New European rules on bottle caps « Euro Weekly News

A new EU directive has approved a new policy that requires all bottle caps to be attached to containers with a capacity of less than three liters.

The rule officially begins on July 3; however, this policy was announced by the EU in 2018.

In anticipation of this change, some companies have already adopted sustainable practices. This pioneering initiative aims to reduce plastic waste by 10 percent and address the excess plastic pollution that litters beaches and oceans.

In addition, it aims to encourage the recycling of plastic bottles, promoting a more sustainable plastic use cycle.

Europe’s mission to reduce plastic waste

The regulations go beyond just bottle caps. By 2025, all PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles will have to contain at least 25% recycled plastic, and by 2030, PET bottles will have to contain at least 30% recycled PET. This approach focuses on the source of plastic waste, ensuring that recycling and reuse become an integral part of production processes.

By supporting these EU measures, the Spanish Waste Act also promotes waste reduction through various initiatives. The law emphasizes reducing waste “through the sale of bulk products (and) the sale and use of reusable containers or devices,” encouraging a shift to more sustainable consumption.

The new regulation has caused both joy and frustration among citizens across Europe, affecting their daily consumption of plastic bottles. In many countries, discussions about new caps have gained popularity, with users engaging in debates on social media platforms.

Individual responses to bottle cap regulations

As an example, a resident of Greece shared his observations in It reduces the amount of garbage and makes it easier to recycle.”

In contrast, the UK resident responded to the tweet from a different perspective, highlighting the practical frustrations he had experienced: “We had them in the UK for most of last year. It definitely ranks high among the most annoying inventions the world has ever seen. It’s great to try drinking with the cap stuck in your nose.”

In Spain, residents also expressed their widespread frustrations on social media. Internet users commented on Facebook Weekly euro news platform announcing the screw cap regulation, expressing mixed feelings. One user noted: “Good idea in theory, but they’re terrible!”

Some users recall previous changes in packaging design in Europe. One reader noted: “They did it in 1989 with rings on soda cans, which reduced environmental waste… and we all got used to it, I guess here too.”

Reflecting a more resilient view, another comment said: “Once you get used to them everything will be fine, now it is so we might as well get used to it.”

Small hats, huge pollution

The hope with the new EU directive is that the cap, which can be easily lost or thrown away on streets and beaches, will now remain firmly attached to the plastic bottle. The change is intended to prevent a seemingly minor pollution problem, but it says it could contribute significantly to more than 850 million tons of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere in 2019. Euro News.

As the implementation deadline approaches and companies and society adapt, the discussion on sustainability and practicality is moving another step forward in Europe.

This pioneering change marks a critical moment in the region’s Green Deal efforts to tackle plastic pollution, waste and its impact on the environment.