Plastics and environment Circular economy
2018 saw the continuation of the European Union legislative offensive related to the circular economy project. The Plastics Strategy published by the European Commission in January highlights certain aspects of the role of plastics within the circular economy, in particular the need for higher plastics circularity and a decrease in plastic waste littering. The Strategy states that by 2030 all plastic packaging should be suitable for reuse or recycling, and that recycling should reach at least 55% of consumer plastic packaging waste introduced into the European market. The importance of plastic packaging design which allows for the highest rates of recycling was also emphasized. Separate collection was recognized as a key factor in obtaining an appropriate amount of raw material for recycling, and stress was also laid on the need to increase the demand for recycled plastics. In the context of plastic waste in the marine environment, the introduction of a directive on limiting the environmental impact of certain plastic products (the so-called Single-Use Plastics Directive) has been announced. The authors of the Strategy also emphasized the significance of proper functioning of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system and the need for the constant development of innovative solutions and new investments in more efficient waste management and the recovery of raw materials. Published in May 2019, after a very fast legislative process, the Single-Use Plastics Directive bans the use of certain single-use plastic products (e.g., straws, plates, cutlery, certain products made of EPS) and imposes on Member States the need to introduce programs aimed at the reduction of certain other products (cups, food packaging).
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