The government's communications office announced that the changes resulting from the directive concern restrictions on placing single-use plastic products on the market, labeling, consumption reduction, extended producer responsibility obligations, increasing consumer awareness, product design requirements, and separate collection.
The purpose of changing the laws is to reduce the impact of single-use plastic products on the environment, especially the aquatic environment, and human health, and to promote the transition to a circular economy that uses innovative and sustainable business models, products, and materials.
According to the bill, single-use plastic products and plastic products that degrade due to oxidants are prohibited from being placed on the market. The ban includes cotton swabs, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, balloon stems, polystyrene foam food, drinks containers, and cups.
The bill foresees how to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic food packaging and drinking cups by 2026. For example, from January 1, 2024, only reusable containers and cutlery are allowed to be used for serving food and drink at public events.
Awareness-raising measures are also envisaged to motivate consumers to behave responsibly and reduce waste from single-use plastic products.
According to the bill, the law will enter into force on January 1, 2023.