Revisiting the EU Plastics Strategy

This briefing argues that the 2018 EU Plastics Strategy needs revision to take into account the wide range of developments that have happened over the last six years. A revised Strategy is needed to help guide policies concerning plastics (including bioplastic). We recommend that the Strategy is reviewed and revised at the same time as the evaluation of the Single Use Plastics Directive (due in July 2027). Such a revision will also need to take account of the provisions of the forthcoming UN Plastics Treaty and the obligations that it will impose on the EU. Specifically, we recommend that the revision of the Plastics Strategy includes:

• A vision for the future role of plastic in Europe – what plastics (and what types of plastic) are needed for what purposes and what should be substituted for other materials. This will provide a clear understanding of what plastic and plastic waste needs to be managed.
• A clear vision for how full circularity of plastic is to be achieved, in particular the limitations and roles of mechanical and chemical recycling. With this, business and policy can evolve to deliver this future.
• A consistent approach to expectations for different types of plastics, including on whether they might cause harm and with regard to reuse and recycling.
• A consistent approach concerning the correct use and waste management of new sustainable plastics such as bioplastics and biopolymers. These have different uses for different market applications and it is necessary to guide its correct uses.