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class="ecl-container"> <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited" data-header-class-link="true" data-header-class-link-label-en="Energy, Climate change, Environment">Energy, Climate change, Environment</a> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-site-header__banner"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-site-header__site-name">Environment</div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl" id="block-ewcms-theme-page-header"> <div class="ecl-page-header" ><div class="ecl-container"><nav class="ecl-breadcrumb ecl-page-header__breadcrumb" aria-label="You are here:" aria-label="" data-ecl-breadcrumb="true" ><ol class="ecl-breadcrumb__container"><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Home</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/topics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Topics</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment ecl-breadcrumb__current-page" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static" aria-current="page">Plastics</li></ol></nav><div class="ecl-page-header__info"><h1 class="ecl-page-header__title"><span>Plastics</span></h1></div><div class="ecl-page-header__description-container"><p class="ecl-page-header__description">The EU is taking action on plastics to tackle plastic pollution and marine litter, and to accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy. </p></div></div></div> </div> <main class="ecl-u-pb-xl" id="main-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2.ecl-u-type-heading-2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12 ewcms-top-sidebar"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-main-page-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading" class="ecl-u-mb-l"> <article dir="ltr"> <div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_810"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Overview</h2> </div> <div class="ecl"><p>Plastics are an important material in our economy and daily lives. However, they can have serious negative effects on the environment and human health.</p> <p>The EU is taking action to tackle plastic pollution and marine litter to accelerate the transition to a circular and resource-efficient plastics economy. Specific rules and targets apply to certain areas, including single-use plastics, plastic packaging, microplastics, and soon bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.</p> <p>The EU’s <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/plastics-strategy_en">plastics strategy</a>, as part of the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm">circular economy action plan</a>, outlines specific actions in more detail.</p></div> </div> </div> <div class="ewcms-page-section ecl-u-mb-2xl ecl-u-bg-neutral-40"> <div class="ecl-container ecl-u-pv-m"> <a id="paragraph_819"></a> <div class="ecl-fact-figures ecl-fact-figures--col-3" ><div class="ecl-fact-figures__items"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">Almost 32 million tonnes</div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">of plastic waste is generated in Europe every year</div></div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">Around 80% </div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">of marine litter is plastic</div></div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">87%</div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">of Europeans are worried about the impact of plastic products on the environment</div></div></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_811"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Objectives</h2> </div> <div class="ecl"><p>EU policy on plastics aims to protect the environment and human health by reducing marine litter, greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on imported fossil fuels.</p> <p>The EU also aims to</p> <ul> <li>transform the way plastic products are designed, produced, used and recycled in the EU</li> <li>transition to a sustainable plastics economy</li> <li>support more sustainable and safer consumption and production patterns for plastics</li> <li>create new opportunities for innovation, competitiveness and jobs </li> <li>spur change and set an example at the global level</li> </ul></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_4846"></a> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Specific policies</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/plastics/biobased-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU is addressing the sourcing, labelling and use of bio-based plastics, and the use of biodegradable and compostable plastics.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/plastics/global-action-plastics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Global action on plastics</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU is paving the way for a global agreement on plastics, to support the global shift towards a circular economy.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/plastics/microplastics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Microplastics</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU aims to address the growing volume of microplastics in the environment.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/plastics/plastic-bags_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Plastic bags</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU rules on plastic bags to address the unsustainable consumption and use of lightweight plastic carrier bags.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Plastic packaging</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU rules on packaging and packaging waste cover all materials, including plastics.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/waste-and-recycling/waste-shipments/plastic-waste-shipments_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Plastic waste shipments</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU rules on importing and exporting plastic waste.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Single-use plastics</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU rules on single-use plastics (SUPs) to fight against marine litter and plastic pollution.</p></div></div></div></article></div></div></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_2955"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Related links</h2> </div> <div class="ecl"><p><strong>Main laws: </strong><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L0904">Directive on single-use plastics</a> <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1601561123103&uri=CELEX:32015L0720">Directive on plastics bags</a> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/waste-and-recycling/waste-shipments/plastic-waste-shipments_en">Delegated Regulation on plastic waste shipments</a></p> <p><strong>Related topics: </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/circular-economy_en">Circular economy</a><strong> </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/sustainable-development_en">Sustainable development</a><strong> </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/waste-and-recycling_en">Waste and recycling</a></p> <p><strong>Related strategies: </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/chemicals-strategy_en">Chemicals strategy for sustainability</a> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/">Circular economy action plan</a><strong> </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/plastics-strategy_en">Plastics strategy</a></p> <p><strong>Related Commission priorities: </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en">European Green Deal</a></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_2956"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Contact</h2> </div> <div class="ecl"><p>For questions about EU environmental policy, please contact <a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu_en">Europe Direct.</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2"> <div id="block-blockplastics"> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_1484"></a> <div> <div id="block-relatedstories" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div 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class="ecl-card__image" src="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-11/GettyImages-1163454710.jpg?h=9b21ee9c&itok=nwf-SSyd" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-11-25T12:00:00Z">25 November 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/news/eu-calls-agreement-conclude-global-plastics-treaty-2024-11-25_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >EU committed to conclusion of global agreement on plastic as final negotiations start</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s 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id="block-relatedevents" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Related Events</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Expert meetings</li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/platform-meeting-plastic-waste-prevention-and-reuse-systems-2025-02-10_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Platform Meeting – Plastic waste prevention and reuse systems  </a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#calendar"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Monday 10 February 2025, 09:00 - Wednesday 12 February 2025, 14:00 (GMT+0100)</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Conferences and summits</li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/final-seminar-life-seabil-saving-seabirds-marine-litter-2024-11-27_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Final Seminar of LIFE SeaBiL - Saving Seabirds from Marine Litter </a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#calendar"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Wednesday 27 November 2024, 10:00 - 18:00 (GMT+0100)</span></li><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#location"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">France</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Expert meetings</li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/webinar-sustainability-plastics-life-networking-meeting-2024-11-19_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Webinar: The sustainability of plastics - LIFE networking meeting </a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" 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