International Solid Waste Association

ISWA

ISWA – the International Solid Waste Association – is a global, independent and non-profit making association, working in the public interest and is the only worldwide association promoting sustainable, comprehensive and professional waste management.

Lobbying Activity

Response to Reducing marine litter: action on single use plastics and fishing gear

10 Jan 2018

Among the approaches examined to reduce the impacts caused by SUP waste, more sustainable alternatives are also envisaged (Point 2, Section B). In particular, substitution with materials is considered. The text indicates specific materials (paper and wood) as a possible solution. In our view, strategic options should just identify the desired performance but remain neutral from the point of view of the material and technology. In fact it does not matter the nature of the material (whether it is cellulosic or ligno-cellulosic or based on other biodegradable polymers), but rather the satisfaction of technical and environmental performances. Therefore, the text should be reworded as follows: “…Options may include reduction targets, design requirements (e.g. replacement by materials, such as biodegradable materials, which degrade quickly in the natural environment, or design of lids and caps in a way that they cannot be detached from the bottle), or requirements for Member States to implement a charge at the point of sale.
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