Subject: scope of Directive 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment

Priority question for written answer  P-001822/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Maria Spyraki (PPE)

Directive 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment stipulates that products made partly or entirely from plastic fall within its scope. Paper products with plastic lining are accordingly considered to be ‘single-use plastic products’. However, unlike plastic lining, materials such as polymeric coatings, paints, inks and adhesives do not fall within the scope of the Directive.[1]

At the same time, under Article 15 of the Directive, the Commission undertakes to carry out an assessment of scientific and technical progress concerning criteria or a standard for biodegradability in the marine environment applicable to single-use plastic products within the scope of this Directive and their single-use substitutes that are not harmful to marine life and do not to lead to an accumulation of plastics in the environment.

In view of this:

• 1.Can the Commission say how it intends to define the criteria or standard of biodegradability in the marine environment in order to clarify which alternatives are compatible with the Directive, without creating unfair competition or additional environmental pollution? When will it do so?
• 2.Are paper products proofed and sealed by spraying with water-based emulsions in line with the Directive and hence marketable?

• [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-8-2018-004768-ASW_EN.html