In a resolution adopted on 13 September 2018, MEPs welcomed the Commission plans. In addition they called for a ban on intentionally added micro-plastics in cosmetics, personal care products, detergents and cleaning products by 2020, as well as for a minimum of recycled content for some plastic products as well as quality standards for recycled plastics. They are also proposing that companies release less micro-plastics when producing products such as textiles, tyres, paint and cigarette butts.
Belgian ECR member Mark Demesmaeker is the MEP in charge of steering the strategy through Parliament. He said it was time for the EU to act: “Up until now we have been outsourcing our plastic waste problems to countries like China and China has recently decided to ban all imports of EU waste plastics so we have to act now, we have to innovate, we have to invest.”
In addition MEPs are also currently discussing a proposal to ban certain single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates and balloon sticks, as well require goods packaging companies to contribute towards the cost of cleaning up discarded plastics. The plenary vote on it is expected to take place in October.
Fuente: www.europarl.europa.eu