In an open letter sent to the European Commission, EuPC advocates for a postponement of the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive in view of the current COVID-19 crisis in Europe.
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EuPC advocates SUP postponement
Single-use plastics are not easily substitutable and offer unique advantages when it comes to ensuring hygiene, safety, and preservation from contamination to protect consumers.
‘Since the beginning,’ the letter begins, ‘the Single-Use Plastics Directive 2019/904 has proven to be a difficult piece of legislation to follow and implement both at commercial level and at national level by Member States. Some crucial categories of items have been completely banned or reduced in their availability due to the (alleged) existence of a valid alternative. The Directive also hinders the Single Market and the free circulation of packaging and goods among European countries.’
EuPC continues by asking Commission members to inform EU member states of the postponement of the deadline for the implementation of the SUP Directive for at least an additional year.
‘Industry will continue to work on the circularity aspects with all value chains and maintain the objectives to reach 10 million T of use of recycled materials between 2025-2030’ the open letter adds. ‘For this, support will also be needed from the EU Commission by clearly accepting both mechanical and chemical recycling as complementary technologies to the common objectives in the CPA.’
EuPC and the plastics industry have committed to playing their role in the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.
The full letter can be accessed via the EuPC website.
