The European Union's member-states on Friday endorsed a compromise agreement arranged with the European Parliament on Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste providing for phasing out lightweight plastic carrier bags.
The amended directive enables member-states to opt for one of the two possibilities: to make sure that the annual consumption of plastic carrier bags with a thickness of below 50 microns (0.05 millimeters) is limited to no more than 90 bags per person per year by 2019 and then 40 bags per person by 2025; or, or ensure that, by 31 December 2018, all disposable bags are charged for.
Last month, the negotiations were conducted on this topic and Croatia's representatives were against strict bans, explaining that it would affect 1,500 people employed in the plastic bag manufacturing sector in Croatia.
The Croatian Chamber of Commerce notes that Croatian negotiators and experts from the HGK ensured a changed definition of lightweight plastic bags from 10 to 15 microns.
The Croatian negotiators also insisted that plastic bags should not be treated as hazardous waste and that they only litter environment.
The EU member-states have 18 months to incorporate the directive in their respective legislation.
The amended directive should be now endorsed by the Council and the European Parliament.