On 31 May 2021, the European Commission has published guidelines on single-use plastic products on the application of Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904 (SUPD)

Here are the highlights:

1. All oxo-degradable plastic products, single-use or not, will be banned under SUP Directive. And it makes no distinction between oxo-degradable plastic that is biodegradable and oxo-degradable plastic that is not biodegradable;
2. Biodegradable/bio-based plastics are considered to be plastic under the SUP Directive. The use of biodegradable/bio-based plastics does not exempt the single-use product from being under the scope of the SUP Directive;
3. Single-use paper-based products with plastic lining or coating, e.g. paper-based plates with plastic lining, is considered to be included under the SUP Directive.

According to the Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904 (SUPD), following products will be prohibited from placing on the market from 3 July 2021:

1. Products made from oxo-degradable plastic;
2. 2.Following single-use plastic products:
   （1）Cotton bud sticks, except if they fall within the scope of Council Directive 90/385/EEC or Council Directive 93/42/EEC;
   （2）Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks);
   （3）Plates;
   （4）Straws, except if they fall within the scope of Directive 90/385/EEC or Directive 93/42/EEC;
   （5）Beverage stirrers;
   （6）Sticks to be attached to and to support balloons, except balloons for industrial or other professional uses and applications that are not distributed to consumers, including the mechanisms of such sticks;
   （7）Food containers made of expanded polystyrene, i.e. receptacles such as boxes, with or without a cover, used to contain food which:
   • is intended for immediate consumption, either on-the-spot or take-away,
   • is typically consumed from the receptacle, and
   • is ready to be consumed without any further preparation, such as cooking, boiling or heating,including food containers used for fast food or other meal ready for immediate consumption, except beverage containers, plates and packets and wrappers containing food;
   （8）Beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, including their caps and lids;
   （9）Cups for beverages made of expanded polystyrene, including their covers and lids.

According to the Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904 (SUPD) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151, the harmonised marking specifications on following single-use plastic products will apply from 3 July 2021:

1. Sanitary towels (pads), tampons and tampon applicators;
2. Wet wipes, i.e. pre-wetted personal care and domestic wipes;
3. Tobacco products with filters and filters marketed for use in combination with tobacco products;
4. Cups for beverages.

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

www.intertek.com.cn