The decree on the ban on plastic tableware has been published. Cups, plates and cutlery must be designed from bio-based materials.
The organization of picnics will take a hit. From 2020, disposable plastic cups, cutlery and plates will no longer be accepted in France. A decree published this Thursday in the Official Journal specifies the outlines of this measure adopted in July 2015 as part of the law on energy transition for green growth.
Aficionados of breakfast on the grass might regret it, but in reality, it is bad for good. The measure is intended to limit the proliferation of polluting substances in the environment. It also applies to cups distributed in companies for drinking water or coffee.
Toxic
Each year in France, 4.73 billion plastic cups are thrown away: only 1% are recycled. If the toxicity for the environment is proven, the impact on health remains more vague. There are concerns about the hot drinks consumed in these cups. In fact, according to studies, the heat of the drink releases the toxins from these containers, in particular the endocrine disruptors used in their manufacture.
Plastic tableware will therefore be replaced by bio-based materials, defined as “any material of biological origin excluding materials integrated into geological or fossilized formations”. The content of biobased materials should rise to 50% in 2020 and 60% in 2025.
This prohibition is aimed at “natural or legal persons delivering, using, distributing or making available for the first time on the internal market, for consideration or free of charge, for the needs of their economic activity, disposable cups, glasses or plates in plastic ”, further specifies the decree.
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