Single Use Plastic Directive
DAERA is required to transpose Articles 2-7, 14 and 17 of EU Directive 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (the Single-use Plastics Directive) as noted in Annex II of the Windsor Framework.
Overview of EU Directive 2019/904
Article 4 requires an ambitious and sustained reduction (with targets) by 2026 in the consumption of single use plastic beverage cups and food containers. The key aim of this policy is to achieve a substantial reduction in the number of SUP beverage cups and food containers in circulation and to reduce the use of the targeted types of SUP packaging, by encouraging wider take up of multi-use (MU) and/or single-use non-plastic (SUNP) alternatives.
Article 5 introduces a ban on the sale or supply of the 10 most commonly used single-use plastic items:
- Cotton bud sticks
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Stirrers
- Straws
- Balloon rods
- Expanded polystyrene single use cups
- Expanded polystyrene single use food containers
- Expanded polystyrene single use beverage containers
- All oxo-degradable plastic products
Article 6 states that single use plastic products that have caps and lids made of plastic may be placed on the market only if the caps and lids remain attached to the containers, also known as 'tethered' caps. From 2025, bottles made from PET must contain a minimum of 25% recycled plastic and from 2030, all single use plastic beverage bottles must contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
Article 7 requires conspicuous markings to advise of the presence of plastic in certain products, to ensure appropriate disposal methods.
Type of Change
Windsor Framework requirement to transpose Articles 2-7, 14 and 17 of EU Directive 2019/904.
Affected Stakeholders
- Local councils
- NGO’s
- Industry
- Trade bodies
- TEO
- Local Charity organisations
- Public citizens
Changes
To be confirmed.
Status
The Consultation for the Reduction of Single-Use Plastic Beverage Cups and Food Containers closed on the 14 January 2022. The DAERA Minister approved publication of the results in October 2022. Future policy direction will be decided by the Minister.
Expected Timeline
Work continues to progress. A further update to stakeholders will be provided in due course.
Contact
singleuseplastics@daera-ni.gov.uk