Reduction in plastic goods consumption

27.2.2018

Question for written answer E-001219-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Maria Spyraki (PPE)

Under Law 4496/2017, provisions were introduced to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags in line with Directive 2015/720/EU.

It is calculated that that less than 30% of manufactured plastics are is still in use and that, of the remaining 70%, only 9% has been recycled, while 12% has been incinerated and 79% disposed of landfills or simply dumped, especially into the oceans. Furthermore, around 13 billion tonnes of plastic refuse have accumulated worldwide.

In view of this:

• 1.Will the Commission take action to find substitutes for other widely used plastic products and which products?
• 2.How will it split plastic waste management costs, which are currently being borne principally by the State?
• 3.What measures will it take regarding all Member States to ensure that these products are in fact recycled and do not simply end up in the sea?