Single-use plastics

If you manufacture or supply single-use plastic items, you should be aware of EU rules aimed at reducing the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.

Banned products

Products are banned if they are single-use plastic items that are considered to have sustainable alternatives which are easily available and affordable.

Prohibited plastic items in the EU (as of 2021):

• cotton bud sticks*
• cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
• plates
• straws*
• beverage stirrers
• balloon sticks
• food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene
• cups for beverages made of expanded polystyrene
• all products made from oxo-degradable plastic.

Labelling requirements

Certain products require clear and standardised markings to inform consumers about:

• appropriate waste management options,
• the presence of plastics in the product,
• the negative environmental impact of littering.

Products requiring labels are:

• sanitary towels (pads), tampons, and tampon applicators
• wet wipes
• tobacco products with filters
• cups for beverages

The EU provides the harmonised marking specifications and vectorised pictograms that you can download. You must ensure the label is printed directly on the product or its packaging, in the correct size, colour, and placement as outlined in the EU specifications.

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Design requirements

Beverage containers up to 3 litres must have caps and lids that remain attached during the product's intended use.

In addition, EU countries may impose various measures to ensure that all single-use plastic beverage bottles on their market on average contain at least 25% recycled plastic (only PET bottles) by 2025 and 30% (all bottles) by 2030.

Extended producer responsibility

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) means that as a company you must manage the waste and clean up the litter that is caused by your products. This includes covering costs for waste collection, recycling, and public awareness campaigns to reduce plastic pollution.

Which products are covered?

EPR rules apply to companies that place the following single-use plastic products on the market:

• food containers
• packets and wrappers
• beverage containers
• cups for beverages
• lightweight plastic carrier bags
• wet wipes
• balloons
• tobacco products with filters

You can fulfil your EPR obligations by joining a national EPR scheme. The costs and specific requirements of the scheme may vary in different EU countries.

Consumer awareness and waste reduction targets

All EU countries have obligations to inform consumers and incentivise responsible consumer behaviour, reduce consumption of single use food containers and cups, and meet separate collection targets for bottles up to 3 litres. It is up to each country to decide how, but national rules often involve certain obligations for businesses.

This could mean that you must offer your consumers sustainable alternatives to single use plastics or inform them about the impact of inappropriate waste disposal.

See also

Overview with links to EU legislation and secondary legislation on single use plastics.

Get access to national information below.