http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-945_en.htm

Brussels, 4 November 2013

Questions and answers on the proposal to reduce the consumption of 
plastic bags

What is the overall aim of this proposal?
The overall aim is to promote waste prevention and reduce littering. It 
requires Member States to take measure to reduce the use of lightweight 
plastic bags on their territory. The proposal takes the form of an 
amendment to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

What are the main components?
The proposal contains two basic elements. First, it amends Article 4 
(prevention) of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, requiring 
Member States to take measures to reduce consumption of lightweight, 
less frequently re-used plastic bags (with a thickness below 50 
microns). Second, it stipulates that these measures may include the use 
of economic instruments (such as taxes and levies, which in some Member 
States have proved to be very effective), national reduction targets, as 
well as marketing restrictions in derogation of Article 18 of the 
Directive, subject to the Treaty’s internal market rules.