Germany has announced it plans to fully introduce the EU Directive on SUPs in July 2021.
In doing so, Germany is the first major European country to fully commit to the EU Directive which will result in the outright ban on single use cutlery, plates, straws, drinks stirrers, cotton buds and balloon sticks as well as a restriction on the use of expanded polystyrene which will impact hot beverage cups and food containers.
Great Britain was first to make an announcement of the ban on straws, drink stirrers, cotton buds and balloon sticks with a ban that was due to take effect from April 6th 2020, this was of course delayed 6 months due to the effect of Covid 19.
Additionally, France gave notice in January this year that single use plastic cutlery was being banned from January 1st 2020 but with a 6 month phase out period.
All things considered, it looks like most major economies are making the move away from single use, it will be interesting to see what the next steps are from the UK Parliaments.
