WHAT CAN WE GLEAN FROM THE EU’S SINGLE-USE PLASTICS DIRECTIVE IN PREPARATION FOR HK’S OWN PROPOSED BAN?

WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE SO FAR?

Based on an assessment of the EU countries’ transposition of the directive, so far, only several EU countries have adopted measures to transpose the directive into national law, while other countries have only adopted the bare minimum requirements stated in the directive. Some of the countries that have taken proactive measures include Estonia, France, Greece and Ireland. France is taking the lead single use plastics regulation; on top of transposing the directive into National Law, the country has also adopted additional measures as part of a National Strategy to reduce single use plastics. For example, France implemented a measure this year banning the use of plastic bottles in cultural and sport events. This is supplemented by a requirement to provide water fountains and free access to drinking water by 2022. All in all, the directive is a positive step forward and demonstrates the EU’s commitment to reduce the use of plastics and transitioning to a circular economy. Key next steps include ensuring all member states transpose the directive into their national law and extending the directive to cover more forms of plastics.

WHAT CAN HONG KONG LEARN FROM THE SUP DIRECTIVE?

Hong Kong’s EPD (Environmental Protection Department) recently launched a two-month public consultation on the Scheme on the Regulation of Disposable Plastic Tableware (ending on September 8th). This is part of the newly announced Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong, which aims at achieving waste-free seas by 2035. The scheme seeks to eliminate Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) tableware, including straws, stirrers, cups, plates and all types of cutleries by placing a ban on local EPS sales. The scheme also bans catering businesses from providing EPS tableware to customers.