SUP Directive - new labelling on the packages
The following label can be found on the packages of hygiene products such as sanitary pads, pantyliners, tampons or wet wipes:
Why the label is added to packaging and what does it mean?
Single-use hygiene products represent a significant proportion of litter in the natural environment, especially in the marine one.
Data source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0904, point 5 of preamble
Plastic waste has a negative impact on the organisms that live in the seas and oceans.
It does not have to be this way! If single-use hygiene products are not flushed down to the toilet, they will not get into the sewage system and later to seas and oceans.
For the sake of the natural environment, Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment was created, so-called SUP (Single Use Product) Directive. The implementing regulation to the Directive (2020/2151) specifies the labeling of products that contain plastic.
The labelling is placed on the packaging of sanitary pads, tampons and wet wipes indicates where used hygiene products should not go.
The graphics show also the consequences of improper disposal of hygiene products.
The claim PLASTIC IN PRODUCT is to emphasize the presence of plastic in the product to make a user aware of the need for its proper disposal after use.
Dispose wisely!
When you see the packaging of your favorite sanitary pads, pantyliners or wet wipes with the new labeling, remember the importance of disposing of the used product properly.
Responsible handling of waste is a key aspect of preventing non-flushable products from entering drains.