EU Directive 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (Single-Use Plastics Directive, SUP) entered into force in July 2021. It bans certain single-use plastic items, introduces marking requirements for others, and establishes extended producer responsibility for SUP products. The SUP Directive operates alongside the PPWR and creates additional compliance obligations for plastic packaging producers.
Prohibited Single-Use Plastic Items (from July 2021)
- Cotton bud sticks (except medical use)
- Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
- Plates
- Straws (except medical use)
- Beverage stirrers
- Balloon sticks
- Polystyrene food containers and cups
- Oxo-degradable plastic products
Marking Requirements
Certain SUP products must carry a harmonised marking indicating that the product contains plastic, guidance on appropriate waste disposal, and the negative environmental impact of littering. Products subject to marking include: sanitary towels and tampons, wet wipes, tobacco products with filters, and beverage cups.
EPR for SUP Products
Producers of SUP products subject to EPR must cover the costs of waste collection, transport, treatment, and litter clean-up. EPR obligations apply to: food containers, packets and wrappers, beverage containers up to 3L, cups for beverages, lightweight plastic carrier bags, wet wipes, balloons, and tobacco products with filters.
Interaction with PPWR
The SUP Directive and PPWR create overlapping obligations for plastic packaging producers. The PPWR's recycled content thresholds and reusability targets apply to many of the same product categories covered by the SUP Directive. Companies should ensure their compliance programs address both frameworks simultaneously.