Brussels has said that the new measure will halve the use of the ten most polluting plastic products in the sea today. All these products are single-use and must henceforth be produced with sustainable materials.

The implementation of the Directive will cost EUR 22 billion by 2030. It is estimated that the measure will also reduce CO2 emissions by 3.4 million tonnes.

Plastic accounts for 85% of marine litter, according to data from the European Commission. In addition, the amount of garbage of this type is growing, not only causing pollution, but also polluting marine fauna.

Brussels says the ban on plastic will have a “very beneficial” economic impact on Europe: “More than 30,000 jobs can be created.”