U.S. Government reveals landmark plastic pollution strategy
With the upcoming U.S. presidential election on the horizon, the Biden-Harris Administration has declared its plan to eliminate all single-use plastics in federal government agencies by 2035 and to ban single-use plastic products in foodservice, packaging, and events by 2027.
To reduce plastic waste, the Administration plans to eliminate materials that are unnecessary, hard to manage, or prone to environmental pollution. The focus will be on cutting single-use plastics across federal agencies.
The federal government is targeting net-zero procurement by 2050, including the procurement of single-use plastic products. Reusable, compostable, and highly recyclable products are set to replace them in foodservice applications and further the obligations of government agencies under the Executive Order.
The following is an important timetable on the issue of plastic reduction:
EU:
Australia:
To reduce plastic waste, the Administration plans to eliminate materials that are unnecessary, hard to manage, or prone to environmental pollution. The focus will be on cutting single-use plastics across federal agencies.
The federal government is targeting net-zero procurement by 2050, including the procurement of single-use plastic products. Reusable, compostable, and highly recyclable products are set to replace them in foodservice applications and further the obligations of government agencies under the Executive Order.
The following is an important timetable on the issue of plastic reduction:
EU:
- Strengthening Plastic Packaging Policies
- Early 2024: The EU continues to advance the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive and has intensified recycling requirements for plastic packaging. The policy particularly emphasizes the use of sustainable and recyclable materials for food containers.
- Spring 2024: The EU begins to enhance environmental standards for plastic packaging, including promoting greater use of biodegradable and reusable materials.
- Recycling Rate Targets
- 2024: The EU continues to push towards achieving the PET plastic bottle recycling rate target for 2025, requiring member states to increase recycling rates to reach 77%. Additionally, the target for 2030 is set at 90%.
Australia:
- 2025: All plastic packaging must be recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
- 2030: The recycling rate for plastic packaging is to increase to 70%.
- 2025: Additional bans and restrictions on single-use plastic products are expected, covering more product categories. The policy will further promote the use of sustainable materials and the enhancement of recycling systems.
- 2030 and Beyond: Australia will continue to advance its plastic recycling and waste reduction goals, implementing stricter environmental standards and requirements.
