EU Plastic Ban: EU proposes ban on single-use plastic items

World
Europe

02:25

Plastic pollution is a problem across the planet. Now the European Union may have an answer. If all 27 member states agree, some single-use items - like plastic straws, forks and knives - would be banned. Jack Parrock has more from Brussels.

The first proposals in the EU's plastics strategy are aimed directly at trying to clean up beaches and waterways.

FRANS TIMMERMANS FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT, EU COMMISSION "We're targeting the 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items that have a great chance of ending up as litter. And which are very difficult to recycle. We also target plastic fishing gear."

Plastic products account for 70% of marine litter. Among the items targeted for banning: Cotton buds, drinking straws and stirrers, sticks for balloons and plastic cutlery and plates - which the European Commission says have viable, eco-friendly alternatives.

JACK PARROCK BRUSSELS "This is currently just a proposal and will need to be approved by the European Parliament and the national governments of the EU. And as this legislation progresses, lobbying pressure from plastics manufacturers will grow."

The industry body for plastics here in Europe says bans will not achieve the structural change needed.

KARL FOERSTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PLASTICS EUROPE "Of course we need proper waste management systems and we need also the citizens to behave, not to litter the plastic because once we collect the plastics, then we can use it again. So we either recycle it or we thermally recycle it."

Environmental studies estimate some 46 billion plastic beverage bottles and 36 billion straws are thrown away in the EU every year. Brussels says the move is in response to public sentiment and projects the ban would ultimately save more than 25 billion dollars' in damage to the environment and clean-up costs.

MEADHBH BOLGER FRIENDS OF THE EARTH EUROPE "Public awareness can only go so far and beyond that you really need policy change and legislation to drive something. We've see the price of oil is so cheap that it's cheap to produce plastics. So you get them so easily you really need the legislation to drive change."

The EU's plastics strategy gained momentum after China banned the import of foreign waste for recycling at the beginning of this year -- meaning Europe must now deal with three million tons of low grade plastics it had previously shipped out every year. Jack Parrock, CGTN, Brussels.