Brussels, 13 July 2021 – EURATEX welcomes the decision of the European Commission not to include viscose fibers in the guidelines implementing the Single Use Plastic directive.
EURATEX welcomes the decision to keep the original definition of the concept “not been chemically modified” and avoid a new interpretation which would label viscose as plastic.
Plastic objects designed for single use are being banned in the EU under the SUP Directive, legislation considered by many as a significant step forward in tackling plastic pollution.
Common plastic and viscose products present completely different features especially with regards to bio-degradability and the products use made by consumers.
Companies of the textile and clothing sectors have been investing in viscose fibres and regenerated cellulosic films for the past decades, both for consumer goods products but also medical applications. To prevent exploitation of natural resources, a large part of the European industry has also committed to source wood from certified and controlled origins as set by programmes as the FSC® and PEFC®.
The decision on the SUP Directive guidelines not to include viscose will help consumers to make the right choices and it will support industry efforts towards the Green Deal objectives.
