Disposable plastic container problem, harsher EU regulation environment -friendly material -friendly material -Japanese food newspaper electronic version

The "Plastic Resource Recycling Promotion", which will be enforced in Japan in April 2022, aims to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling.On the other hand, in order to solve plastic garbage problems, the EU (European Union) has completely banned the use of disposable plastic on plates and cups from 2022.Introducing Japan and the EU's response to marine trash issues, which have become an emergency issue for the environment around the world.

Recycling priority in Japan

The plastic garbage that appears in our lifestyle has a negative effect on environmental issues, marine life, and human health, and is now related to climate change.It is an emergency issue.

In the new law, in addition to creating a mechanism to recognize products that are easy to recycle in response to guidelines, we seek reduction of use from companies that use many disposable plastic products such as restaurants.。

"Plastic resource recycling promotion method" has a plastic 3R (redus = reduction) (reuse = reusing) (recycling = recycling), and (renewable = regeneration), but if you look at the actual contentThere are some questions that recycling is the highest priority and the priority of important reductions is low.

3R Promotion Organization Liaison Committee, New 5 Year Planning Planning Plastic Resource Recylting Japanese Food Newspaper Electronic Version

The burden on the food industry is also plastic resource recycling method, 3R -encouraging Japanese food newspaper electronic version

The use of disposable plastic dishes is prohibited in the EU

On the other hand, in the EU, in July 2019, the "Directors related to the reduction of the environmental impact of specific plastic products" came into effect, and partially applied the order from July 3, as the EU member states have legisated this command in each country.Was started.It is a prohibition of the market distribution of tableware and food containers made of disposable plastic and styrofoam.

In terms of food, plastic straws, madlers, cutlery, dishes, Styrofoam food containers, beverage containers (including caps and lids), drink cups (including cover and lids).In addition to disposable, all products made of oxo decomposition plastic are prohibited.

Although it seems to be a very tough command, 80 % of the current marine garbage is a plastic product, and the problem solving is needed as soon as possible.In addition, specific disposable plastic products such as beverage cups have also begun to display label labeling for plastic -containing information and waste management methods.

Promotion of use of paper products and development of biodegradable plastic

Although it is an EU command that feels quite strict than in Japan, natural materials such as traditional paper, glass, pottery, cloth, and "biodegradable plastic" that can be decomposed into water and carbon dioxide in microorganisms.The development is continuing, and there are many alternatives.

For example, packing pasta, which is indispensable for Italian diet, has recently been increasingly used in paper.In the Italian coffee shop (bar), it is now used for taking home and now used paper cups.At supermarkets, disposable plastic products have disappeared and replaced with paper and other products.

According to the European Commission, "plastic is a convenient material, but it also damages the environment, causes damage to economic activities such as sightseeing, fisheries, and transportation, and it costs a lot of money."He pointed out points.It is more efficient to use environmentally friendly materials than to use disposable plastic products.

The EU estimates that the European coastal garbage will decrease by 70 % after the new order.I would like to pay attention to future trends in each country.(Foodwriter Nahoko Suzuki)

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