Opening the meeting, Deputy Minister of Environment Sławomir Mazurek reminded the participants that the SUP Directive is aimed at reducing the environmental pollution caused by disposable plastic products and fishing equipment containing plastic, putting particular emphasis on marine environment. The Directive also represents an action implemented under the "European strategy for plastics in a circular economy".

Deputy Minister Mazurek emphasized that the main regulations included in the Directive include, among others: a ban on disposable plastic products (such as cotton buds, plastic cutlery, plates, straws, beverage mixers, balloon holders, foamed polystyrene food containers, polystyrene containers and cups for drinks, including caps and lids) and all products made of oxidized plastics to be introduced in 2021.

“In addition, beginning at 2024, the SUP Directive will only allow the sales of disposable plastic products with plastic caps and lids permanently attached to containers. In addition, by 2025 at the latest, all plastic bottles will have to be manufactured using at least 25% recycled material; by 2030, the threshold will be increased to 30%” - said the Deputy Minister.

“The Single-Use Plastics Directive” also includes a collection target for plastic bottles of 77% to be achieved by 2025; the collection target means an obligation to collect 77% of the total mass of all plastic beverage bottles up to 3 litres. By 2029, the recycle rate for plastic beverage bottles will be 90%.” - he added.

Deputy Minister Sławek Mazurek pointed out that the Directive will also introduce the obligation to extend the rules for extended producer responsibility with regards to plastic products in order to match the requirements of the Framework Directive on Waste by the end of 2024.