Guidance document of EU issued disposable plastics directive (supd)

On May 31, 2021, the European Commission issued a guidance document on the implementation of the disposable plastics directive (EU) 2019 / 904 (supd).

The main points of the guidance document are as follows:

1. All oxidable degradable plastic products, whether disposable or not, will be prohibited by the disposable plastics directive (supd). Biodegradable oxidative degradable plastics and non biodegradable oxidative degradable plastics are prohibited.

2. Biodegradable plastics or bio based plastics are considered as plastics. The use of biodegradable plastics or bio based plastics does not exempt prohibited disposable plastic products from the directive.

3. Disposable paper-based products with plastic lining, such as paper plates with plastic lining, fall into the control scope of the directive.

According to the disposable plastics directive (EU) 2019 / 904 (supd), the following products will be banned from the market from July 3, 2021:

1.Products made of oxidizable degradable plastics;

2.The following disposable plastic products:

(1) Swabs, unless they fall within the scope of Directive 90 / 385 / EEC or directive 93 / 42 / EEC;

(2) Tableware (fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks);

(3) Plates;

(4) Straws, unless they fall within the scope of Directive 90 / 385 / EEC or directive 93 / 42 / EEC;

(5) Beverage mixing stick;

(6) Balloon rods attached to and supporting balloons, including their fasteners, except balloons used for industrial or other professional purposes and not distributed to consumers;

(7) Food containers made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for the following foods, i.e. boxes, etc., with or without covers:

Intended for ready to eat, whether eaten on the spot or taken out,

It is usually eaten in this container,

Food containers that can be eaten without further preparation, such as cooking, boiling or heating, including fast food and its ready to eat food. Except beverage containers, plates, packages and packages containing food;

(8) A beverage container made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), including a cover thereof;

(9) Beverage cup made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), including its cover.

According to the disposable plastics directive (EU) 2019 / 904 (supd) and the European Commission Implementation Regulation (EU) 2020 / 2151, the following harmonized marking specifications for disposable plastics products will be implemented from July 3, 2021:

1.Sanitary napkin (PAD), tampon and tampon applicator;

2.Wipes, i.e. pre wetted personal care and household Wipes;

3.Tobacco products with filters and filters used in combination with tobacco products;

4.Drink glass.