As the associations states, decisions to switch away from plastics are made without considering the environmental im-pact of the substitute material chosen or whether there is an adequate collection and treatment infrastructure in place. The disconnection between reality and policy is growing every day. EuPC also sees the problem of definitions of single-use plastics that could differ from one country to another due to cultural differences and habits of consumption. It also says that the environmental impact of the directive is not as positve as anticipated.
However, now in January 2020, the EU Green Deal is exactly asking for the opposite direc-tion to be taken when it comes to material consumption in Europe. How can we reconcile both objectives? Alexandre Dangis, EuPC Managing Director says: “We hope soon to get the opportunity to explain to EU Commissioner Sinkevičius what it is currently happening in the real economy and the risks of opting out of plastics without a true assessment of the consequences for health, environment and jobs.”
Statements such as “we want to ban all plastics packaging” will certainly mean further and very seriously damage to our planet in terms of CO2 consumption and putting at risk health issues and food safety requirements for the EU consumers. We would expect the EU Commission to ensure instead a full implementation by Member States without derogations of a plastics landfill ban in Europe. This would mean taking the lead in waste management. However, also here we still see very few activities and many conservative actions in a fragmented Europe when it comes to waste management plans.
Will the Green Deal fund provide funding for the loss of employment in Europe and the clo-sing down of plastics converting plants? Once more all measures taken so far penalize only the plastic products and not the behaviour and this goes against the further development of a circular economy model
