Members of the European Parliament (MEP) have called for boosting plastics recycling in the region, saying that biodegradable and compostable plastics are not enough to prevent plastic pollution.
During a planetary session of the European Parliament on September 13, MEPs said that green plastics should not be an excuse to continue the use of single-use plastics, and voted to strengthen the European Commission’s plans to tackle the problem of plastic waste.
Incentives to collect marine litter at sea, new rules and definitions for biodegradability and compostability at EU level and a comprehensive EU ban on oxo-degradable plastic by 2020 are among the proposals in the non-binding draft resolution, which was approved on September 13
Oxo-degradable plastic, MEPs argue, “does not biodegrade properly, is not compostable and adversely affects the way conventional plastic is recycled.”
Furthermore, MEPs also supported a ban on microplastics in cosmetics and cleaning products by 2020.
The proposal also calls for the reduction of hazardous substances in plastics, to ensure that what is recycled is free of hazardous chemicals.
As part of the measure, the MEPS also asked the European Commission to propose “quality standards” to build trust and boost the secondary plastics market.
Member States have been advised to consider reducing VAT on products containing recycled materials.
Other measures suggested by MEPs included extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, deposit refund schemes, and increased public awareness.
European politicians have also pointed to the important role that fishermen could play, in particular by collecting plastic waste from the sea during their fishing activity and taking it to port.
MEPs have suggested that EU and EU member states should encourage such activities by fishermen.
“My report is not a plea against plastic, but a plea for a circular plastic economy, in which we treat plastic in a sustainable and responsible way,” said the Belgian MEP and member of the committee on environment, public health and safety. Food Mark Demesmaeker.
“We need to deliver tailor-made solutions, as there are no passe-partout solutions. And we must work together across the value chain,” added the MEP.