Author:

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Published: 2018

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 9789279939174

This report has been prepared for the European Commission (EC) by ICF in association with Eunomia and partners. It presents the final report of the study on "Plastics: reuse, recycling and marine litter" (Specific Contract No. 07.0201/2017/756813/SER/ENV.B.1 under Framework Contract No. ENV.C.2/FRA/2016/0017). The report provides analyses undertaken to support the development of the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, as adopted on 16 January 20181. The objectives of the analyses were to identify and examine options to improve the reuse and recycling of plastics, and to reduce leakage of plastics to the marine environment. The report provides firstly an overview of the study methodology (Section 2), an introduction to the subject matter (Section 3) and then a summary of the overarching problem analysis (Section 4). A description of the cross-cutting measures that would affect a wide range of plastic products is provided (Section 5). Outcomes of detailed analyses for each of the main applications where plastics are used in large quantities or cause major issues - such as marine litter - are then provided, structured across the following applications (in Sections 6 to 11): - Single-use plastic products; - Packaging; - Construction and demolition; - Automotive, electrical and electronic equipment; - Fishing gear and aquaculture; and - Agriculture. In each of these sections the baseline situation is described, then an assessment of the current problems facing the proper management of plastics is given. This is followed by a description of the nature and likely effect of the measures and their impacts are then explained. The text considers the financial costs, environmental benefits, employment effects and other economic impacts. Finally, the results of the analysis are drawn together under the key themes of the study and overall conclusions provided (Section 12). A detailed technical Annex accompanies this main report and is available as separate document. A glossary of terms is also provided under Section 13. It is important to note that the work related to single use plastics and fishing gear as presented in this report was the latest information available at the time of writing in 2017. Subsequently, further impact assessments were carried out in support of the proposed Directive on single use plastics and fishing gear, where the work was taken forward. Therefore, the work here has been superseded in some cases and must be taken into account if using the contents of this report. Moreover, this report refers to legislation that was current at the time of writing but might now also be superseded.