The proposed ban covers plastic straws, cotton swabs, disposable plastic plates and cutlery. Credit: Bo Eide.

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a blanket ban on single-use plastics in a bid to tackle the pollution menace that is causing significant damage to oceans.

The bill, which was introduced by the Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Frederique Ries, was passed by 571-53 votes.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The proposed ban will result in the elimination of plastic straws, cotton swabs, as well as disposable plastic plates and cutlery from the EU market from 2021. A total of 90% of plastic bottles will be recycled by 2025.

MEPs added some additional items to the list of banned plastics. These include products made of oxo-degradable plastics such as bags or packaging and fast-food containers made of expanded polystyrene.

Member states will also have to reduce the consumption of plastic products, which have no alternatives, by at least 25% by 2025.

The introduction and the passage of the bill come after the European Commission proposed a ban in May.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
“It is essential in order to protect the marine environment and reduce the costs of environmental damage attributed to plastic pollution in Europe.”

Ries said: “We have adopted the most ambitious legislation against single-use plastics. It is up to us now to stay the course in the upcoming negotiations with the Council, due to start as early as November.

“Today’s vote paves the way to a forthcoming and ambitious directive. It is essential in order to protect the marine environment and reduce the costs of environmental damage attributed to plastic pollution in Europe, estimated at €22bn by 2030.”

Several countries and companies have been taking measures in response to growing calls from environmentalists and rising public support for stringent steps to curb plastic packaging waste.

Multinational giants from the consumer goods industry have pledged to ensure all plastic packaging to be either recyclable or compostable by 2025 through plastic reduction strategies.

Earlier this week, the UK Government launched a consultation on banning the distribution and sale of plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds.