Tool
KIDV Decision trees Single Use Plastics
Publication date: February 16, 2023
Organisation: KIDV
The Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) has created six decision trees that can be used to assess whether different types of packaging are covered by the Single Use Plastics Directive and, if so, which measures apply to the packaging in question.
The KIDV has created decision trees for the following types of packaging:
- Cutlery
- Beverage containers
- Cups for beverages
- Food containers
- Straws
- Packets and wrappers
The decision trees have been drawn up based on the currently available information (16 February 2023). The information is derived from the SUP Directive (2019) and associated guideline of the European Commission, the Ministerial Regulation from March 2022 in which measures were elaborated and the " ‘Afwegingskader’ for the Regulation of Single-Use Plastic Products" published in December 2022. The ‘Afwegingskader’ clarifies the regulations and also provides background information with definitions and examples for food packaging, packets and wrappers, drink containers and beverage packaging.
The decision trees only list measures that apply to packaging, including items made available for consumption along with the packaging (e.g., straws and cutlery). Other measures and products are not included in these decision trees. These decision trees are only applicable for the Dutch market.
SUP directiveThe Single Use Plastics Directive is part of the "European strategy for plastics in a circular economy" (Plastic Strategy) of the European Commission, which aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste in oceans and seas. The SUP directive covers lost fishing gear and disposable plastic plastics, which also includes various types of packaging. The directive covers all types of plastic; it does not distinguish between oil-based plastics (such as HDPE or PS) and bio-based plastics (such as bio-PE or PLA). For more information, please consult the guideline released by the European Commission on this subject. The directive should encourage companies to develop sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic products and single-use plastic packaging. The first measures of the SUP directive apply from 3 July 2021. Existing stocks are not covered by the new legislation if they have already been placed on the market in the Netherlands by 3 July 2021. For specific situations, you can refer to the Blue Guide (chapter 2; only available in Dutch) for guidance. Please note that the Blue Guide refers to offering products on the EU market, whereas the SUP Directive pertains to offering products on the market of the Member State. If the product is exported to another Member State after 3 July 2021, it should meet the requirements of the SUP Directive at that time. Ministerial regulationThe Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has published a regulation to give substance to a number of measures from the SUP Directive, namely: establishing producer responsibility, achieving greater consumer awareness and new rules to reduce the use of drinking cups and food packaging. This ministerial regulation can be read here (only available in Dutch). ‘Afwegingskader’The Ministerial Regulation still appeared to contain a number of 'grey areas'. In order to provide clear answers as to which packaging is covered by the SUP directive, the ‘Afwegingskader’ for the Regulation of Single-Use Plastic Products' was created (only available in Dutch). The framework was published in December 2022. It contains a lot of background information with definitions and examples for food packaging, pouches and wrappers, drinking cups and beverage containers. |
Disclaimer
KIDV has taken the greatest possible care in drawing up this document. This document is based on current knowledge and KIDV’s own interpretations. Should the document be incomplete or contain any inaccuracies, please let us know. KIDV assumes no liability for any damage resulting from or related in any way to the use of this document. Also, the KIDV is not responsible for claims made as a result of this document. No part of this publication may be reproduced by means of printing, photocopying, automated data files or any other means without the prior written permission of KIDV.