The European Parliament has implemented new rules on single-use plastics as part of the fight against global marine litter.
The Single-Use Plastics Directive voted on by the European Parliament includes a ban on single use plastic products for which alternatives exist (such as cotton buds, straws, and plastic cutlery), an ambitious collection target for plastic bottles, Extended Producer Responsibility schemes to cover the cost of cleaning up common marine litter items such as fishing gear, and measures to reduce the consumption of plastic food and beverage containers made of plastic.
The Directive is expected to bring changes to consumer behaviour alongside economic and environmental benefits.
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