On 12th June 2019 the new SUP (single use plastics) directive for reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The objectives of this Directive are to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, in particular the aquatic environment, and on human health, as well as to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials, thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 3 July 2021

A few reference points of this new Directive are presented:

Member States shall prohibit the placing on the market of the single-use plastic products listed in Part B of the Annex (cutlery, plates, straws, beverage stirrers, sticks to be attached to and to support balloons, food containers made of expanded polystyrene, beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, cups for beverages made of expanded polystyrene etc) and of products made from oxo-degradable plastic

The requirement that caps and lids of beverage containers with a capacity of up to three litres, remain attached to the containers during their use stage takes effect three years later on 3 July 2024

Single-use beverage bottles with a capacity of up to three litres (including their caps and lids) made of plastic must have a recycled content of at least 25 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent as of 2030. The new Directive also contains new targets for separate collections of these bottles: 77 per cent as of 2025 and 90 per cent as of 2029.

Member States shall take the necessary measures to achieve an ambitious and sustained reduction in the consumption of the single-use plastic products listed in Part A of the Annex, including food containers used for fast food or other meal ready for immediate consumption, except beverage containers, plates and packets and wrappers containing food:

1 Cups for beverages, including their covers and lids

2 Food containers, i.e. receptacles such as boxes, with or without a cover, used to contain food which:

- is intended for immediate consumption, either on-the-spot or take-away,

- is typically consumed from the receptacle, and

- is ready to be consumed without any further preparation, such as cooking, boiling or heating,

Member States shall ensure that extended producer responsibility schemes are established for all single-use plastic products listed in Part E of the Annex (food containers, packets and wrappers made from flexible material, beverage containers with a capacity of up to three litres, cups for beverages, including their covers and lids; lightweight plastic carrier bags etc) which are placed on the market of the Member State.