Since the entry into force of the Single-use Plastic Directive (SUP) in July of this year, the precise implementation of the new EU regulation is flanked by many question marks. In particular, a big question remains with regard to the ‘more sustainable material alternatives’, which potentially will substitute the plastic elements in the products targeted by the directive. Therefore, the corresponding guidance document on the implementation of the SUP, which is to be issued by the European Commission by mid-2020, is eagerly awaited.
The transition from a linear to a “no leakage” circular economy in Europe deserves everyone’s full support, but rush jobs when identifying those material alternatives must, in any case, be avoided. Besides technical suitability, food safety and hygiene need to be amongst the key requirements. This is stressed by Article 11 of the Single-use Plastics Directive and challenges all provisions set for reduction, restriction or otherwise.
Most of the restricted single-use products get into contact with food. Only recently, some of the allege