However, by 2025 the member states shall reduce the use of other plastic items by at least 25 per cent. This includes disposable containers for burgers, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and ice cream. Other products covered in the new directive include waste from tobacco products, in particular cigarette filters containing plastic, and fishing gear. Cigarette filters must be gradually reduced by 50 per cent by 2025 and 80 per cent by 2030. With regard to cigarette folters, not only plastic is a problem but also residues of environmentally hazardous and, in some cases, carcinogetic substances from tobacco.
Lost fishing gear also accounts for a significant volume of the plastic waste in the sea. This includes containers, floats, ropes and nets. Abandoned in the sea after a single use, these objects quickly become deadly traps for ocean dwellers. They can also get caught in rudders, propellers or anchors, thereby posing a danger to seafaring vessels. The member states should ensure that at least 50 per cent of these items are collected, with a recycling target of at least 15 per cent by 2025. Other plastics, such as single-use beverage bottles, will have to be collected separately and recycled at a rate of 90 per cent by 2025.
According to the new rules, the member states must also ensure that the export of waste to third countries does not lead to an increase in sea pollution in other parts of the world. The problem of plastic waste is growing even in geographically remote areas such as the Arctic. In spring 2018, researchers found record levels of microplastics in the ice. Some scientific models even predict the formation of a new garbage patch in the Barents Sea. Furthermore, microplastics have entered the food chain and have now been found in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Parallel to the EU measures, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted an action plan to reduce plastic litter generated by ships. Disposing of plastics in the sea is already prohibited under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) adopted in 1973. However, it has become clear over the years that further measures are needed to reduce the damaging effects of plastic pollution on the environment and human health. The action plan of the IMO includes measures such as looking into the availability of port facilities to receive plastic waste, considering making it mandatory to mark fishing gear or report the loss of fishing gear, and enhancing public awareness.
Over the long term, however, more measures will be needed in addition to raising awareness and informing consumers. The key may be to increase the availability of alternatives to plastic at a similar market price. That way, strategies to reduce plastic waste won’t turn out to be merely a paper tiger.
About the Author:
Dr. Béatrice Schütte studied law in Hamburg and Bordeaux. She completed her doctorate at the University of Aarhus in 2014. Her main areas of research are comparative law, liability law, private international law and EU law. She also loves foreign languages.