EU declares war on single-use plastics

In the last few days, the European Parliament in Strasbourg has approved a number of measures to avoid the use of single-use plastics. Wednesday, and accord was approved which will see the end of single-use plastic objects like plates, cutlery, straws, cotton buds, as well as oxo-degradable plastics, and polystyrene cups.

The text also establishes new recycling targets for public administrations, and imposes new regulations on manufacturers. Among these improved measures, member states will be obligated to recoup 90% of plastic bottles by 2029, and recycle at least 30% of them by 2030, up from a target of 25% by 2025. In a plenary session, the Eurochamber deputies also approved new standards on the quality of drinking water provided by public authorities, as well as requirements to promote its consumption more, to reduce the use of bottled water.