Directive (EU) 2019/904 and Directive (EU) 2015/720 represent significant steps in the fight against marine and ocean pollution, as they aim to reduce the environmental impact caused by single-use plastic products and microplastics, promoting transitions toward circular and sustainable economies. The first, known as the SUP Directive, defines the measures that European Union Member States must adopt to significantly reduce the consumption of single-use plastic products for which sustainable alternatives exist. These measures include specific collection and recycling targets, particularly for plastic bottles, with the goal of achieving 90% recycling by 2029; the introduction of restrictions on the availability of certain single-use plastic products on the market; and labeling requirements aimed at informing consumers about the negative environmental impact of plastic waste and proper disposal options.
Directive 2015/720, which amends the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, was introduced to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic bags in the EU, with the same objective of curbing environmental pollution.
The stakeholders impacted by these regulations are primarily plastic manufacturers, producers and importers of single-use plastic products, and retailers and distributors of plastic products. The latter are required to adopt strategies to reduce the use of plastic bags.
Flashpoint provides strategic and operational consulting to help companies comply with these regulations. We analyze the impact of the directives on business operations and develop tailored strategies to ensure compliance, assisting companies in identifying sustainable and innovative alternatives. We support the review and optimization of supply chains and the preparation of technical documentation and reporting.