businesses, offices, laboratories, services, households and at any other level, whatever the materials that compose them.

Here the relevant modifications introduced in 2018:

Objectives for Recycling Rates:

Municipal Waste Recycling: 2020: 55% 2030: 60% 2035: 65%

Plastic Packaging Recycling: 2020: 50% 2030: 55%

Limits on Plastic Bags:

Light Material Plastic Bags:

From 2019: Maximum of 90 pieces per person per year (p/y)

From 2025: Maximum of 40 pieces per person per year (p/y)

From 31/12/2018: No longer provided for free

Ultralight Plastic Bags: Excluded from these measures

Furthermore, the European Commission has adopted Implementing Decision (2018) 896 on

the notification of the quantities of ultra-light plastic bags produced annually, defining the calculation criteria.

Biodegradable Packaging:

Must undergo physical, chemical, thermal, or biological decomposition, resulting in compost that mostly decomposes into carbon dioxide, biomass, and water.

Oxo-degradable Plastic Packaging: Not considered biodegradable and is subject to the

established plastic regulations.

—> Have our eBriefing on EU Rules on Packaging and Packaging Waste (including plastics), with a detailed analysis of the EU Directive, national standards, progress and future changes? Ask our offer.

D.2. Waste management, collection, transport, import, export and recycling

The definition of waste has been a key part of protecting the European environment from the impacts of waste generation and management over the past thirty years. Objects or substances that are defined as “waste” are controlled by EU waste legislation in order to protect human health and the environment. Directive 2008/98/EC is the EU framework Directive on Waste, that specify the definitions of waste, waste hierarchy, list of waste and responsibilities. This Directive was modified in 2018, 2019, 2023

and 2024. The Directive was lastly revised in 2023, on batteries and waste batteries. Go to the related page

This Directive concerns:

1. Batteries and Accumulators
2. Biodegradable waste
3. Construction and demolition waste
4. End of life vehicles
5. Landfill waste
6. Mining waste

G. Packaging waste - Open the eBriefing on Packaging and packaging waste.

1. PCBs/PCTs
2. RoHS
3. Sewage sludge
4. Ships
5. Waste containing POPs
6. Waste oils
7. Waste shipments
8. Electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

D.3. Plastic Waste

In 2013, concerning Plastics the EU Commission Green Paper "A European strategy for plastic waste in the environment" COM (2013) 0123 fin. What marks the beginning of a holistic legislative approach towards plastic waste which, without specific regulations, has been treated in a generic way (landfills). The EU Commission motivated this initiative by stating that "The intrinsic characteristics of plastics create specific problems in waste management. Plastic is a relatively cheap material and lends itself easily to industrial applications.

For this reason, in the last decade it has spread exponentially and probably the growth trend will continue in the future. Secondly, plastic is a very long-lasting and more resistant material than the products in which it is used. As a consequence, plastic waste in the environment is constantly increasing. The durability of plastic is also problematic in terms of uncontrolled disposal, since this

material can remain intact in the environment for very long periods. The need to continue efforts to reduce the impact of plastics in the marine environment was also highlighted at the Rio + 20 summit.

Lastly, in 2019 the EU adopted a Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (known as “Single-use plastic Directive”).

• Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (“single-

use”)

Directive (EU) 2019/904 of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. This Directive aims to prevent and reduce the impact on the environment of certain plastic products and to promote a transition to a circular economy by introducing a mix of measures tailored to the products covered by the directive, including an EU-wide ban on single-use plastic products whenever alternatives are available. The directive want to deliver on the EU’s plastic strategy an important element in the EU’s move towards a circular economy. The Directive indicate the market restrictions (bans), the consumption restrictions, a compulsory marking of plastic, separate collection and design requirements for plastic bottles, the extended producer responsibility and awareness campaigns by member states.

The Directive entered into force on 3 July 2021. The market restrictions and marking of product rules apply from 3 July 2021, while the product design requirements for bottles apply from 3 July

1. The Extended producer responsibility measures apply from 31 December 2024. In May 2021, the European Commission provided a Q&A - Guide on the application of the Directive. amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/ EC. The aim is to make the commitment of Member States to waste collection and recycling more consistent. The European Parliament suggested amendments by a vote on 22 November 2023 and the EU Council is still discussing its position. A Regulation is directly applicable compared to a Directive. Go to this paragraph for more details.

On 31 November 2022, the Commission presented a Proposal for a Regulation COM(2022) 677 final

• Collection and recycling

Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste, was modified in 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024. This Directive gives provisions for separate collection and recycling and asks Member States to take measures to ensure

that "waste management is carried out without damaging human health and without harming the environment". Plastic is among the waste to be differentiated and is now charged with causing serious pollution (see the three Additional Notes in this document).

So, following the enactment of the Waste Framework Directive, the EU is establishing common criteria on "cessation of waste status" for some waste streams.

The works, started in 2007, led to some EU Regulations:

• Council Regulation 333/2011, on metal scrap
• Commission Regulation 1179/2012, on glass
• Commission Regulation 715/2013, on copper but the relevant Regulations were never proposed by the Commission.

The Commission had also worked for years on the criteria for paper, compost, digested and plastics,

The Regulation on compost and digested has now been partly taken up in the new Fertilizer.

• Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, on laying down rules on the making available on the market of EU

fertilising products (plastics are partially included)

The Commission, after the rejection of the Regulation on paper, carried out an assessment of the usefulness of issuing the EU criteria of "End of Waste", considering that it was more appropriate to delegate this secondary regulation to the Member States.

• Plastics import and export

Europe is at crossroads regarding its management of plastic, plastic waste and the plastic waste trade. Rapidly growing amounts of plastic have negative environmental and climate impacts. Plastic and plastic waste are traded worldwide. Exporting plastic waste from the EU to Asia is a means of dealing with insufficient recycling capacities in the EU. Waste import restrictions in China have shifted exports to other countries.

Because some types of plastic waste have been added to the United Nations Basel Convention, the option of exporting plastic waste is becoming increasingly difficult. This requires policymakers, business and other actors to build a more robust and circular economy for plastic in Europe. The EU plastic production increased from 2 to 380 million tonnes since 1950 and could double by 2035.

However Europe has lack capacity to manage as such as quantities. That’s why in early 2019 EU exported 150k tonnes of plastic waste/mo and 300k in 2015 and 2016.

EU rules on trade in plastics

EU countries’ trade in plastic waste is regulated by the Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 on Waste Shipment. This Regulation sets out rules for the shipment of waste within and outside the EU to enhance environmental protection and public health.

Key provisions include:

1. Control and Monitoring: Stricter controls and monitoring of waste shipments to prevent illegal dumping and reduce environmental impact.

2. Documentation: Mandatory detailed documentation for all waste shipments to ensure

transparency and traceability.

1. Standards for Handling: Specific standards for the handling, transport, and disposal of waste to ensure safe and environmentally sound practices.
2. Amendments to Existing Regulations: Updates to regulations (EU) No 1257/2013 and (EU) No 2020/1056 to incorporate new requirements and standards.

The general rules

1. Prohibited Disposal Shipments: Shipments of waste for disposal are banned unless consent is obtained following a prior written notification and consent procedure.
2. Recovery Shipments: Certain waste types (listed in Annexes of the Regulation and classified as hazardous) destined for recovery also require prior written notification and consent.
3. Mixed Municipal Waste: Shipments of mixed municipal waste for recovery are allowed under strict conditions, but disposal is prohibited.

4. General Information Requirements: Shipments of specific waste types for recovery

exceeding 20 kg must follow information requirements.

1. Laboratory Analysis: Shipments for laboratory analysis are subject to general information requirements if they meet certain conditions.

Summary of Notification and Consent Procedures

1. Notification Submission: Notifiers must submit a written notification to relevant authorities for waste shipments.
2. Documentation: Includes a notification document and a movement document.
3. Additional Information: Authorities may request more details as needed.
4. Validation: A notification is valid once authorities are satisfied with the provided documents.

Summary of Consent and Conditions

1. Decision Making: Authorities must decide within 30 days to consent, consent with conditions, object, or not consent to the shipment.
2. Consent Validity: Written consent is valid for a specified period, not exceeding one year.

Summary of Take-Back Procedures

1. Uncompleted Shipments: If a shipment cannot be completed as intended, authorities ensure the waste is taken back or recovered/disposed of alternatively within 90 days.
2. New Notifications: Required for alternative arrangements or take-back procedures.

Prohibition of exports of hazardous and certain other wastes

1. plastic waste classified under entry B3011

Waste Shipments Between Member States

Intra-EU waste shipments follow specific procedures based on waste type, intended treatment, and destination:

1. Prior Notification and Consent:

• For all waste intended for disposal or recycling, prior consent from authorities in all involved countries (origin to destination) is required before shipment.

1. Green-listed Non-Hazardous Wastes:

• Shipments within the EU and OECD require basic information disclosure (quantity, treatment, origin, destination) before starting.

1. Electronic Procedures:

• By May 2026, procedures will transition from paper-based to electronic, with a central EU system facilitating the exchange.

Export of Waste

• General Ban:
• Exports of waste for disposal and hazardous waste for recovery to non-OECD countries are generally banned.
• New Recovery Export Rules:
• From May 2027, differentiated rules for OECD and non-OECD countries will apply.

Some statistics from Eurostat:

• €18.5 billion worth of EU waste exports in 2023
• 35.1 million tonnes of EU waste exported in 2023
• Türkiye is today the main destination for EU waste

Port reception facilities

- Directive (EU) 2019/883, on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships,

repealing the old Directive of 2000.

Fees - Ships will pay an indirect fee to cover the cost of the scheme, giving them the right to deliver their waste to a port, whether or not they deliver any waste. This fee will also apply to fishing vessels and recreational craft, aiming to help prevent discarded fishing nets and waste accidentally caught in fishing nets going directly into the sea. In certain cases, if a ship delivers an exceptional amount of waste, an additional direct fee may be charged to ensure that the costs related to receiving such waste do not create a disproportionate burden on a port’s cost-recovery system. Fees may be

differentiated depending on, for example, the category, type and size of the ship and the type of traffic the ship is engaged in. A reduced fee applies to ‘green ships’, meaning vessels that can demonstrate reduced quantities of waste and sustainable on-board waste management.

Port facilities - EU countries ensure that port facilities can receive the types and quantities of waste from ships normally using that port; avoid delays; don’t charge excessive fees which may discourage ships from using them; manage ships’ waste in an environmentally appropriate way in accordance with Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste and other EU legislation on waste.

D.4. Hazardous waste legislation: classification of waste (including plastics)

• Decision 2000/532/EC for a classification of hazardous waste, the annexes of which

have been updated until 2023. Consult the consolidated version of the Decision with all modifications. This decision has various references to plastics.

D.5. Tax on non-recycled plastic

• The EU has an annual budget that allows it to finance all of its programs, aid and support for certain categories, as well as the functioning of its institutions. Part of this budget is fed annually by the contributions paid by each of the 27 member countries (calculated in proportion to national GDP and revenue from VAT revenues) and a part by so-called own resources.

• With Counci Decision (EU, EURATOM) 2020/2053, starting from January 1, 2021, plastics

tax are included among the own resources. In practice, it was decided that all non-

recycled plastic should be taxed for the benefit of the EU coffers. The tax that will feed into

the EU budget has been set at € 0.80/kg. Some countries enjoy exemptions and the

implementing measures provide for the collection of statistics by Eurostat (the EU statistics office) and the calculation of how much each state must pay. On 30 April 2021, the EU Council delivered the Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2021/770 on the Calculation of the

own resource based on plastic packaging waste that is not recycled, on the methods

and procedure for making available that own resource, on the measures to meet cash

requirements, and on certain aspects of the own resource based on gross national

income.

E. Other EU actions on Plastics

A holistic and functional approach to reducing the environmental impact of plastics is the strategy adopted by the European Union and the Commission. The two EU legislators complete the regulatory framework with commitments, guiding objectives, and funding for research and innovation programs, also aimed at achieving the goals of a circular economy.

E.1. Improve the economy and the quality of plastic recycling

a. Improve the design

• Interaction between chemical law, products and waste: Communication COM (2018) 32 + SWD (2018) 20. Following this Communication, the EU adopted the Directive (EU)

2019/904, on the Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the

environment ("single-use Plastics"), with which not only are some single-use plastic

products banned but the production of those products in recyclable materials is encouraged.

• Design and Manufacturing rules with a possible revision of the Directive 2009/125/EC, for the reducing the presence of chemical "pollutants" in plastics. In 2022, the Commission adopted a Proposal for a Regulation COM/2022/142 final establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products and repealing Directive 2009/125/EC. European Parliament and EU Council negotiated a compromise text and the Parliament confirmed this agreement by a vote on 23 April 2024.

- Revision of the Packaging and Waste Directive 94/62/EC, for a more complete total

reuse of packaging from 2030. The last revision is dated 16 June 2018. The subsequent revision will also try to give consistency between the classification of waste and chemicals and their traceability in the waste. Between 30 September 2020 and 6 January 2021 the Commission has launched an Open Public Consultation (OPC): here the comments received and here the Evaluation of initial impact.

On 30 November 2022, the Commission proposed to revise the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive by a Proposal for a Regulation COM(2022) 677 final. This review contributes to reaching the objective of the European Green Deal and the new circular economy action plan to ensure that “all packaging on the EU market is reusable

or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030”. It will also contribute to the commitment of the 2018 Plastics Strategy to ensure that by 2030 all plastics packaging placed on the market can be reused or recycled in a cost-effective manner”. Read the eBriefing on Waste Directive revision.

- Eco-design. Extension of the eco-design Directive 2009/125/EC to other products and

products, to reduce the use of plastics or for their eco-friendly use.The initiative aims to correct the production and consumption patterns in force and which are summarised in "take, use, eliminate". Many products break down too quickly, many cannot be easily and safely reused, repaired or recycled, and many are made for single use only. As said before, these and all other problems not solved by the EU legislation in force will

be addressed by the next revision. Between 17 March and 9 June 2021, the European

Commission launched an Open Public Consultation (OPC) for a review of this directive, with the hypothesis of further legislative measures where deemed necessary to make products placed on the EU market more sustainable. Here the Impact assessment and here the OPC comments received from industry and citizens.

b. Actions to increase the recyclable content

Voluntary Pledge - The European Strategy for Plastics, Communication COM(2018) 28 f. set a target to use 10 million tonnes of recycled plastic to make products in the EU by

1. This compared to less than 4 million tonnes used in 2016. or producing more recycled plastics.

To achieve this, Annex III of the Strategy invited stakeholders to voluntarily commit to using

70 companies and business associations therefore submitted voluntary commitments for

the end of 2018. Most of them agreed to publish their names. Many Voluntary Industry Groups have also agreed to publish their commitment, in part or in full. See the commitments published on the circular economy stakeholder platform. Interested parties can make or update their voluntary commitments.

Many pledgers also agreed to publish their pledge, in part or entirely. See published pledges on the circular economy stakeholder platform. Stakeholders can make or update their voluntary pledges.

c. Evaluation of the effectiveness of EU measures and necessary corrections

This initiative was taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the regulatory or economic incentives put in place with EU legislation to stimulate the recycling of packaging and packaging waste:

• General Evaluation report published in March 2020, on the effectiveness of the measures put in place by the EU

- 2018 Revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive Directive 94/62/EC,

- Update of the Commission Implementing Decision: consolidated text of Commission

Decision 2005/270/EC for updating the Tables for Directive 94/62/EC consolidated text reporting data pursuant to Article 12 of Directive 94/62 / EC, as well as the rules for the calculation, verification and disclosure of data pursuant to this directive.

- Construction Products Regulation (CPR) Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (modified in

July 2021): Evaluation of the effectiveness of regulatory or economic incentives to stimulate recycling. Check the Roadmap for the implementation of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)

- End-of-Life Vehicles Directive Directive 2000/53/EC. Evaluation of the effectiveness of

regulatory or economic incentives to stimulate recycling, with the assessment/revision of the existing Directive. Indeed, the 2000 Directive was amended many times and it was subject to various implementation by setting out measures to prevent and limit waste from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and their components, by ensuring their reuse, recycling and recovery. The Directive aims to improve the environmental performance of all economic operators involved in the life-cycle of the vehicles. Last modifications have been introduced in 2023.

• Continuation of work to regulate the use of Food Contact Materials (FCM) (including

plastics): finalisation of pending authorisation procedures for plastic recycling processes, better characterisation of contaminants and introduction of monitoring systems. The safety of FCM is evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In 2023, EFSA published a Report on Risk assessment of food contact materials. At EFSA's

website you can search for opinions on substances to be used in food contact materials. The safety of Food Contact Materials is tested by the business operators placing them on the market, and by the competent authorities of the Member States during official controls. Scientific knowledge and technical competence on testing methods is being maintained by the European Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Materials (EURL-FCM). Its website provides guidelines and other resources concerning the testing of food contact materials.

• Development of quality standards for selected plastic waste and recycled plastics, in

cooperation with the European Committee for Standardisation. The requirements of the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste are met if packaging fulfills the standards (e.g. on prevention, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, biodegradation and composting) of the European Committee for Standardization, an association of national standardization bodies of 34 European countries that defines voluntary standards at European level. The use of these standards is not mandatory as EU legislation does not allow mandatory standards.

• Ecolabel and "Green Public Procurement": further encouragement of the use of

recycled plastic, also through the development of adequate means of verification.

• Plastic recycling - From voluntary to mandatory pledge. This way initiated in 2018

with the Commission Communication on European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular

Economy, COM(2018) 28 f. followed by A new Circular Economy Action Plan for a

cleaner and more competitive Europe, COM(2020) 98 f.. As seen above, plastic

recycling had been asked with voluntary pledges. Now the European Commission is preparing a new legislation. To increase uptake of recycled plastics and contribute to the

more sustainable use of plastics, the Commission will propose mandatory requirements

for recycled content and waste reduction measures for key products such as packaging, (construction materials and vehicles), also taking into account the activities of the Circular Plastics Alliance.

d. Actions to improve the separate collection of plastic waste

• Publication of new guidelines on separate waste collection and sorting (2019)
• Ensure better implementation of existing waste collection obligations, including through continuous review of waste legislation (see above). EU-wide harmonised model for separate collection of waste and labelling to facilitate separate collection is planned to start in 2022.

E.2. Reducing plastic waste

Disposable plastics, waste at sea, micro-plastics, oxo-plastics, biodegradable plastics, increased recycling, separate waste collection have been the subject of impact assessments, studies and research by the EU. The results led to the decision to initiate the following legislative initiatives. Studies show that the so-called single-use plastics are by far the most responsible for plastic pollution (especially at sea), given the amount used. Here a summary.

a. Reduction of single-use plastic products

Directive (EU) 2019/904 of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. The provisions of the Directive banning certain single-use plastic products entered into force on 3 July 2021. The Directive states that the product

design requirements for bottles apply from 3 July 2024. The Extended producer

responsibility measures apply from 31 December 2024.

As mentioned before, on 31 November 2022 the Commission presented a Proposal for a Regulation COM(2022) 677 final. The aim is to make the commitment of Member States to waste collection and recycling more consistent and equivalent everywhere, as a EU A Regulation is directly applicable, unlike a Directive which requires the implementation of 27 national legislations. Additionally, some deadlines are being modified and some targets are made more stringent.

Here are some provisions introduced by the new Regulation:

Targets by 1 January 2030

By 1 January 2030, or three years after the entry into force of the relevant implementing act (whichever is later), plastic packaging placed on the market must meet the following minimum recycled content percentages, calculated as an average per manufacturing plant and year:

1. Contact Sensitive Packaging (PET)

• 30% recycled content for packaging made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the major component, excluding single-use beverage bottles.

2. Contact Sensitive Packaging (Other Plastics)

• 10% recycled content for packaging made from plastic materials other than PET, excluding single-use plastic beverage bottles.

3. Single-Use Plastic Beverage

• 30% recycled content.

4. Bottles Other Plastic Packaging

• 35% recycled content for all other plastic packaging types not covered in points (a), (b), and (c).

Targets by 1 January 2040

By 1 January 2040, the requirements for recycled content in plastic packaging will increase as follows:

1. Contact Sensitive Packaging (PET)

• 50% recycled content for packaging made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the major component, excluding single-use beverage bottles.

2. Contact Sensitive Packaging (Other Plastics)

• 25% recycled content for packaging made from plastic materials other than PET.

3. Single-Use Plastic Beverage Bottles

• 65% recycled content.

4. Other Plastic Packaging

• 65% recycled content for all other plastic packaging types not covered in points (a), (b), and (c).

b. Marine littering

The waste that ends up in the sea, including plastic, is of various kinds and of various origins. The European legislator and the Member States therefore had to address both the question of how to reduce the quantity and nature of releases at sea, and to identify the origin of the releases. In both cases with various specific regulations. Yes, because referring only to plastics, there are plastics, or persistent organic products, which by size and composition emerge from a myriad of products and therefore the problem must also be addressed from the very beginning of the industrial chain. The European Commission therefore started with an overall assessment of the phenomenon, then carried out an impact assessment and finally proposing a series of legislative measures:

• On 12 May 2021 the European Commission adopted a Communication COM (2021) 400

entitled "A path towards a healthier planet for all EU - Action plan: Towards zero air pollution, the water and soil”. This Communication announces the intention to introduce

European standards to reduce plastic waste released into the sea by 50% and

microplastics released into the environment by 30%. Taking also into account the

Results of the Public Consultation (11 November 202 - 10 February 2021).

• We have already seen above that there was the adoption of the Directive (EU) 2019/904

of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the

environment. It was preceded by an Impact assessments: DOC1, DOC2, DOC3 (here an

Executive summary) and a Public consultation (here the results).

• Adoption of the Directive (EU) 2019/883, on Port reception facilities for the delivery of

waste from ships, which repeals the old Directive of 2000.

• Development of measures to limit plastic loss from aquaculture (date to be defined). The discussions on possible legislative measures are not exhausted and sector operators emphasise that 80% of marine plastic pollution is due to coastal activities. Here the data provided by the World Aquaculture Society.

c. Actions to monitor and reduce marine litter more effectively

In addition to avoiding the dumping at sea of ​​waste and in particular of plastic in its various forms, the EU is committed to monitoring the seas. It is used to verify the effectiveness of existing legislation and to understand the nature and origin of waste, including plastics. It should be known that only 1% of the plastic poured into the seas floats. The rest settles on the funds or fluctuates. Plastics in the sea have different sizes: from large objects to very small fragments, micro-particles that enter the food chain, up to entering our body. They bring with them poisons and bacteria of all kinds.

To achieve homogeneous mapping, the EU has developed harmonised methods that all member countries must comply with.

Here is the EU activity for monitoring marine litter:

• Improved monitoring and mapping of marine litter, including micro-plastics, with

harmonised EU methods. In 2018, the Commission launched EMODnet, the European

Marine Observation and Data Network (website), tasked with monitoring the seas of

the EU and beyond.The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)

is a network of organisations supported by the EU’s integrated maritime policy. These organisations work together to observe the sea, process the data according to international standards and make that information freely available as interoperable data layers and data products.

• Support to Member States for the implementation of their marine litter programs of measures under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, in conjunction with their marine litter / litter management plans under the Framework Directive on waste. On 25

June 2020, the Commission adopted a report on the Marine Strategy Framework

Directive Directive 2008/56/EC (MSFD), (consolidated version) which reveals that

although the EU framework for the protection of the marine environment is one among the most comprehensive and ambitious in the world, persistent challenges remain such as nutrient glut, underwater noise, plastic waste and other types of pollution, as well as unsustainable fishing. This message was further reinforced by the European Environment Agency's (EEA) 'Marine Messages II' report, also published the same day.

d. Actions on compostable, biodegradable plastic and oxo-plastics

• Development of harmonised standards on the definition and labelling of compostable and biodegradable plastic.

There are two specific laws with partial objectives:

1. Directive (EU) 2019/904 on Single-use plastics prohibits the placing on the market

of oxo-degradable plastic products and all single-use plastic products (listed in

Part B of the Annex). Plastic products prohibited under this directive: cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks), plates, straws, cotton buds, drink stirrers, sticks to attach to support balloons, expanded polystyrene food containers. For other products, it establishes that they must bear a marking to communicate how the waste is managed. For a complete analysis of the Directive, contact eEuropa by email.

b. Directive (EU) 2015/720 on Directive on Plastic bags

The legislation on packaging waste does not contain specific prohibition measures for plastic bags made of lightweight materials, which, however, can have a negative impact on the environment and whose consumption must be reduced. Therefore, the Directive establishes ways and objectives to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic bags, through the imposition of taxes or the setting of consumption reduction targets at a national level. Those in ultra-light material can be excluded from the reduction rules imposed for others in light material. In addition, As of May 27, 2018, EU countries must report the annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags to the European Commission. By May 2017, the Commission will develop rules on labels and trademarks for the identification of biodegradable and compostable plastic bags, which must be implemented at the latest 18 months after their adoption. EU governments and the Commission will encourage information and awareness campaigns, particularly in the 12 months after 27 November 2016. If you need an analysis of the Directive, contact eEuropa by email.

• Concerning EU standards, CEN (European Committee for Standardization) has

published several standards on bio-based products, but there is no clarity around the part of a plastic product that is entirely or partly derived from biomass. The EU does not have sustainability criteria that applies to bio-based plastics. For more information on CEN standards, please contact eEuropa by email.

• There is a harmonized CEN standard for industrially compostable packaging, but there

is no general standard for marine biodegradation.

• Life Cycle Assessment to identify the conditions where their use leads to benefits and

criteria for such application (date to be defined)

• Process to limit the use of oxo-plastics. The Commission has published a Report COM

(2018) 35 fin on the impact of oxo-degradable plastics and has instructed the European

Chemical Agency (ECHA) to prepare a dossier for the banning of oxo-plastics, in the

framework of the procedures defined by the EU Regulation "REACH" (contact us to request info and updates on the rules set by the EU for your products / compounds or to request the necessary authorisations for their production or for their commercialisation).

—> Request eDossier EURECHA20-P, on the functioning and rules of the EU Chemical

Agency, also specifying the products / compounds you wish to monitor Email us

e. Actions to curb pollution by micro-plastics

In 2017, the European Commission requested ECHA to assess the scientific evidence for taking regulatory action at the EU level on microplastics that are intentionally added to products (i.e. substances and mixtures).

ECHA launched a public consultation on micro-plastics requested by the European Commission in January 2018 to produce results to be published on 11 January 2019. The consultation closed on 11 May 2018. Here is the ECHA statement.

Restrictions could include:

• restrictions to inadvertent release of micro-plastics from tires, fabrics and paints (for

example, tire design requirements - tire abrasion and durability, if necessary) and/or information obligation (including labelling, if necessary), methods for assessing micro-plastic losses from fabrics and tires, combined with information (including possibly labelling) and minimum requirements, with targeted funding and research and development)

• restrictions to release of plastic pellets (e.g. certification scheme along the plastic

supply chain and/or the best available reference techniques, according to the Industrial Emissions Directive)

• Evaluation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive: assessment of the effectiveness

of recovery and removal of micro-plastics:

• Read the Staff Working Document on the Evaluation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
• Executive summary of the Evaluation (EN)
• Stakeholder synopsis report (EN)

E.3. Plastics: Guidelines for investments and research in the circular economy

a. EU initiatives to promote investment and innovation in the value chain

• Commission guidelines on the eco-modulation of the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) tariffs. Report from BioByDeloitte (2014). The EU Commission announced to prepare guidelines.
• Recommendations of the financial support platform for the circular economy. European Investment Bank set-up the Platform.
• Review of the feasibility of an investment fund with private capital to finance investments in innovative solutions and new technologies, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of plastic production. See EIB financial instruments.
• Direct EU financial support for research and innovation through EU Funding Programmes (eg Structural Funds and LIFE, Horizon Europe, etc.)
• Impact on the life cycle of alternative raw materials for plastic production (started)
• Development of a strategic agenda for plastic research innovation to guide future financing decisions (part of the "plastic in a circular economy" EU strategy)

E.4. Global action

E.4.a. Targeted regional actions

• Reduction of plastic waste and marine litter in East and Southeast Asia, to make plastic consumption and production sustainable, to promote a waste hierarchy motion and to extend producer responsibility, and to improve the recovery of fishing gear (from 2018)
• Examination of options available for specific actions aimed at reducing plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, in support of the implementation of the Barcelona Convention (Switch Mediterranean)
• Cooperation on the prevention of plastic waste in the main world river basins (Switch Africa, Switch Asia, Switch Mediterranean)

E.4.b. Actions to support multilateral plastic initiatives

• Renewing plastics and marine littering in forums such as the UN, the G7, the G20, the MARPOL Convention and regional maritime conventions, including the development of practical tools and specific actions on fisheries and aquaculture (ongoing)
• Support for actions under the Basel Convention, in particular for the implementation of environmentally harmful waste management tools

E.4.c. Actions relating to bilateral cooperation with third countries

• Promotion of a circular economy of plastics in third countries through dialogue on trade, industrial and environmental policy, and economic diplomacy (ongoing)
• Use of bilateral EU policy funding for the regions, development, neighbourhood and enlargement to promote and support the EU plastics strategy, its management and the promotion of the circular economy; activation of programs and tools, including "Switch to Green" and the "External investment plan" (ongoing)

F. Recommendations for Member States and for industry

In 2018, the EuropeanCommission adopted the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. This strategy is part of a wider plan to develop a circular economy and the comes from the 2015 Circular Economy Action Plan which identified plastics as a priority area. This included proposals to modernise EU waste legislation which were agreed in December 2017.

The following is the agenda of the initiatives that the Commission had proposed to implement. Some of these are already realities, others are in progress. The value of the following list is to make clear the project that the EU wants to implement to reduce the impact of plastics, so that public and private stakeholders are ready for future challenges.

F.1. Key measures to improve the economy and the quality of plastic recycling

- National favourite reusable and recycled plastic in public procurement

• make better use of taxation and other economic instruments to reward the adoption of recycled plastics and encourage reuse and recycling with respect to landfilling and incineration, and to intensify the separate collection of plastic waste and improve the way in which this is done (a public initiative is ongoing)
• implement well-designed EPR schemes and / or deposit systems in consultation with the relevant sectors
• undertake voluntary commitments to support the objectives of the EU strategy, in particular with regard to the adoption of recycled plastics

- Industry is encouraged to:

• take concrete steps to improve dialogue and cooperation throughout the value chain, in particular for the material and product design aspects
• undertake voluntary commitments to support the EU strategy objective, in particular with regard to the use of recycled plastic

F.2. Key measures to contain plastic waste and waste

- National and regional authorities are encouraged to:

• increase awareness of dispersion and introduce fines, where they do not already exist; promote beach cleaning
• intensify the collection of waste, particularly close to the coasts, and improve coordination between the authorities responsible for waste management, water and the marine environment
• intensify efforts to eradicate illegal and non-compliant landfills
• develop national monitoring of marine litter on the basis of harmonised methods at EU level
• engage in regional maritime agreements, in particular to develop regional plans against marine litter
• consider the introduction of the EPR, in particular to provide incentives for the collection of waste fishing gear and recycling of agricultural plastics
• consider introducing deposit reimbursement systems, particularly for beverage containers

- Industry is encouraged to:

• promote existing alternatives to single-use plastic items (eg in catering and take-away), where these are more environmentally beneficial
• pursue and implement inter-industrial agreements to reduce the release of micro-plastics into the environment
• put in place measures to prevent the release of plastic pellets

F.3. Measures to guide investments and innovation towards circular solutions

- National and regional authorities are encouraged to:

• make better use of economic instruments, in particular to increase the costs of landfilling and incineration and to promote recycling and prevention of plastic waste
• make greater use of public procurement and funding to support the prevention and recycling of plastic plastics waste

- Industry is encouraged to:

• increase R & D infrastructure and investment in areas of direct relevance for the achievement of the EU strategy
• to help work towards the creation of a private investment fund to offset the environmental externalities of plastic production

F.4. Key measures to exploit global action

- National and regional authorities are encouraged to:

• engage in international forums to develop a global response to the increase in marine litter
• adopt national measures to reduce the loss of plastics in the environment, avoid plastic waste and increase recycling

- Industry is encouraged to:

• To play an active role in supporting an integrated and cross-border circular plastic economy, including through the development of a global plastics protocol

G. EU financial aid to support the Plastic Strategy

To achieve most of the objectives outlined in the Plastics Strategy, it will require research and innovation in different sectors and, consequently, important additional investments.

Many EU funds and financial mechanisms support research and innovation activities, as well as companies for a transition from plastics to more recyclable solutions. Help is also aimed at Member States in their efforts to upgrade their existing waste management infrastructure. IIn 2017 the European Commission set up the Circular Economy Finance Support Platform, to enhance the link between existing instruments and potentially develop new financial instruments for circular economy projects. The Platform brings together the Commission, the EIB, National Promotional Banks, institutional investors and other stakeholders, and is supported by an expert group for advice.

G.1. EU funding programmes

- Horizon Europe

This is the EU Research and Innovation programme (2021-2027), with a budget of €95.5 billion. This Program was preceded by Horizon 2020 (2014-2020). Horizon 2020 provided nearly € 350 million to fund research and development in areas of direct relevance to the strategy.

- Regional policy support for the circular economy

With a global budget of €392 billion for 2021-2027, some investments will contribute to: more recycling, improved waste management, resource and energy efficiency, strengthening the bio-economy, novel solutions in product design, new business models and the creation of green jobs.

- LIFE programme

The programme 2021-2027 has a budget of €5.4 billion. The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action created in 1992. LIFE Programme has four sub-programmes:

• Nature and biodiversity
• Circular economy and quality of life
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Clean energy transition

- Single Market Programme (SMP)

This is a program for 2021-2027 with a budget of €4.2 billion to strengthen the European Internal Market, the largest market in the world, where people, goods, services and money can move almost as freely as within a single country. The aim of the program is to empower and protect consumers and enable Europe's many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to thrive. The objectives of the SMP are to:

• Maintain a high level of food safety;
• Give even higher protection to consumers;
• Boost the competitiveness of businesses, in particular SMEs;
• Improve the governance of the Single Market and compliance with rules;
• Produce and disseminate high-quality statistics;
• Develop effective European standards.

- SWITCH Regional Programmes

In cooperation with UN and regional Partners, the EU promotes many projects through the following programmes: Switch Africa, Switch Asia, Switch Mediterranean. Circular economy and plastics are activities promoted by these initiatives.

G.2. EU financing support

- European Investment Bank (EIB)

The EIB Group Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025 outlines the goals which will enable climate finance to support the European Green Deal.

The EIB Group has two parts:

• the European Investment Bank
• the European Investment Fund (EIF) that specialises in finance for small businesses and mid-caps
• The EIB contributes to the circular economy by providing financing, advisory support and knowledge sharing and provides finance to circular economy projects/promoters, including those with a higher risk profile:
• EIB and the circular economy
• EIB Circular economy overview 2021
• Joint Initiative on Circular Economy a single point of access to a comprehensive offering of consulting and technical assistance services. It aims to provide targeted support to identify, prepare and develop investment projects across the European Union. Goto the Hub.

All EIB This support is channeled through an Advisory Center. There is an Hub designed to serve as

In order to facilitate and support financial need of the transition to the circular economy (plastic included), the EU Commission created an Expert Group consisting of representatives of the Commission, the European Investment Bank, national financial advisors, member countries and stakeholders to facilitate and support financial needs of the circular economy. You can get in touch with Expert Group through this address: [email protected].

H. EU legislation on plastics mentioned in this eDossier

For Directives, Regulations and Decisions we provide the latest consolidated version as of the date of this eDossier.

H.1. Packaging and Packaging Waste

1. Identification system for packaging materials - 1/d/14XqsKhBkzjU070Ns39hCNqn9z3pEdCz4/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Decision 97/129/EC
2. Material in contact with food - 1rOoDB4usnbNDJs6hw9Erd8V_IeUmtdGq/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulation 1935/2004
3. Implementation of the Food Contact Materials Regulation - EP Resolution 1qALcOdBdWZoVd-qjHuE_1PR312EmTHGM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">P8_TA(2016)0384
4. Plastics in contact with food - 10_2011_EN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulation 10/2011 and Commission guidelines -: Guideline

1 and Guideline 2

1. Best manufacturing practices of materials and objects intended to come into contact with food products - Regulation 2023/2006

6. Packaging and packaging waste - Directive 94/62/CE

1. Methodology for the calculation of the annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags - 18D0896&qid=1623076181225" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Decision (2018) 896
2. Formats relating to the database system pursuant to Directive 94/62/EC of the European

Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste - Commission Decision

190426%23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2005/270/EC

H.2. Marine equipment

1. Marine equipment - 1R1158" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1158
2. Marine equipment - Directive 2014/90/EU

H.3. Marine littering

1. Impact assessment of marine littering 1UE6Q-nD2TPRClEIAxAjafT6piRn9TykO/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(Part 1 Part 2 Part 3) and public consultation (here the results)
2. A path towards a healthier planet for all EU - Action plan: Towards zero air pollution, the water and soil” - Communication COM (2021) 400
3. Port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships - 19L0883&qid=1715244969962" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Directive (EU) 2019/883

4. Marine Strategy Framework Directive - Directive 2008/56/EC

H.4. Waste

1. Notification of the quantities of ultra-light plastic bags produced annually, defining the calculation criteria of Waste - Directive 2008/98/EC
2. Read the eBriefing 2024-1-129-EN on EU Waste Directive
3. Interpretative Communication of the European Commission on waste and by-products COM (2007) 59 fin.
4. Green Paper "A European strategy for plastic waste in the environment" COM (2013) 0123 fin.
5. Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment Directive (EU) 2019/904
6. Waste of metal scrap - Regulation 333/2011
7. Waste of glass - Regulation 1117/2012
8. Waste of copper - Regulation 715/2013
9. Fertilizer Regulation (EU) 2019/1009

H.5. Reduction of single-use plastic

1. Single-use plastic Directive (EU) 2019/904

2. Proposal for a Directive on Single-use plastic COM(2018) 340 fin + Annex and

Implementation plan EN

H.6. Plastic trade

1. Trade in plastic waste is regulated - Regulation (EC) 1013/2006
2. Shipment of waste - Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2174
3. Port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships - EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L0883&qid=1715244969962" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Directive (EU) 2019/883
4. Control of waste transport - Regulation (EC) 1013/2006
5. Plastics prohibited for import - Regulation (EC) 2007/1418
6. Shipments of waste: correlation table between the codes of the relevant nomenclature Regulation (EU) 2016/1245

H.7. Plastic Tax

1. Tax on non-recycled plastic - Decision (EU, EURATOM) 2020/2053
2. Calculation of the own resource based on plastic packaging waste that is not recycled -Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2021/770

H.8. Hazardous waste legislation

1. Classification of hazardous waste - Decision 2000/532/EC

H.9. Circular Economy & Recycling

1. EU plan for the Circular Economy, COM (2015) 614 f.
2. Implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan - Communication COM (2017) 33 fin. + corrigendum
3. European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, COM(2018) 28 f. + Annex
4. A new Circular Economy Action Plan for a cleaner and more competitive Europe COM(2020) 98 f. and annex
5. Action Plan on Circular Economy
6. Accelerating the transition to the circular economy: Improving access to finance for circular economy projects” (here the Report)
7. EP Resolution on Plastic in a circular economy P8_TA(2018)0352
8. Construction Products Regulation (CPR) - Regulation (EU) No 305/2011
9. End-of-Life Vehicles Directive - Directive 2000/53/EC

H.10. EU Design of Plastics

1. Design of plastic: Interaction between chemical law, products and waste - COM (2018) 32 + SWD (2018) 20.
2. Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment ("single-use Plastics") Directive (EU) 2019/904
3. Ecodesign requirements for energy-related products - Directive 2009/125/EC (possible revision to include plastics)

H.11. EU Compostable, Biodegradable and Oxo-Plastics

1. Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment - Directive (EU) 2019/904

2. Directive on Plastic bags - Directive (EU) 2015/720

3. Impact of oxo-plastics Report - COM (2018) 35 fin

I. EU Legislation on Plastics in force and latest legislation activity

To check the latest EU legislation and Court cases on Plastics: CLICK HERE

J. Latest EU News on Plastics

Read the latest EU initiatives and decisions on Plastics: CLICK HERE

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