Single-Use Packaging Bans — EU Today World Tomorrow?
The Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) is a broad piece of legislation, originally passed by the EU in 2019, with the goal of promoting the transition to a circular economy, specifically, by tackling marine litter and plastic waste. This directive is even more significant now that the United Nations environmental panel is negotiating a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution globally.
Recently, the EU also released guidance on the SUPD rules distinctly defining what qualifies as plastic including biodegradable and bio-based plastics, as well as milestones for members to take action.
With the publication of the guidelines, there is now an increased urgency for brands to replace single-use plastic packaging — regardless of whether the packaging is subject to the outright ban — with either plastic-free or reusable packaging options.
Similarly, different EU member states currently have varying timelines and approaches for the implementation of the SUPD. Apart from the items that are being banned completely such as cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, oxo-degradable plastics, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers, some EU countries are also requiring other single-use items (such as coffee cups) to have no plastic by 2023.
Several countries have developed a “waterfall” or gradual approach to reducing plastic in items not subject to the ban. Furthermore, many countries have specific mandates for restaurants and other food & beverage establishments to switch from single-use packaging to reusable packaging options.
In this issue of your Ubuntoo newsletter, we will highlight some of the promising solutions on our platform that can help businesses comply with the Directive and achieve their goals for environmentally sustainable packaging.
If you believe these types of solutions might be useful for your company or project, please do not hesitate to contact us to create your own collaborative GreenHouse dedicated exclusively to reducing or removing single-use packaging from your supply chain.
Innovation Spotlight
- Bockatech - Patented technology to enable manufacturers to move from disposable to reusable packaging applications
- Footprint - Biodegradable and compostable molded fibre made from waste and bio-reinforced polymers
- Shampoo with a Purpose - An environment-friendly shampoo and conditioner in one easy to use bar
- Tsuno - Bamboo fibre sanitary pads and organic cotton tampons
Newsmakers
The delivery giant is investing HK$2 million to incentivize a scheme that will encourage restaurants to use plastic-free packaging for their delivery orders.
US-based waste disposal company Republic Services has revealed plans to develop an integrated plastic recycling facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The facility will produce more than 100 million pounds of recycled plastic a year.
Scientists develop a facile and cost-effective strategy to repurpose polymeric foam in various sunlight-powered applications.
Must-Read: The Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard
The UP Scorecard is a free, easy-to-use web-based tool to assess the sustainability impacts of common food ware and food packaging choices. The latest beta version of the UP Scorecard (v0.2) is now live! This new version features over 70 additional food ware and food packaging products to compare, simpler navigation across menus, and improved customization of containers.
