The European Commission released a green paper on plastic waste on July 7, seeking public opinion on improving the utilization efficiency of plastic products and reducing their environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a press release issued that day, the European Commission pointed out that once plastic products enter the environment, especially the marine environment, their degradation cycle can often be as long as hundreds of years. Currently, more than ten million tons of waste are dumped into the ocean every year, most of which are plastic products, making the ocean the world's largest \"landfill\" of plastic waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potochnik said that how to deal with plastic waste is a major challenge for environmental protection, but also a great opportunity to improve resource utilization efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A green paper is a form of public consultation used by governments in some countries and regions to solicit opinions on important issues. This green paper from the European Commission details the role of plastics in various stages of industrial production and the potential economic benefits of increasing plastic recycling rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The green paper points out that with the increase in population and the gradual depletion of resources, the recycling and reuse of plastics will become another option for consuming resources. In order to accelerate this process, considerations such as recycling and environmental protection need to be incorporated into the design of plastic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The European Commission will conduct further consultations and solicit opinions on issues such as the recycling of plastic waste, and will synthesize the results after the consultation deadline of 7 June 2013, and incorporate them into relevant legislative proposals for 2014.
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