Definition of plastic in the proposal for a directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment

15.3.2019

Question for written answer E-001369-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Giovanni La Via (PPE) , Massimo Paolucci (S&D)

The proposal for a directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment covers single-use plastic products as listed in its Annex, and introduces a new definition of ‘plastic’.

The definition would include wet wipes as a form of plastic. Some producers claim, however, that not all wet wipes made from man-made cellulosic fibres can be defined as plastic. If certain man-made cellulosic fibres are to be excluded from the definition, this would run counter to the directive’s primary goal of reducing marine litter.

Before the proposal is adopted, the Commission must confirm that the definition of plastic will remain as discussed over the past months.

Can the Commission confirm that the definition of plastic will encompass all man-made cellulosic fibres, including viscose, lyocell, cuprammonium rayon, cellulose diacetate and cellulose triacetate?

Does it intend to confirm this in the form of written guidance and in a timely manner, as referred to in Article 12 of the text agreed between Parliament and the Council in informal negotiations? Will the directive be formally adopted by Parliament and the Council in the near future?