Several European industry associations are speaking out against a premature revision of the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, they call on EU institutions to maintain the existing legal framework and first await reliable experience with its implementation.
The undersigned associations argue that revising the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) at this time would primarily create legal uncertainty. Numerous provisions of the directive have not yet been fully implemented in the Member States. At the same time, there is currently insufficient data to reliably assess the effectiveness of the regulations. For example, no results are yet available on the consumption reduction targets planned for 2026.
Lack of data basis for assessment
In the opinion of the associations, the implementation report published so far is based solely on incomplete and non-harmonised data. Member States are said to have used different indicators, making a meaningful comparison hardly possible. A revision of the directive would therefore be premature.
Concerns about additional regulation
The organisations also criticise the differing national transpositions of the SUPD. These have led to regulatory fragmentation, so-called gold-plating, and increasing compliance costs. Rather than reopening the directive, a more uniform application within the internal market should first be ensured.
From the signatories' perspective, a revision would also cause considerable investment uncertainty. Companies would have to anticipate that regulations and areas of application could change again during a multi-year legislative process.
Avoid overlaps with PPWR and Ecodesign
The associations also point to possible overlaps with other European regulations. Parallel to the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the Ecodesign Regulation, and the planned negotiations on the Circular Economy Act, there is a risk of conflicting or duplicative requirements. In their view, the EU should instead focus its efforts on implementing existing legal acts.
The joint declaration, which packaging journal has been signed, among others, by Aim, AmCham EU, Cosmetics Europe, Edana, EuPC, Europen, Plastics Europe, EuPF, Euratex and Detergents Europe.
