The EU has agreed to ban single-use plastic packaging for a variety of items, aiming to address the growing problem of packaging waste.
Leonie Cater reports for Politico.
In short:
- The legislation targets a reduction in the EU's packaging waste, which saw a significant increase in 2021.
- By 2030, all packaging in the EU must be recyclable, with a push for widespread recycling by 2035.
- The agreement represents a compromise from more ambitious initial proposals, focusing on plastic rather than all single-use packaging.
Key quote:
"I mean, of course, I would have wished for more. But I think what we achieved is a good compromise. It's more ambitious than what the Parliament has put on the table, it gives more clarity in some aspects."
— German MEP lawmaker Delara Burkhardt
Why this matters:
This agreement seeks a compromise between ambitious environmental goals and the practical considerations of businesses and consumers. Disappointed plastics ban advocates point to recent studies citing compelling evidence of plastics’ risks for humans, the environment and the economy at every stage of their lifecycle.
