EU Sustainability policies

The European Green Deal is designed to turn the EU into a global leader in resource-efficient economy practices. It aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and ensure that no individual or region is left behind. The European Commission has put forward proposals to harmonize climate, energy and transport policies in order to slash net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 55% by 2030.

the EU Circular Economy Action Plan includes measures that will be introduced under the new action plan aiming to make sustainable products the norm in the EU, empower consumers and focus on sectors that use the most resources, including plastics. The goal is to ensure less waste by addressing key issues, leading global efforts towards a circular economy and setting an example for the world.

The EU Plastics Strategy aims to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy by improving recycling rates, reducing single-use plastics, and encouraging innovation in sustainable materials. The policy seeks to protect the environment and foster sustainable growth for the future.

 

Plastic Bags

The EU Plastic Bag Directive establishes a framework to reduce plastic bag use in all EU member states.

Introduced in 2015, It requires member states to report annual consumption and implement measures such as taxes, bans, and pricing to reduce use.

The ultimate goal of the Plastic Bag Directive is to reduce EU bag consumption to less than 40 bags per person per year.

Microplastics

In 2023, the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation was amended to include discussion of microplastics.

Now, REACH Restrictions aims to limit the deliberate use of microplastics in products in the EU market.

REACH requires manufacturers to minimize microplastic usage, provide accurate labelling, and explore alternative options.

Plastic Packaging

The EU Packaging Directive aims to minimize environmental impact, promote recycling programs, and ensure a sustainable lifecycle for packaging materials across the EU.

It is a directive for waste management and sets ambitious recycling targets to manage and reduce packaging waste.

First established in 1994, the Packaging Directive has been revisited a number of times to be in-line with the EU’s broader Circular Economy and Sustainablity goals.

Household waste

Across the EU, household plastic waste often falls under the umbrella of each country, region, or city’s own waste management plan.

For instance, the Brussels Waste Plan (Plan Déchets) aims to improve waste management, promote recycling, and reduce waste in the Brussels region. It provides through guidelines for waste prevention and practical resources for waste recovery. The Plan Déchets promotes effective recycling practices to achieve improved environmental sustainability.

Single Use Plastics

The Directive on Single Use Plastics is a crucial document that sets out regulations for the EU-wide ban on single-use plastics, reduction targets, and various monitoring mechanisms.

In alignment with this directive, the Belgian Royal Decree on Banning Certain Single Use Plastics also bans particular single-use plastics to mitigate plastics environmental pollution.

Effective from July 2022, the policy targets items like straws and cutlery, while promoting sustainable alternatives.

Marine litter

In 2008, the EU introduced the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which required all member states to implement marine protection strategies to achieve “Good Environmental Status” by 2020.

The MSFD defines marine plastics as a form of pollution, making it the first EU legislation to officially classify plastics as risk to the marine ecosystem.

Belgium’s current National Action Plan Against Marine Litter (Plan D’Action Fédéral sur les Déchets Marins) outlines a variety of measures to reduce new marine litter, as well as clean up existing pollution. Some measures include:

1. Working with fishers to find and retrieving abandoned gear

2. Cleaning up ship wrecks and beaches

3. Raising awareness on the impact of Plastic Pollution and reducing the need for Single Use Plastics


At a global scale

The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a blueprint of peace and prosperity for all people and the planet. They call on all countries to take urgent action, emphasizing on ending poverty and improving health, education, and economic growth, while also tackling climate change and safeguarding oceans and forests. 

In April 2024, The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) convened an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop "the instrument," focusing on a comprehensive approach that addresses the entire plastic lifecycle, from production and design to disposal. Eventually, these negotiations should lead to a LEGALLY binding global policy on Plastics management. You can read the April INC documentation here.