Europe Proposes Ban of Several Single-Use Plastic Products

Europe has drafted rules as a proposal to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers and cotton buds citing the oceans need to be clean.

The proposal lists ten single-use plastic items which make up 70 percent of all litter in the waters and beaches of European Union.

The draft was unveiled on Monday and it would be enforced after approval of all EU member states and European Parliament as well. The process may take three to four years to come into force.

The rule adds it is not just banning of the products, but also to make producers bear cost of cleaning efforts.

An estimation from European Commission reveals the new move could create 30,000 jobs, avoid billions of euros in cleaning costs and save consumers about 6.5 billion euros per year.

However, it is also a fact that the rules if enforced could cost businesses more than 3 billion euros per year. The rules may be fully implemented in 2030.

Meanwhile, plastic producers have criticized the draft citing it is not targeting use of plastic cups and food containers.

Plastic Europe supported the objective but added that more resources must be dedicated to waste management.

Representing the plastic manufacturers it added, “Plastic product bans are not the solution… alternative products may not be more sustainable.”