Interpretation: EU Code for the Labelling of Specific Single Use Plastic Products (EU)2020/2151

Plastics have been widely used since the first industrial revolution, which is inseparable from the role of this material in people's life. However, to the general public, they usually think that all plastic can be recycled. This is a big mistake. In fact, what is being recycled, such as plastic bottles, is becoming a very low-value item.

If you want to reduce the amount of non-biodegradable plastic waste on the planet, there is only one real solution: reduce the amount produced and consumed. The European Union is now planning to implement the directive in 2021.

As can be seen from the contents of the Directive, member states of the EU will be required to adopt regulations to comply with the Directive from 3 July 2021, unless otherwise stated. The key points of the directive are as follows:

1. Which disposable plastic products are forbidden to use

From July 3, 2021, disposable cutlery and plates made from plastic, straws, stirring sticks, cotton swabs and plastic balloon sticks may no longer be consumed in the EU. The same applies to disposable food containers made of Styrofoam and to go to drink cups, fast food wrappers. A sale can sell existing goods.

Disposable plates, cups or cutlery made from biodegradable or biodegradable plastics are also discouraged. The same applies to disposable plates and trays made of cardboard, as long as a small part of them is made of or covered with plastic.

2. Reduce the consumption of disposable plastic products

By 2026, within the territory of Member States, the consumption of single-use plastics listed in part of Annex A shall be reduced by tradeable quantities, as compared to 2022. Such as disposable beverage cups and their LIDS, and disposable food containers.

3. Product requirements for disposable plastic beverage containers

As for disposable plastic beverage containers with a capacity of no more than 3L and with plastic LIDS, they will be put on the market starting from July 3, 2021, as long as the LIDS are still attached to the containers during the pre-order operation of the product.

Remark:

- metal LIDS or LIDS with plastic seals shall not be made of plastic;

-- Beverage containers of liquid food for special medical purposes should be exempted.

Uniform standards shall be established to meet the requirements described in point 1. Closed beverage containers (including carbonated beverages) shall meet a certain level of strength, strength and safety.

Disposable beverage containers with a capacity of not more than 3L and with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the main component shall be made of a certain proportion of renewable plastics.

4. Labeling requirements

(1) The following disposable plastic products shall meet the requirements of this label:

1) sanitary napkins (pads) and tampons and tampon applicators;

2) Wet wipes, i.e. pre-wet personal care wipes and household wipes;

3) Smoke products with filters, filters sold together with tobacco products;

4) Drink cups

(2) The products mentioned above shall be marked with obvious, clear, legible and unwearable labels on the packaging or on the products themselves, and consumers shall be informed of the following information:

1) an appropriate waste management plan for the product prevention product or waste disposal method based on the classification of waste;

2) The presence of plastics in the products and the negative impact on the environment resulting from littering or other inappropriate waste disposal.

(3) The European Commission will then develop the relevant standards for compatibility marking.

5. Other proposed obligations of Member States

(1) In accordance with Articles 8 and 8A of the Waste Directive 2008/98/EC, each Member State of the EU shall establish an extended consumer obligation programme for all plastic products of a malformed nature (e.g. food containers, plastic bags, wet wipes, balloons, etc.) listed in part of Annex E to this Directive.

(2) Member States shall take the necessary measures to collect waste from disposable beverage bottles with caps and LIDS of a capacity not exceeding 3L and recycle it as follows:

Source: Tillard's Test