Plastic – in the form of macroplastics, debris, microplastics and nanoplastics – and the chemicals it contains, severely impact the delicate balance of the ocean ecosystem, which harms ocean life and resilience, climate regulation and eventually our overall society. A polluted ocean affects food chains, economic and recreational activities, coastal communities, and ultimately human health. It is therefore essential that the Ocean Act addresses plastic marine pollution urgently, holistically and with a focus on prevention.
End of Waste Criteria to achieve a Toxic-Free Circular Economy in the EU
The development of End-of-Waste criteria can support the EU’s transition to a circular economy. EU EoW policy must be driven by transparency and traceability, clarity and enforceability, and non-toxicity. This will enable genuine circularity, ensure high protection of human health and the environment, and support the EU’s leadership in high-quality waste-derived materials.
Rethink Plastic Alliance provides feedback on End-of-Waste Criteria for Plastic Waste
The Rethink Plastic Alliance welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Commission’s draft Implementing Regulation to set harmonised End-of-Waste (EoW) criteria for plastics in the EU. Overall, we welcome the proposed EoW criteria for plastics but we urge the EU to strengthen the criteria for eligible inputs and control mechanisms to ensure genuine circularity. Our position is outlined in more detail in the attached document.
Pallet Wrappings and Straps: Exemption from the 100% Reuse Targets under PPWR
The Rethink Plastic Alliance is opposed to the exemption for pallet wrappings and straps from the 100% reuse target in the PPWR. We point out that the proposed exemption does not fulfill the conditions laid down in the Regulation, nor does it satisfy the criteria of having taken into account the latest scientific and economic data and developments. We also consider it unreasonable and non-transparent that this proposal has been made without publishing all relevant supporting documents and call for their quick publication.
The Rethink Plastic Alliance contends that the exemption should not be adopted unless it aligns with the PPWR’s conditions, is supported by recent and verifiable data, and all preparatory documents are published in a timely manner.
Furthermore, we urge the Commission to avoid proposing any further exemptions from the PPWR. In order for Member States to have a decent chance of reaching their legally-binding waste prevention targets, it is imperative that this crucial Regulation is implemented as ambitiously as possible.