Plastic Oceans: MEPs back EU ban on throwaway plastics by 2021

• single-use cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers to be banned from 2021 
• MEPs added oxo-plastics and certain polystyrenes 
• plastics where no alternatives available to be reduced by at least 25% by 2025 
• measures against cigarette filters and lost fishing gear    
  

National reduction targets for other non-banned plastics

The consumption of several other items, for which no alternative exists, will have to be reduced by member states by least 25% by 2025. This includes single-use burger boxes, sandwich boxes or food containers for fruits, vegetables, desserts or ice creams. Member states will draft national plans to encourage the use of products suitable for multiple use, as well as re-using and recycling. Other plastics, such as beverage bottles, will have to be collected separately and recycled at a rate of 90% by 2025…”

According to the European Commission, more than 80% of marine litter is plastics. The products covered by these restrictions constitute 70% of all marine litter items. Due to its slow rate of decomposition, plastic accumulates in seas, oceans and on beaches in the EU and worldwide. Plastic residue is found in marine species – such as sea turtles, seals, whales and birds, but also in fish and shellfish, and therefore in the human food chain…”