On 2 July 2019, Directive (EU) 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (Directive (EU) 2019/904) came into force. The aim of the Directive is to reduce plastic waste generation in order to prevent and reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment, especially on the marine environment. This Directive affects single-use plastic products most frequently found on European beaches, fishing gear containing plastic and oxo-degradable plastic. Various measures are envisaged for the various groups of plastic products, such as reduced consumption, prohibitions and extended producer responsibility.

The legislative amendment transposes requirements from Directive (EU) 2019/904 into national law, specifically updating the Waste Management Act 2002, concerning packaging.