Single Use Plastic – directive and other measures for a sustainable use of plastics

Published on February 9, 2022

The content of the Single-Use Plastic-directive and other measures for a sustainable use of plastics states prohibition of certain single-use plastic products, reduction targets, labeling requirements and information to the consumer. In line with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, producers of certain products are also responsible for covering the cost of removing products that litter in outdoor areas.

This Directive promotes circular approaches that give priority to sustainable and non-toxic re-usable products and re-use systems rather than to single-use products, aiming first and foremost to reduce the quantity of waste generated. Such waste prevention is at the pinnacle of the waste hierarchy enshrined in Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. It is accomplished by retaining the value of products and materials for as long as possible and generating less waste, while reducing pressure on precious resources and the environment.