European tax on plastic misses the point

Amsterdam, May 29, 2018 - the European Commission yesterday introduced a new directive aimed at reducing the adverse effects of certain types of plastics and their environment. This proposal points out the need to reduce disposable plastic (SUP), but does not include reduction targets. One of the major drawbacks of the proposal is that it does not include any financial instruments that make the reality a reality.

Earlier this year, European Budget Human Resources Committee Mr. Ettinger announced "Plastic Tax". The plastic strategy announced shortly thereafter indicates that the feasibility of the plan has not been evaluated yet. The proposal announced yesterday did not mention the European plastic tax

Using new plastics throughout the EU will be an effective means. On the one hand it will make the manufacture of new plastics more expensive and on the other hand make the recycled old plastic more attractive.

Nonetheless, the European Commission recently announced a different plastic tax on the new European budget. This tax is only the extensive taxation of the EU, not its original intention. Instead, it encourages each member country to pay 0.80 euro per kg for non-recyclable packaging.

This proposal completely ignores this and does not lead to the reduction of the use of plastic and the processing of plastic soup. The focus on reducing plastic has changed from production to recycling. Plastic manufacturers can simply continue to make it. Who will pay for the plastic? Taxpayers, not producers, are responsible for this plastic. In addition, the packaging is only 40% of the total plastic

Bas Eickhout (a member of GroenLinks Party) The European Parliamentmen have started a plastic tax campaign to reduce plastic production. Sign here the petition here

Frans Timmermans, Vice Chairman of the European Commission, stated that this tax is "unsustainable", but it may be effective to change the way the plastic is manufactured and used. "The only sustainable way is to manufacture recyclable plastics and remove microplastic.I can not take out the microplastic including the tax.I make it possible to reuse something rather than the sea "There is a reluctance to consider direct claims and taxes and legislative measures, but requires a public awareness raising campaign on plastic issues. "Through legislation, we should not force, but we have to do but encourage each country to raise awareness through public consciousness," he said.

Earlier this year, European Budget Human Resources Committee Mr. Ettinger announced "Plastic Tax". The plastic strategy announced shortly thereafter indicates that the feasibility of the plan has not been evaluated yet. The proposal submitted yesterday did not mention the European plastic tax. This proposal completely ignores this and does not lead to the reduction of the use of plastic and the processing of plastic soup. The focus on reducing plastic has changed from production to recycling. Plastic manufacturers can simply continue to make it. Who will pay for the plastic? Taxpayers, not producers, are responsible for this plastic. In addition, the packaging is only 40% of the total plastic

Some people talk about plastic taxes. I did not like this idea at once, but I understand. Because plastic is very cheap (less than $ 2 per kg of raw material), we are using a lot. Even if only one tenth of the ocean enters the ocean, the ocean will eventually be shielded by plastic. It will be part of the solution to take measures to reduce the amount of plastic to be sold. If done correctly, I can support plastic tax. Plastic tax, carbon tax, fuel tax can not be gathered quickly. They need to be very careful (preferably when the price goes up!) This is a lesson from Australia. You may not have the word riot, but it caused our own confusion. Malcolm Turnbull, Rudd, Julia Gillard's leadership has already ended up due to climate change policies.