Cyprus is among the European Union countries with the highest plastic bottle usage, averaging 16.6 bottles per person according to a recent European Commission report. This data, released on Thursday, highlights that only Malta surpasses Cyprus in this regard, where each individual used 22.8 plastic bottles in 2022.
Plastic bottle: Collection Rates Lag Behind EU Averages
Despite the high consumption of single-use plastic bottles, Cyprus’s separate collection rate for these items stood at 45.62 per cent. This figure is significantly below the EU average of 71 per cent for the same year. Countries like Poland, Finland, and Germany have already met or exceeded the 2025 target of 77 per cent collection rates through effective deposit return systems.
Broader Context of Single-Use Plastics in the EU
The European Commission’s report forms part of the ongoing implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution. In 2022 alone, the EU saw approximately 524,003 tonnes of disposable food containers and 152,037 tonnes of beverage cups introduced to the market. These figures translate to around 1.6 kg of food containers and 0.5 kg of beverage cups per individual.
Furthermore, 22,900 tonnes of plastic-containing fishing gear were placed on the market, with around a third collected as waste. The SUPD targets the ten most commonly found single-use products on European beaches, which include plastic straws, cutlery, and plates, along with fishing gear.
Measures to Combat Plastic Waste
As part of the directive’s efforts, strict regulations have been introduced to enhance the collection and recycling of plastic waste. The aim is not just to manage waste more effectively, but also to foster a cultural shift towards sustainability among consumers and businesses alike.
Future Prospects for Cyprus
As Cyprus continues to grapple with its high usage of plastic bottles, the country faces challenges in meeting EU targets for waste collection and recycling. The implementation of more robust waste management systems and public awareness campaigns will be crucial in addressing these issues and reducing plastic pollution in the long term.
