The Single-Use Plastics Directive and the Food Industry
Member States, consumers and food businesses alike are impacted by the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). But how will the changes be implemented across different countries in the EU? This white paper looks at SUPD requirements which affect the food industry and considers the various responses from Member States so far.
With the EU taking an increasingly hard line on single-use plastics, the food industry needs to stay abreast of varied requirements in different Member States. Plastics play a major role in everyday food industry applications, from keeping food fresh and safe, to providing convenience for consumers on the go. However, this extensive use is cause for concern. Most plastic packaging is designed for short term use and in many cases it does not get recycled. In the EU alone, an estimated 25 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated per year of which less than 30% is recycled. It is estimated that roughly 150,000 – 500,000 tonnes of plastic waste ends up in the oceans. This impact on the environment is a major driver of EU action regarding the use of plastics.
