EU Member States consumer more than 56 million tonnes of plastic every year. 24 million tonnes of these end up discarded in landfills, seas and oceans. Currently, only 26% of discarded plastic are being recycled.

The use of plastic created a complete revolution in the way we live and has become an essential material used in our everyday lives. If things remain as they are today, in a few years’ time, the amount of plastic discarded will be double what we have today. 

Member of the European Parliament Miriam Dalli outlined this during a conference entitled “The Future of Plastic Materials in the European Circular Economy”, organized at the European Parliament, with the participation of the European Commission and several other organizations.

MEP Miriam Dalli called for different systems, which would lead to an efficient and effective circular economy. This means that instead of continuing on a linear model of waste where people produce things, use them, and discard them, we should increase recycling and re-use, particularly when it comes to plastic. Plastics have the potential to be recycled many times while retaining their value and functional properties.

“We need to recycle much more than we do today. We need to teach our children about the importance of such practices. Recycling requires little effort and does not require any additional financial costs, but will make a big difference today and in the future, "said Miriam Dalli.

Dr. Dalli outlined how citizens’ efforts need to be further sustained by both the European Commission and National Governments.

Referring to plastics and micro plastics, which end up in our seas and oceans, MEP Dalli said that this is an issue of great concern. "Apart from damaging the biodiversity and all marine species, we're having a situation where fish are swallowing dumped plastic and micro-plastics which are eventually ending up on our plates. Sea turtles that mistake plastic for jelly fish are eating up this material and end up dying," said MEP Dalli.

Dr Dalli stressed that the EU should limit the export of plastic waste and place greater emphasis on the need to increase recycling. At the same time proper legislation should be in place to ensure that product design ensures that products can eventually be used more than once. Eventually, this type of policy can lead to economic gains in different countries, including Malta.

"This development offers huge potential for our country, which is already preparing for these changes. More environmental friendly methods in the way we treat and manage waste would not only help our environment, but also the economy of our country with the creation of new job opportunities,” said Miriam Dalli.

Dr Dalli said that together with her colleagues she will be working on this topic in the European Parliament in order to ensure an effective legislation that can facilitate the progress towards a circular economy.