The European Union plastics levy: €0.80 for every kilogram of plastic packaging not recycled
Since 2021, each European Union country pays €0.80 per kg of plastic packaging waste it does not recycle into the European Union budget. The…
European Union
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cheaper per use for returnable drink bottles once plastic and carbon taxes are counted
When a plastic tax and a higher carbon price are included, returnable drink bottles cost 28% less per use than single-use (modelled; packaging fees…
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lower cost per use for returnable drink and personal-care bottles than single-use, in a large shared system
Ellen MacArthur Foundation modelling (2023) of returnable packaging at national scale: drink bottles 6% cheaper per use, personal-care bottles 10% cheaper.
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Returnable bottles cost 6–10% less than single-use once reuse runs at scale
Ellen MacArthur Foundation modelling with Systemiq and Eunomia found returnable drink and personal-care bottles cheaper per use than single-use in a shared, national system,…
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EU own-resource levy on non-recycled plastic packaging waste
Since 2021 each EU member state pays EUR 0.80 per kilogram of non-recycled plastic packaging waste into the EU budget, passed on through national…
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Italy plastic tax on single-use plastic items (MACSI)
Italy’s EUR 450 per tonne tax on single-use manufactured plastic items has been postponed repeatedly and is now due on 1 January 2027.
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Spain tax on non-reusable plastic packaging
Spain charges EUR 0.45 per kilogram of non-recycled plastic in non-reusable packaging, in force since 1 January 2023.
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EU ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in food-contact materials (2024/3190)
Bans bisphenol A and related bisphenols in food-contact plastics, coatings, inks and adhesives; in force since January 2025, with the main prohibition binding from…
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EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (2025/40)
Binding EU rules requiring all packaging to be recyclable by 2030, with bans on single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables, for eating…
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EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904)
Bans plastic cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, cotton buds and expanded polystyrene (foam) food containers across the EU. Bottle caps must stay attached, and bottles…