EU Announces First Plastics Strategy
The first ever Europe-wide strategy on plastics announced yesterday, is a part of the transition towards a more circular economy.
It will protect the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation, turning a challenge into a positive agenda for the Future of Europe. There is a strong business case for transforming the way products are designed, produced, used, and recycled in the EU and by taking the lead in this transition, we will create new investment opportunities and jobs. Under the new plans, all plastic packaging on the EU market will be recyclable by 2030, the consumption of single-use plastics will be reduced and the intentional use of micro-plastics will be restricted.
The strategy will transform the way products are designed, produced, used, and recycled in the EU. Too often the way plastics are currently produced, used and discarded fail to capture the economic benefits of a more circular approach. It harms the environment. The goal is to protect the environment whilst at the same time lay foundations to a new plastic economy, where the design and production fully respect reuse, repair and recycling needs and more sustainable materials are developed.
Circular Ocean is pleased to see Europe rising to the forefront against the scourge of plastic pollution – collaboration, education and innovation are the foundation to turning the tide on plastics, to secure the future of our oceans. Particularly pleased to see specific measures relating to “tackling sea-based sources of marine litter” and actions to “monitor and curb marine litter more effectively”, as well as “new eco-design measures – considering requirements to support the recyclability of plastics”. Check out our FREE SME Support facility, designed to help entrepreneurs and businesses in the remote and coastal communities of the Northern Periphery & Arctic region create new opportunities from discarded fishing nets and ropes.
You can read the full press release here or check out this short explainer video: