{"id":17628,"date":"2022-09-16T21:58:40","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T21:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=17628"},"modified":"2022-09-25T14:27:46","modified_gmt":"2022-09-25T14:27:46","slug":"plastics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/","title":{"rendered":"Plastics [EU]"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Reducing_the_consumption_of_lightweight_plastic_carrier_bags_in_the_EU\" title=\"Reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags in the EU\">Reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags in the EU<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Key_Points\" title=\"Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Key_Terms\" title=\"Key Terms\">Key Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Single-use_plastics_ban\" title=\"Single-use plastics ban\">Single-use plastics ban<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Scope\" title=\"Scope\">Scope<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Market_restrictions_bans\" title=\"Market restrictions (bans)\">Market restrictions (bans)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Consumption_reductions\" title=\"Consumption reductions\">Consumption reductions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Compulsory_marking\" title=\"Compulsory marking\">Compulsory marking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Extended_producer_responsibility\" title=\"Extended producer responsibility\">Extended producer responsibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Awareness_raising\" title=\"Awareness raising\">Awareness raising<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#Applicaiton\" title=\"Applicaiton\">Applicaiton<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/plastics\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reducing_the_consumption_of_lightweight_plastic_carrier_bags_in_the_EU\"><\/span>Reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags in the EU<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Existing European Union legislation on packaging waste does not contain specific measures for lightweight plastic carrier bags. These can have a harmful impact on the environment and their consumption needs to be reduced.<\/p>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2015\/720 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 amending Directive 94\/62\/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags<\/p>\n<p>It amends Directive 94\/62\/EC on packaging and packaging waste. It sets out ways and targets to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags, including imposing charges or setting national maximum consumption targets.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points\"><\/span>Key Points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU countries must take measures to reduce the consumption of lightweight* plastic carrier bags. These may include national reduction targets, restrictions on their use or financial measures such as charging for them.<\/p>\n<p>The measures must include either one or both of the following:<\/p>\n<p>1. defining a maximum annual consumption level of:<br \/>\n90 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by the end of 2019 (a 50 % reduction compared to 2010) and<br \/>\n40 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by the end of 2025 (an 80 % reduction compared to 2010)<\/p>\n<p>2.ensuring that, by the end of 2018, lightweight plastic carrier bags are not provided free of charge at the point of sale of goods or products.<\/p>\n<p>Very lightweight plastic carrier bags may be excluded from both the above measures.<\/p>\n<p>From 27 May 2018, EU countries must report the annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags to the European Commission.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission will work out details by May 2017 of labels or identification marks for biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags. These should be used at the latest 18 months after their adoption.<\/p>\n<p>EU governments and the Commission will encourage public information and awareness campaigns, particularly in the 12 months from 27 November 2016.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Terms\"><\/span>Key Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Lightweight plastic carrier bag: wall thickness below 50 microns<\/p>\n<p>Very lightweight plastic carrier bag: wall thickness below 15 microns, used for hygiene purposes or as primary packaging for loose food when this helps to prevent wastage.<\/p>\n<p>Lightweight plastic carrier bags are a major source of litter, damage the environment and are an inefficient use of resources. Some EU countries have managed to significantly reduce their consumption: in the seven best performing ones, consumption levels are one-fifth the EU average.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see Packaging and Packaging Waste on the European Commission&#8217;s website.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Act<\/p>\n<p>Entry into force<\/p>\n<p>Deadline for transposition in the Member States<\/p>\n<p>Official Journal<\/p>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2015\/720<\/p>\n<p>26.5.2015<\/p>\n<p>27.11.2016<\/p>\n<p>OJ L 115, 6.5.2015, pp. 11-15<\/p>\n<p>RELATED ACTS<\/p>\n<p>European Parliament and Council Directive 94\/62\/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste (OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, pp. 10-23). See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Single-use_plastics_ban\"><\/span>Single-use plastics ban<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2019\/904 \u2014 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment<\/p>\n<p>It 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.<br \/>\nThe directive delivers on the EU\u2019s plastic strategy, an important element in the EU\u2019s move towards a circular economy.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope\"><\/span>Scope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Single-use plastics are made wholly or partly of plastic and are typically intended to be used just once or for a short period of time before they are thrown away.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Market_restrictions_bans\"><\/span>Market restrictions (bans)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The plastic products to be banned under the directive include:<\/p>\n<p>cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks);<br \/>\nplates;<br \/>\nstraws;<br \/>\ncotton bud sticks;<br \/>\nbeverage stirrers;<br \/>\nsticks to be attached to and to support balloons;<br \/>\nfood containers made of expanded polystyrene;<br \/>\nproducts made from oxo-degradable plastic.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consumption_reductions\"><\/span>Consumption reductions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In line with the EU\u2019s waste policy, EU countries are required to:<br \/>\ntake measures to reduce the consumption of certain single-use plastics for which there is no alternative (drinking cups including covers and lids, and containers of prepared food for immediate consumption);<br \/>\nmonitor consumption of these single-use products as well as the measures taken and report the progress made to the European Commission.<br \/>\nThe directive requires an ambitious and sustained quantitative reduction in consumption of these products by 2026 (compared to a 2022 baseline).<br \/>\nSeparate collection and design requirements for plastic bottles<\/p>\n<p>The directive sets a collection target of 90% recycling for plastic bottles by 2029 (with an interim target of 77% by 2025).<br \/>\nThese bottles should contain at least 25% recycled plastic in their manufacture by 2025 (for PET bottles), and 30% by 2030 (for all bottles).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compulsory_marking\"><\/span>Compulsory marking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Certain disposable plastic products placed on the market must carry a visible, clearly legible and indelible marking affixed to its packaging or to the product itself:<\/p>\n<p>sanitary items;<br \/>\nwet wipes;<br \/>\ntobacco products with filters; and<br \/>\ndrinking cups.<br \/>\nThese labels should inform consumers about:<\/p>\n<p>appropriate waste management options for the product or what type of waste disposal should be avoided for the product; and<br \/>\nthe presence of plastics in the product as well as the negative environmental impact of littering.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extended_producer_responsibility\"><\/span>Extended producer responsibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The directive incorporates the \u2018polluter pays\u2019 principle. Producers will have to cover the costs of:<\/p>\n<p>waste management clean-up;<br \/>\ndata-gathering; as well as<br \/>\nawareness raising for the following products:<br \/>\nfood and beverage containers,<br \/>\nbottles,<br \/>\ncups,<br \/>\npackets and wrappers,<br \/>\nlight-weight carrier bags, and<br \/>\ntobacco products with filters.<br \/>\nFor wet wipes and balloons, these obligations will apply with the exception of the collection costs.<\/p>\n<p>EU countries are also required to:<\/p>\n<p>ensure rules on extended producer responsibility (EPR) for fishing gear containing plastic are in place; and<br \/>\nmonitor and assess plastic fishing gear with a view to establishing EU-wide collection targets.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Awareness_raising\"><\/span>Awareness raising<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU countries must also take measures to:<\/p>\n<p>inform consumers and to encourage responsible consumer behavior in order to reduce litter from such products;<br \/>\nmake consumers aware of reusable alternative products and the impact of inappropriate disposal of single-use plastic waste on the sewage system.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applicaiton\"><\/span>Applicaiton<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has to become law in the EU countries by 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 2024. The Extended producer responsibility measures apply from 31 December 2024.<\/p>\n<p>BACKGROUND<\/p>\n<p>For further information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Waste (European Commission).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2019\/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, pp. 1-19)<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Directive 2008\/98\/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, pp. 3-30)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Directive 2008\/98\/EC have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>European Parliament and Council Directive 94\/62\/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste (OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, pp. 10-23)<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-17628\" data-postid=\"17628\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-17628 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags in the EU Existing European Union legislation on packaging waste does not contain specific measures for lightweight plastic carrier bags. These can have a harmful impact on the environment and their consumption needs to be reduced. Directive (EU) 2015\/720 of the European Parliament and of the Council [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[215,237],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17628"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17628"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18407,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17628\/revisions\/18407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}