On October 22, 2018, European Parliament (EP) held a debate focused on the “Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.” The debate addressed the draft EU directive aimed at “reducing marine litter from plastics” (FPF reported). The directive has already been adopted by the EP’s Environment and Public Health Committee (ENVI) on October 10, 2018 (FPF reported). The vote by the full EP plenary is now scheduled for October 24, 2018.
Coinciding with the EP’s debate on single-use plastics, the UK Government announced “its plan to ban the distribution and sale of plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds,” as reporter Elisabeth Skoda informed in an article published by Packaging Europe on October 22, 2018. Skoda explained that “the ban would come into force at some point between October 2019 and October 2020, subject to the views collected during consultation” that has been launched by Environment Secretary Michael Gove.
In an article published on October 22, 2018, by Euractiv, reporter Sam Morgan informed about a leaked letter where four multinational food and beverage companies reveal their intent “to improve existing recycling systems rather than invest in new bottle designs with attached caps, which is the EU’s preferred way of curbing plastic waste.”
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EP (October 22, 2018). “Minutes. Monday, 22 October 2018 – Strasbourg. 17. Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment ***l (debate).”
Martin Banks (October 22, 2018). “EU Parliament week ahead: Khashoggi murder, single-use plastics top agenda.” The Parliament Magazine
Maria Spyraki (October 23, 2018). “Keeping our seas plastic-free.” The Parliament Magazine
Packaging Europe (October 22, 2018). “Warning that EU single use proposal could increase risk of foodborne illness.”
Elisabeth Skoda (October 22, 2018). “Plastic straw ban in England set to come into force by October 2020.” Packaging Europe
Mattha Busby (October 22, 2018). “Plastic straws and cotton buds could be banned within a year.” The Guardian
Sam Morgan (October 22, 2018). “Drinks giants rail against EU bottle cap plan.” Euractiv
