The European Union, with Directive (EU) 2019/904, known as the SUP Directive, has taken a significant step to curb the plastic tide and promote the transition to a circular economy. This directive poses a considerable challenge for e-commerce. Plastic, especially in the form of single-use packaging, is ubiquitous in this industry. With the ever-increasing plastic production reaching an impressive 400.3 million tons in 2022, online commerce significantly contributes to waste production. This article provides insights into the goals and measures of the SUP Directive and how online retailers can contribute to reducing plastic waste through sustainable packaging solutions and proper labeling.
Inhalt:
- Combatting the Plastic Flood
- Labeling as a Measure
- What Does Directive (EU) 2019/904 Entail?
- Objectives and Scope
- Key Measures
- Evaluation and Review
- Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) and the DIVID Portal
- The DIVID Portal
- Significance for Companies and Consumers
- How E-Commerce Can Help Reduce Plastic
- How Labeling Can Help
- Everyone Can Contribute Personally
- Conclusion
Directive (EU) 2019/904: Combatting the Plastic Flood
Directive (EU) 2019/904, or the Single Use Plastic EU Directive (SUP Directive), and the corresponding labeling of single-use products aim to curb the plastic flood in the EU. The global production of plastic reached an enormous 400.3 million tons in 2022. This represents an increase of about 1.6 percent compared to the previous year, illustrating how rapidly plastic production has developed since the 1950s. These figures, however, bring significant environmental impacts. Single-use packaging, which on average has a lifespan of only half a year, contributes massively to waste production. The large amounts of packaging waste inevitably challenge recycling systems and waste management. Many single-use packages end up in the sea due to improper disposal rather than entering the recycling loop. This leads to increasing marine pollution. During the 2022 international coastal cleanup, cigarette butts were the most common waste product, followed by plastic bottles and food packaging. Over 15 million pieces of trash were collected from beaches and oceans.
Objectives of Directive (EU) 2019/904 – Labeling as a Measure
With Directive (EU) 2019/904, the European Union has ambitious plans to drastically reduce the consumption of single-use plastics and minimize environmental impacts. The directive, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of certain plastic products, is a significant step towards a plastic-reduced future. Its goal is to reduce the environmental burden of certain plastic products while promoting the transition to a circular economy. Specifically, it means a ban on certain single-use plastic products like cutlery, plates, straws, and stirrers. Additionally, measures such as specific labeling will be implemented to reduce single-use plastic consumption, increase recycling rates, and promote reusable alternatives. The EU aims to lead in the global fight against plastic waste.
What Does Directive (EU) 2019/904 Entail?
The EU Directive 2019/904 aims to reduce the negative impact of certain plastic products on the environment, especially the marine environment, and human health while promoting the transition to a circular economy. These measures are crucial for the smooth functioning of the internal market.
The following single-use products made (wholly or partially) from plastics are affected:
List of Single-Use Plastic Products:
Food containers, meaning containers such as boxes with or without lids, for food that: a) is intended to be consumed immediately, either on-site or as take-away, b) is typically eaten directly from the container, and c) can be eaten without further preparation such as cooking, boiling, or heating; Note: beverage containers, beverage cups, plates, as well as bags and foil packaging like wrappers with food contents are not considered food containers in this sense.
Bags and foil packaging made from flexible material, such as wrappers, containing food that: a) is intended to be consumed directly from the bag or foil packaging, and b) does not require further preparation.
Beverage containers with a volume of up to 3 liters, meaning containers used to hold liquids, such as deposit-bearing and non-deposit-bearing bottles and composite beverage packaging, including their closures and lids; beverage containers made from glass or metal with plastic closures, lids, labels, stickers, or wraps are not considered beverage containers in this sense.
Beverage cups, including their closures and lids.
Lightweight plastic carrier bags, meaning plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness of less than 50 micrometers, with or without handles, offered to consumers at the point of sale of goods or products.
Wet wipes, meaning moistened wipes for personal and household care.
Balloons, except for balloons intended for industrial or commercial purposes and applications that are not distributed to consumers.
Tobacco products with filters, as well as filters designed for use in combination with tobacco products.
From 2026, fireworks will be added to the list and will also require registration.
Directive (EU) 2019/904: Objectives and Scope
The main objective of Directive (EU) 2019/904 is to reduce the environmental impacts of single-use plastic products, oxo-degradable plastics, and fishing gear containing plastic. It includes measures like consumption reduction, market restrictions, and product requirements to promote the use of sustainable alternatives and reduce waste.
Directive (EU) 2019/904: Key Measures
Consumption Reduction: Member States must take measures to significantly reduce the consumption of certain single-use plastic items by 2026. This includes national consumption reduction targets, promoting reusable alternatives, and economic instruments like fees for single-use plastic products. Considering reusable packaging in online commerce might be a smart move.
Market Restrictions: Certain single-use plastic products with suitable and affordable alternatives can no longer be placed on the market. This includes cutlery, plates, straws, and food containers made of expanded polystyrene.
Product Requirements: Single-use beverage containers can only be marketed if their caps and lids remain attached during use. Additionally, by 2025, beverage bottles must contain at least 25% recycled plastic, increasing to 30% by 2030.
Labeling Requirements: Certain single-use plastic items must carry clear and legible labeling with information on proper disposal and the environmental impact of improper disposal. This includes items like wet wipes, tobacco products with filters, and beverage cups.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Producers of packaging, especially single-use plastic items, must cover the costs of waste management, cleaning, and awareness-raising measures. Learn more about Extended Producer Responsibility in our blog. Our YouTube channel also regularly addresses this topic:
Mit dem Laden des Videos akzeptieren Sie die Datenschutzerklärung von YouTube.
Mehr erfahren
Separate Collection: Member States must take measures to ensure that single-use plastic items are separately collected for recycling purposes. By 2025, 77% of single-use plastic beverage bottles should be collected separately, increasing to 90% by 2029. Unsure how to properly dispose of certain waste? Our blog article “How to separate waste correctly in Germany” might surprise you.
Awareness-Raising Measures: Member States must take measures to inform consumers about the availability of reusable alternatives, the environmental impact of improper disposal, and proper waste management.
Monitoring and Reporting: Member States are required to report annually to the European Commission on the consumption and collection of single-use plastic items and the progress made in implementing the measures. The Commission will review this data and regularly report on the progress and the need for further measures.
Sanctions: Member States must impose and enforce sanctions for violations of the directive’s provisions. These sanctions must be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive.
Evaluation and Review
The Commission will evaluate Directive (EU) 2019/904 by 2027 and, if necessary, propose binding quantitative consumption reduction targets and further measures to reduce plastic waste. The directive represents a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic products and promoting the transition to more sustainable and circular economic models.
In addition to Directive (EU) 2019/904, Germany has another law aimed at reducing single-use plastic consumption: the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act.
Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) and the DIVID Portal
The Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) is another crucial step in reducing single-use plastic. This law was introduced in Germany to hold manufacturers of single-use plastic products more accountable and contribute to the costs of plastic waste collection and disposal. Companies placing single-use plastic products on the market must pay a levy into a fund. This fund is then used to cover the costs of cleaning and disposing of plastic waste.
The DIVID Portal
To support and manage the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG), the DIVID Portal (Digital Information and Valuation Information and Documentation Portal) was developed. This online portal serves as a central platform where companies can register their single-use plastic products and calculate and pay the corresponding levies. The portal offers a user-friendly interface, making it easier for companies to fulfill their legal obligations.
The DIVID Portal also provides a transparent overview of the collected levies and their use. This ensures that the funds are used effectively and efficiently to reduce the environmental burden of plastic. Companies can also access reports and analyses through the portal to monitor and optimize their plastic use.
Significance for Companies and Consumers
For companies, the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) and the DIVID Portal represent an additional obligation but also an opportunity to improve their sustainability strategies. By registering and paying levies through the DIVID Portal, companies actively contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable economy. Consumers also benefit, as the measures to reduce single-use plastic ultimately lead to cleaner cities and less environmental pollution.
Do you have questions?
Don’t worry, we’ll be happy to help you. Just ask us free of charge! Our team of experts will get back to you as soon as possible!
Directive (EU) 2019/904 - How E-Commerce Can Help Reduce Plastic
As an online retailer, there is much you can do to reduce plastic consumption alongside complying with Directive (EU) 2019/904 and the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG). Start by examining the materials and packaging used in your business. Recyclable materials and packaging are a good start. Polybags made from recycled material, for example, are a great way to reduce the need for fossil resources and simultaneously lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, consider how you can minimize the overall amount of packaging materials. More efficient packaging solutions that allow for larger quantities of products in a single packaging unit are a crucial step in the right direction. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations also contribute to recycling.
How Labeling Can Help
Clear and prominent labeling of products and packaging can make a big difference. Since July 3, 2021, EU Member States have required the labeling “Product contains plastic” on certain products. For more details, check out the recycling symbols overview in our digital services. When consumers know exactly which products contain plastic and how to dispose of them properly, they can make informed decisions. Mandatory markings that inform about plastic content and disposal options are key. Such labels not only help with correct waste disposal but also raise awareness of the environmental impacts of plastic. It is a simple but effective way to encourage consumers to choose more sustainable alternatives.
Everyone Can Contribute Personally
In daily life, we can all do our part to reduce plastic consumption. It starts with small things: reusable bags, bottles, and containers are simple and effective alternatives to single-use plastic. When shopping, we should look for products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Products made from recycled materials or biodegradable plastic are also good choices. Through conscious purchasing decisions and proper recycling, we can all make a difference. Every small step counts, and together we can achieve a lot.
Conclusion
Directive (EU) 2019/904 marks a crucial step in combating the plastic flood, presenting new challenges and opportunities for both companies and consumers. E-commerce, in particular, is called upon to contribute to reducing single-use plastic through sustainable packaging solutions and clear labeling. The Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) and the DIVID Portal support fair distribution of responsibility for plastic waste and promote the transition to a circular economy. Ultimately, we all benefit from cleaner cities and a healthier environment when everyone contributes to reducing plastic consumption. Together, we can shape a future with less plastic.
Do you have questions?
Do you have a business and need support on the path to greater sustainability? Let us know how we can help you, with no obligation!
Share article:
Here are more interesting articles for you:
Plastic tax in Italy July 2026
New EU packaging regulation PPWR: what does it mean for e-commerce?