The use of all plastic water bottles and other single-use plastic items used in canteens will be phased out of the European Parliament, according to a decision announced on June 13. This is in line with the European Union drive towards a circular economy and plastic waste strategy.
According to a European Parliament press release, the decision is the final stage of a project which has already seen the installation of 166 water fountains in its buildings and the restriction of the offer of plastic water bottles in meetings lasting less than 1.5 hours. Plastic cups, cutlery and other items will be replaced with biodegradable or recyclable ones.
“I am very happy that Parliament, with this decision, is setting the example in the battle for reducing plastic waste,” said Heidi Hautala, (Greens /EFA, FI) vice-president responsible for EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme).
The phasing out will begin from July 2019.
