EU PLASTICS STRATEGY
EuPC calls for single-use plastics directive postponement in face of Covid-19 / Hygienic consequences of banning SUPs not taken into account, say Dangis and Zelcher
The association representing Europe’s plastics converters, EuPC (Brussels / Belgium; www.plasticsconverters.eu), has sent an open letter to the European Commission requesting a recast or postponement of implementation of the single-use plastics (SUP) directive (see Plasteurope.com of 23.05.2019) in view of the current coronavirus situation.
 EuPC managing director Alexandre Dangis (Photo: EuPC) |
Signed by EuPC managing director Alexandre Dangis and president Renato Zelcher, the letter emphasises that the commission did not take into consideration the hygienic consequences of banning or reducing single-use plastics when drafting and rapidly pushing through the legislation, but instead “only reflected on littering aspects.”
“Today and tomorrow we are and will be in a completely different world where hygiene and consumer health will be the number one priority for all of us,” they state, adding that it is time to consider adjusting strategies for Europe and the world, particularly regarding the use of plastics. Furthermore, free circulation of certain plastic products is necessary for hygiene, health and safety, such as for food-contact materials, personal protective equipment and medical supplies.
Single-use plastics are not easily substitutable and offer unique advantages when it comes to ensuring hygiene, says the EuPC. The coronavirus pandemic is underscoring the importance of SUPs, and demand for certain types of packaging has risen across Europe and other regions of the world (see Plasteurope.com of 27.03.2020 and 30.03.2020).
The EuPC is asking for a postponement of the deadline for the implementation of the SUP directive for at least one year at the national level and to lift bans on some disposable items. This will allow EU member states more time to focus on urgent measures in the fight against Covid-19, such as the distribution of SUPs for emergency situations. More than 50,000 SMEs are represented by the EuPC, and the association says plastics converters are here to play a role and contribute to the European coordination of efforts in the virus pandemic.
“Today and tomorrow we are and will be in a completely different world where hygiene and consumer health will be the number one priority for all of us,” they state, adding that it is time to consider adjusting strategies for Europe and the world, particularly regarding the use of plastics. Furthermore, free circulation of certain plastic products is necessary for hygiene, health and safety, such as for food-contact materials, personal protective equipment and medical supplies.
Single-use plastics are not easily substitutable and offer unique advantages when it comes to ensuring hygiene, says the EuPC. The coronavirus pandemic is underscoring the importance of SUPs, and demand for certain types of packaging has risen across Europe and other regions of the world (see Plasteurope.com of 27.03.2020 and 30.03.2020).
The EuPC is asking for a postponement of the deadline for the implementation of the SUP directive for at least one year at the national level and to lift bans on some disposable items. This will allow EU member states more time to focus on urgent measures in the fight against Covid-19, such as the distribution of SUPs for emergency situations. More than 50,000 SMEs are represented by the EuPC, and the association says plastics converters are here to play a role and contribute to the European coordination of efforts in the virus pandemic.
09.04.2020 Plasteurope.com [244923-0]
Published on 09.04.2020