Action 44: Single use plastic bags
Action Title: Reduce the consumption of single use plastic bags and their presence in the marine environment, supported by the development of quantifiable (sub) regional targets, where appropriate, and assist in the development of relevant EU initiatives.
Lead Party(ies): France with support of Germany and participation of ICG-ML
What is the issue?
Single use plastic bags are a product with a short lifespan rapidly ending up in waste streams and often inappropriately disposed of at their end of life. Their low weight, and resistance has led to their proliferation in the environment and especially in the marine environment. Once in the ocean, plastic bags can last for hundreds of years even after degradation because they are only fragmented and persist in the form of micro-particles.
What has OSPAR Done?
A scoping study was published in 2021, incorporating information relating to the experiences of implementation of the EU Plastic bags directive by Contracting Parties that are also EU Member states.
Final outputs and published reports
ACTION COMPLETED
The Scoping study on plastic carrier bags contains updates and integrated results from evaluations and experiences from CPs who are also EU Member States on the implementation of the EU’s plastic bag Directive.
