The European Parliament in October banned all single-use plastic straws, coffee stirrers, cutlery, polystyrene plates, and even cotton swabs made with plastic, effective 2021.
The legislation received overwhelming support with proponents outvoting those who opposed the ban by 10:1.
The directive requires that 90% of plastic bottles be recycled by 2025. The legislation requires a 25% reduction in food wrap and culinary products where no recyclable alternative currently exists. Cigarette makers must reduce plastic used in filters by 50% in five years and by 89% by 2030. Frédérique Ries, the member of parliament who authored the legislation said it was “a victory for our oceans, for the environment and for future generations.”
The ban targets the 10 most plentiful single-use products. Less than a third of these products are currently recycled and many are hazardous to marine life.
The European Commission will now negotiate implementation with member countries with final adoption by the European Council before European elections next May.