Ref. Ares(2022)110688 - 07/01/2022
Meeting on the SUP directive and marking proposals with CITEO (French EPR scheme for household
packaging and paper) on the 9th of March 2020
Participants:
Date: 9th of March 2020
Discussion:
Markings:
• CITEO expressed preference for the markings to focus on specific sorting guidelines, not only on
not littering. A big survey in France on marking (for extended sorting guidelines that will be
implemented from this summer on) showed that pictograms only are not real y understood, text
is needed for comprehension. Tidy man: is understood but is not of help to motivate to sort. Also
based on survey, the wording “contains plastic + protect nature” can be misunderstood when
read together. COM explained that SUP directive aimed at tackling littering, not sorting: limit of
the mandate of COM.
• They asked whether it is possible to give in the guidelines recommendations to MS to add proper
sorting guidelines to the markings as a best practice. COM explained that SUP directive has
environmental legal basis so MS can go beyond that. If FR goes beyond, then has to notify EC and
provide reasons. However, potential problem with COM legal service if guidelines mention for MS
to go beyond the markings.
• CITEO mentioned that FR adopted law to ban the green dot while in other MS it is stil mandatory,
reason is because not understandable. Would be replaced by the tidy man. CITEO underlined that
beverage bottles and containers need to be defined better. COM explained that in July there will
be guidelines on the interaction between packaging directive and SUP directive to clarify.
• CITEO and COM raised concerns on visibility and effectiveness of engraving the marking on SUP
cups.
• COM mentioned possible delay to end of the year instead of July so COM can see if delay in
application for MS implementation.
Follow-up:
• COM cancelled meeting of 23rd March; will be reschedule in May.
• CITEO to send key learnings of its survey on markings.
• CITEO to send information on effects of white color marking instead of engraving on recycling.
• Follow-up Stakeholder Workshop in July 2020, CITEO to participate.