SUPD: Commission launches evaluation of rules

The European Commission formally opened the evaluation of the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), launching a stakeholder consultation under its Better Regulation provisions.

The process marks the start of a structured review of whether the directive is delivering on its core objectives to:

• reduce plastic pollution
• prevent marine litter, and
• promote more sustainable product design and consumption across the EU

The evaluation covers the full scope of the directive, including:

• market restrictions on selected single-use plastic products
• consumption reduction measures
• product design and marking requirements, and
• extended producer responsibility schemes for litter clean-up and waste management

Fishing gear containing plastic is explicitly included. This reflects its significant contribution to marine litter and the operational challenges associated with collection, takeback and recycling in this sector.

According to the Commission, the review will assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and coherence of the current framework, alongside its added value to the EU.

Particular attention is expected on:

• implementation differences between Member States
• administrative and cost impacts for producers and municipalities, and
• the functioning of EPR obligations, including how litter-related costs are calculated and allocated in practice

The consultation is open to public authorities, industry, producer responsibility organisations, NGOs and citizens, with feedback feeding into the Commission’s ongoing evaluation.

While the assessment must formally be completed by mid-2027, initial findings and policy signals are expected earlier and may inform decisions on whether to maintain the directive as it stands or to propose targeted revisions.

It is not only about recycling processes and compliance, it is also about networking. ERP shares knowledge, insights, and news so that together we can promote the sustainable agenda.