EU PPWR FAQs Updated August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 54
XIV.
PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS
1) Are compostable waste bags considered lightweight plastic carrier bags?
No. Only sales bags (i.e. carrier bags) are covered by the definition of 8packaging9 in Article 3(1),
point (1), and the definition of 8plastic carrier bags9 in Article 3(1), point (55).
Waste bags or doggy bags are products, not packaging, and therefore not covered by PPWR.
2) Can a Member State ban all very lightweight plastic carrier bags?
Very lightweight plastic carrier bags that are needed for hygiene purposes or provided as sales
packaging for loose food to prevent food wastages are not banned under Article 25 PPWR. Member
States may nevertheless decide to ban such bags to meet the sustainable reduction target for
lightweight plastic carrier bags under Article 34(1). However, Article 34(2) requires Member States
to consider the environmental impact of bags when they are manufactured, recycled or disposed
of, and their intended use. Any bans (market restrictions) should also be proportionate and nondiscriminatory. Member States must report to the Commission on the consumption of all very
lightweight plastic carrier bags, even those which are excluded from the EU-wide or the national
bans.
3) What are the requirements for compostable plastic carrier bags under the PPWR?
Compostable bags are exempted from the general packaging ban under Article 25, Annex V, point
6, if they are very lightweight plastic carrier bags and needed for hygiene reasons or for loose food
to prevent food wastage.
The use of other very lightweight or lightweight plastic carrier bags is not banned under Article 25
and Annex V but could be subject to national bans, and other marketing restrictions, adopted under
Article 34(2). Member States may also decide that very lightweight plastic carrier bags or
lightweight plastic carrier bags that have not been banned at EU or national level should be
compostable, under the conditions set out Article 9(2)(a).
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