This first legislative proposal from the Plastics Strategy aims to help the EU clean up beaches and waterways.

Nearly 85% of all ocean litter is plastic and half of that is made of throwaway items, why the Commission’s new proposal targets items like plastic straws, cotton buds and cutlery.

These products among a few others are the most obvious products where “suitable and more sustainable alternatives are readily available” and will have market restrictions put on them.

Read the Commission's proposal here.