Ban on single-use plastic for beginners
Goodbye disposable plastic cups, straws and tableware? Since 1 January 2020 and the entry into force of the Egalim law, these objects are still allowed to be sold, but under certain conditions... Hélène Sutter, product manager at Bruneau and specialist in the subject, sheds some light on the matter.
Natacha: Hélène, what does the law on disposable plastic state?
Hélène: This law stems from a European directive whose application date is set for 3 July 2021. France wanted to speed up the movement by banning single-use plastic tableware as of 1 January 2020. The aim is to reduce plastic waste, which pollutes and takes hundreds of years to disappear. This includes disposable plastic cups, glasses, cutlery and straws.
Hélène: This law stems from a European directive whose application date is set for 3 July 2021. France wanted to speed up the movement by banning single-use plastic tableware as of 1 January 2020. The aim is to reduce plastic waste, which pollutes and takes hundreds of years to disappear. This includes disposable plastic cups, glasses, cutlery and straws.
Natacha: Why does Bruneau still sell disposable plastic tableware?
Hélène: Disposable tableware is still allowed by law, as long as it constitutes packaging. For example, a company can still provide plastic cups if they are associated with a water cooler or a drinks dispenser.
Hélène: Disposable tableware is still allowed by law, as long as it constitutes packaging. For example, a company can still provide plastic cups if they are associated with a water cooler or a drinks dispenser.
Natacha: Are there alternatives to plastic today?
Hélène: Yes, but not enough to transform the entire market. The production capacities of our manufacturers do not allow us to move from a predominantly plastic market to a plastic-free market in the immediate future. Factories need to be redesigned with new production machines and new supply channels need to be worked on.
Some manufacturers also need time to implement alternative solutions while limiting the budgetary impact on their production costs and therefore on product prices. The complete turnaround of the market will take some time, but the good news is that change is on its way!
Hélène: Yes, but not enough to transform the entire market. The production capacities of our manufacturers do not allow us to move from a predominantly plastic market to a plastic-free market in the immediate future. Factories need to be redesigned with new production machines and new supply channels need to be worked on.
Some manufacturers also need time to implement alternative solutions while limiting the budgetary impact on their production costs and therefore on product prices. The complete turnaround of the market will take some time, but the good news is that change is on its way!
Natacha: While waiting for the final disappearance of disposable plastic tableware, how can we change our consumption habits?
Hélène: Bruneau has already been offering alternative products for a long time. For those who want to continue using disposable tableware, the most obvious alternatives are cardboard for cups or plates and wood for cutlery and stirrers.
With the law banning single-use plastic, we are also witnessing the growing number of products made from sugarcane fibres, a material which provides good results in terms of rigidity and resistance to high temperatures.
Another solution - or a good habit to adopt! - consists of using "hard" tableware: mugs, flasks, porcelain or aluminium cutlery... it' s up to you :)
Hélène: Bruneau has already been offering alternative products for a long time. For those who want to continue using disposable tableware, the most obvious alternatives are cardboard for cups or plates and wood for cutlery and stirrers.
With the law banning single-use plastic, we are also witnessing the growing number of products made from sugarcane fibres, a material which provides good results in terms of rigidity and resistance to high temperatures.
Another solution - or a good habit to adopt! - consists of using "hard" tableware: mugs, flasks, porcelain or aluminium cutlery... it' s up to you :)
