A European Strategy for Plastics in the circular economy Werner Bosmans DG ENVIRONMENT 2 October 2018

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1 A European Strategy for Plastics in the circular economy Werner Bosmans DG ENVIRONMENT 2 October 2018

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3 Bio-plastics => source

4 Biodegradable plastics => end-of-life

5 Plastics Strategy (16 th Jan. 2018) Communication & Staff Working Document List of EU actions (39) most by 2018/2019 Measures recommended to Member States New Waste package

6 A EUROPEAN STRATEGY FOR PLASTICS IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

7 Stimulate design for circularity Better separate waste collection Boosting recycled content By 2030 all plastics packaging reusable or recyclable

8 Reduce macroplastics pollution: SUP & fishing gear Curb microplastics pollution: Intentionally added to products REACH Unintentional release, e.g. tyres, textiles and plastic pellets Regulatory framework for biodegradable plastics

9 Regulatory framework for biodegradable plastics Plastics strategy states: Targeted applications like compostable plastic bags to collect organic waste separately had positive results Most currently available plastics labelled as biodegradable generally degrade under specific conditions which may not always be easy to find in the natural environment, and can thus still cause harm to ecosystems It is particularly challenging in the marine environment Ec: to identify applications with clear environmental benefits

10 Biodegradable plastics: some issues Homecomposting industrial composting biodegradation => EC will propose harmonized rules and labelling NO standard exist for the marine environment (temp, oxygen) Waste hierarchy and circular economy: Reuse > recycle > biodegradation Keeping the value of (plastic) material in the circular economy Restrict oxo degradable plastics Plastic mulches used for agricultural purposes, pose risks for soil fertility and may run off into surface waters as microplastics

11 Biodegradable plastics: what about consumers? Lack of clear and correct information to consumers Correct disposal is challenging.. Consumers who tend to believe that these products are harmless to the environment, and might litter them, while many only biodegrade (compost) under industrial conditions Cross-contamination of waste streams Cost increase for SUP => Impact Assessment shows that in the longer term reusable products are cheaper

12 LCA on sustainability of alternative feedstock of Plastics To evaluate potential environmental impacts of the use of alternative feedstocks (biomass, recycled plastics, CO 2 ) for plastic articles in comparison to oil & gas 5 screening LCAs, addressing 5 different polymers in specific applications Different end-of-life scenarios, incl. biodegradability and (industrial) compostability Estimated delivery by September 2019

13 Guidance on eco-modulation of EPR fees H2020 additional 100 million investments (up until 2020) Support the development of alternative feedstocks lifecycle assessments including biomass environmental benefits compared to the non-renewable alternatives MFF proposal on plastic related "own resources"

14 Support for multilateral initiatives on plastics Promote international industry standards development Development in cooperation funding

15 Tackling marine litter

16 REDUCING MARINE LITTER: ACTION ON SINGLE USE PLASTICS & FISHING GEAR

17 Proposal for a Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment Context: reduction of marine litter reusable alternatives behavioural change business opportunities Proposed measures: awareness raising labelling EPR separate collection target (DRS / EPR) design requirements consumption reduction ban of products, where there are alternatives

18 ! NOT against plastics Tackling unsustainable use Measures to facilitate prevention, re-use, collection and recovery Definition of plastic: Polymer as defined in REACH with the exception of natural polymers that have not been chemically modified

19 Future proofing Evaluation of the Directive after 6 years Report by the Commission on the feasibility to : o Review the list of SUPs in the Annex o Set quantitative consumption reduction targets for food containers and beverage cups o Lift marketing restrictions where alternatives are possible with biodegradable plastic that fully addresses the concerns of biodegradability in the marine environment

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