According to the European Commission, more than 80% of marine litter is of plastic origin. The products covered by the new legislation constitute 70% of the total marine litter. Due to the slow rate of decomposition, plastic accumulates on beaches, seas and oceans in the EU as well as worldwide. Plastic residues are found in marine species, such as sea turtles, seals, whales and birds, but also in fish and shellfish and therefore in the human food chain.
Member States should meet the target of collecting 90% of plastic bottles by 2029, while plastic bottles should be at least 25% recycled by 2025 and 30% by 2030. The agreement also strengthens the application of the “polluter pays” principle, specifically for tobacco products, by introducing an increased liability regime for producers. This new regime will also apply to fishing gear to ensure that producers, not fishermen, bear the cost of collecting lost gear at sea.
Finally, the legislation requires mandatory labeling of the negative environmental effects of throwing cigarettes with plastic filter in the streets, as well as for other items, such as plastic cups, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products. The implementation of the above legislation paves the way for the entry of new polymers in the market, which will come from renewable energy sources. Plastics such as poly (lactic acid) (PLA), which is derived from corn starch, are expected to play a key role in the development of new bio-derived and biodegradable products.
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