An Economic Assessment of The Single- Use Plastic Directive: Directive (EU) 2019/90

Abstract

Plastic pollution is rising as a global issue. Consequently, enormous amounts of plastic marine litter are observed worldwide in the oceans. To tackle the issue on a European level, the European Commission introduced the Single-Use Plastic Directive in 2019, a directive specifically aimed at targeting the most frequently found plastic items located on European beaches. Norway implemented the directive in 2019 through membership in EEA. The Single-Use Plastic Directive introduces complete and partial product bans, informational measures informing the consumer of correct waste disposal methods and plastic content in the items, while also requiring the producer to cover all costs arising from single-use plastic waste. This Thesis assesses the effects of the Single-Use Plastic Directive on marine litter numbers in Norway through Norwegian beach litter data, particularly focusing on the externalities and inefficiencies arising from overconsumption of single-use plastics and the lack of responsibility commitment amongst agents in the market. Production and consumption data on single-use plastics in Norway are currently unavailable, making it impossible to conclude whether Norwegian marine litter numbers are affected by the directive or other market trends efforts. Nevertheless, a downward sloping trend is identified for almost all items covered by the directive through 2016 to 2022.