An advisory report from the European Parliament’s environment committee on the European Union’s strategy for reducing plastic waste will be put to a vote on September 13.
The plan, launched by the European Commission, would mean all plastic packaging should be designed to be recyclable or reusable by 2030. According to the committee’s report, which was drafted by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament, there should be a ban on micro-plastics in cosmetics and cleaning products by 2020.
The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) issued a statement backing the EU Plastic Strategy. The group said it is a necessary step forward in the EU’s transition towards a circular economy and a crucial tool towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to prevent and reduce marine litter.
ECR Flemish MEP Mark Demesmaeker drafted the Plastics Strategy. He said: “Plastic is an important material which has a useful place in our society and economy. However, the way in which plastics are produced and used is both unaffordable and unsustainable. While plastic is developed to last forever, it is routinely designed to be disposed of after use.”
