SUP-Directive

What is the SUP-Directive? SUP stands for Single Use Plastics, in other words, the plastic that is only used once and is then thrown away. To reduce the plastic soup, the European Commission compiled the directive ‘regarding the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment’, in short, the SUP-Directive.

The problem of single use plastics

Single use plastics, most of which come from packaging, is an ever larger source of the plastic soup. The European Union intends to take action and has thus compiled the SUP-Directive. This should definitely put an end to the pollution caused by this type of disposable plastic that is commonly found on beaches.

The objectives identified by the EU should be turned into national legislation by the member states. These measures may vary according to product or type of packaging. The first measure will take effect on 3 July 2021.

Some plastic products will be completely banned. These include disposable cutlery, stirrers, cotton buds and straws, for which there are alternatives. Other plastic products will bear labels stating the damage caused by plastic in the environment. Other products should be designed better. And producers will have to comply with the ‘detailed producer responsibility’ that states that they pay for the cleaning up costs and information.

Plastic Soup Foundation applauds the directive, though it also believes that the action taken could and should be much more ambitious. We support the objectives of the EU, but the current measures are a drop in the ocean and are not really a solution for tackling the plastic soup. We also fear that many companies will try to wriggle out of complying with the directive. We will thus observe the directive’s enforcement very closely!

SUP-timeline 2021-2029

3 July 2021
On-the-go
From 3 July 2021 member states are required to ensure a decreased usage of plastic on-the-go packaging such as drinking cups and food containers.
3 July 2021
Disposable products
From 3 July 2021 there will be a ban on certain plastic disposable products such as plastic plates, cutlery, stirrers and straws.
3 July 2021
Ruling on hygiene products, tobacco products and drinking cups
From 3 July 2021 there will be a label on hygiene products, tobacco products and drinking cups. It will state how the waste is to be disposed of and provide information about the plastics in the product and their impact on the environment.
2023
Fishing gear
From 2023, there will be a target for the collection of fishing gear of 23%. It will be increased by 3% every year.
5 January 2023
Packaging, cups, bags etc.
From 5 January 2023, producers will be held responsible for litter and waste of drinking and food packaging, drinking cups, bags and wrappers, light plastic bags and tobacco products (with filters).
3 July 2024
Bottle tops and lids
From 3 July 2024, bottle tops and lids must be attached to plastic bottles and drink packets. They will thus be automatically handed in for recycling.
31 December 2024
Balloons, wet wipes and fishing gear
On 31 December 2024 at the latest, producers will be responsible for waste and litter of balloons, wet wipes for consumers and fishing gear.
2025
PET bottles made of recycled plastics
From 2025 PET bottles must be made of at least 25% recycled plastics.
2025
Plastic bottles
In 2025, at least 77% of all plastic bottles up to 3 litres must be collected.
2029
Plastic bottles
In 2029, at least 90% of all plastic bottles up to 3 litres must be collected.
2030
PET bottles made of recycled plastics
From 2030 PET bottles must be made of at least 30% recycled plastics.

SUP-Directive

The problem of single use plastics

Read more in our SUP file

Read more in our SUP file

SUP-timeline 2021-2029

3 July 2021

3 July 2021

3 July 2021

2023

5 January 2023

3 July 2024

31 December 2024

2025

2025

2029

2030

Articles about Single Use Plastic

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