EU Single-Use Plastics Directive: Key Facts

Contents hide

1 Background of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)

2 Which Products Are Affected by the SUP Directive?

3 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the SUP Directive: Manufacturer Obligations

4 Implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive in selected EU Countries

5 Impact of the SUP Directive on Your Business

6 Practical Steps to Implement the SUP Directive

7 Why Professional Guidance on the SUPD Matters

8 Conclusion: Turn the SUP Directive into an Opportunity

The environmental impact of plastic waste presents significant challenges for both businesses and society. Single-use plastic products have proven to be particularly problematic in this regard. To address this issue directly, the European Union introduced the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), aiming to reduce single-use plastics and encourage the shift to more sustainable materials.

For companies subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), it’s essential to understand the implications and requirements of this directive. In this article, you’ll learn the necessary steps to ensure your compliance and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For Quick Readers

The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) aims to address the environmental burden of plastic waste by prohibiting single-use plastic cutlery, plates, and cups, among other items. Under this directive, companies must assume Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by covering waste disposal costs and labeling products to inform consumers.

Implementation varies across the EU: France has adopted strict regulations, Germany requires reporting under its Packaging Act, and Spain is preparing for tighter restrictions. As an EPR service provider, we assist companies in registering their products in compliance with the law and exploring sustainable alternatives.

Background of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)

The SUP Directive is part of the EU’s Circular Economy Strategy and aims to reduce plastic waste, especially in oceans. Since 2019, it bans a range of single-use plastic products and imposes new obligations on manufacturers. Companies affected by the directive face new requirements under EPR, particularly for products with sustainable alternatives or those with significant environmental impacts if improperly disposed of. This means companies must align comprehensively with these new standards.

Which Products Are Affected by the SUP Directive?

The directive bans certain single-use plastic items while enforcing strict regulations for others. Key categories include:

Banned:

Plastic cutlery, plates, straws
Plastic stirrers and cotton swabs
Food containers and beverage cups made of expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Strictly regulated:

Plastic bags, wet wipes, balloon sticks
Tobacco products with plastic filters, now subject to labeling and reporting requirements

It’s essential for companies to identify affected products early, either by transitioning to sustainable alternatives or by complying with new labeling requirements.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the SUP Directive: Manufacturer Obligations

A core element of the SUP Directive is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Companies distributing single-use plastics are responsible for financing the disposal and recycling of these products and for educating consumers on proper disposal.

For companies, this entails:

Funding waste management and cleanup: Companies must contribute to waste collection and cleanup, as well as to public awareness campaigns.
Consumer education and labeling: Certain products must carry clear labels to guide consumers on disposal methods and environmental impacts of incorrect disposal.

Complying with these obligations is essential to avoid penalties.

Implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive in selected EU Countries

The SUP Directive implementation varies across the EU, with each country establishing its own standards and priorities. Here’s an overview for four key countries:

France:

France is a frontrunner in combating plastic pollution, having introduced some of Europe’s strictest measures. Since 2021, single-use plastics are largely banned.
By 2025, 77% of all plastic bottles must be recycled, with the goal reaching 90% by 2029.
By 2040, France plans a complete ban on single-use plastics.
Mandatory labeling applies to items like wet wipes and cigarette filters, providing consumers with information on proper disposal and environmental impacts.

Germany:

Germany implemented the directive through its Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG), which took effect in May 2023. This fund, managed by the Environmental Protection Agency, supports environmental initiatives.
From 2024, a reporting requirement applies to all producers, with digital reporting through the DIVID platform.
International manufacturers and distributors must appoint a representative in Germany by 2024. For more information, see our blog article, Single-Use Plastics Fund Act: New Levy for Producers.

The Netherlands:

Since July 2023, customers pay an additional fee for single-use plastic items, like to-go containers. From January 2024, select single-use plastic products will be phased out from stores, along with a ban on microplastics in cosmetics to protect water quality.

Spain:

Spain introduced a plastic tax on non-reusable plastic packaging in January 2023, at €0.45 per kilogram, targeting manufacturers and importers to incentivize recycled materials and alternative packaging.
Spain also bans certain single-use plastics, such as plastic cutlery, straws, and EPS containers, aligning with the SUPD’s objectives. EPR measures ensure that producers bear the costs of collection and recycling.

These are just a few examples; other countries such as Italy, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Portugal have implemented various measures. Each EU nation is required to comply with the SUP Directive through national laws and enforcement mechanisms, varying in rigor and approach.

Impact of the SUP Directive on Your Business

For companies that manufacture, import, or distribute single-use plastic products, the SUPD brings significant changes:

Identify affected products and consider sustainable alternatives.
Fulfill EPR requirements such as disposal and recycling costs.
Comply with labeling and consumer information obligations.

Compliance with the SUP Directive is not only a legal necessity but also an opportunity to gain a competitive edge by adopting sustainable alternatives.

Practical Steps to Implement the SUP Directive

As a full-service EPR provider, we recommend the following steps to help your company comply with SUP requirements:

Product Review: Analyze your product range to identify affected single-use plastics.
Sustainable Alternatives: Explore opportunities to switch to more sustainable materials.
Registration and Reporting: Ensure products are properly registered with the relevant authorities.
Consumer Information: Educate end-users on disposal methods and environmental impacts.

Why Professional Guidance on the SUPD Matters

The SUP Directive and EPR requirements are complex and vary from country to country. Professional guidance can help ensure compliance and avoid penalties. As a full-service EPR provider, we offer customized solutions to support your company in meeting regulatory requirements. Our services include:

Product registration assistance
Reporting and waste management services
Tailored solutions for consumer education and product labeling

Conclusion: Turn the SUP Directive into an Opportunity

The EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive presents new challenges for companies, but it also offers opportunities for sustainable innovation and competitive advantage. By acting early to meet SUP requirements, you not only avoid penalties but also contribute positively to environmental protection.