European Parliament votes to ban single-use plastics

Growing concerns over ocean pollution prompt more drastic measures

The European Union parliament has overwhelmingly voted to ban single-use plastics such as straws, forks and knives by 2021.

The ban was backed in a 560-35 vote on Wednesday, and will affect a range of plastic products including plates, balloon sticks and earbuds.

It will also include food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic.

Growing concerns over plastic pollution in oceans and stories of dead whales with plastic in their stomachs prompted the EU to take more drastic steps to tackle the issue. Marine litter has come under the spotlight because 85 per cent of it is plastic.

China’s decision to no longer accept imports of some of the EU’s waste also helped spur the ban.

While EU member states have given their support, they will need to vote on the measure for it to go info effect.

EU countries can choose their own methods to reduce the use of other single-use plastics, such as takeaway containers and cups for beverages.

They will also need to collect and recycle at least 90 per cent of drinks bottles by 2029.

Disposable utensils would not be completely off-limits, but the measure calls for them to be made of sustainable materials when possible.

Tobacco companies will be required to cover the costs for public collection of cigarette stubs, which are the second most littered single-use plastic item.

“Europe is setting new and ambitious standards, paving the way for the rest of the world,” European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said.

The Commission had recommended the regulations which were approved by the bloc’s parliament on Wednesday.

Lobbying group EuroCommerce, whose members include Tesco , Lidl, Carrefour, and Metro, said governments also need to do their part to help make recycling a success.

“Without a proper waste management infrastructure and sufficient recycling facilities we will not achieve a circular economy or the objectives of this directive,” EuroCommerce director-general Christian Verschueren said.

Greenpeace welcomed the ban but criticised the lack of targets for EU countries to follow on some plastics.