As part of Europe’s plan to have a circular economy model that includes reusable or recyclable disposable plastic by 2030, ten single-use plastic products have been banned, and alternative products to plastic are set to be introduced.
Plastic cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, balloon sticks and polystyrene drink and food vessels can no longer be sold on the European territory. Oxo-degradable plastic bags have been added to the list as they break down in highly-polluting microplastics. Members implement the plastic reform independently, as long as they fall in line with the EU’s waste and pollution-free circular economy model by 2030.
Plastic bottles will still be allowed, but a collection goal has been set: 90% of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles will be recycled by 2029 – with 77% by 2025 – and PET bottles will have to be made of at least 25% of recycled plastic by 2025. Alternative to plastic will also be introduced, such as regenerated cellulose and compostable bamboo. Cigarette butts won’t be outlawed until 2027, but sustainable filters, such as Greenbutts’ water dispersable filter that can biodegrade in days, could be put on the market.
