Assessing the impact of the Single Use Plastic Directive in Malta

Abstract

Global production and consumption of plastic has increased multiple fold in the past few years. Unfortunately, less than 30% is recovered or recycled, leading to an unprecedented increase in plastic pollution, most of it accumulating within Europe’s coastal areas and oceans. As part of the EU Plastics Strategy, the European Commission actively sought to find a solution and hence put into place the “Single Use Plastics Directive”. This directive primarily aims to reduce production and consumption of throwaway plastic products, hence transitioning to a more circular economy. This directive was put in force in July 2019. Within 24 months, all member states including Malta, must actively implement measures to curb production of such products. Without doubt, these actions will have lasting effects on all sectors of the economy, be it economic social or environmental. Given its early stage of adoption, an analysis of these effects proves to be a worthwhile effort, especially to those who have grown reliant on the convenience of such products. Due to this purpose, this dissertation presents a study of this directive within a local context. Following an in-depth analysis of the directive, a research methodology is proposed whereby data is collected from different stakeholders each representing a different facet, such as government agencies, consumer institutions and plastic packaging producers. Results collected from these semi-structured interviews are then discussed and compared. Findings and conclusions are categorised and put forward with emphasis towards concerns amongst the local industry.