Plastic bags are among the top 10 littered items in Europe. Often used only once, they take centuries to fully degrade in the natural environment. To raise awareness about eliminating the use of plastic bags worldwide and promote eco-friendly reusable alternatives, we observe International Plastic Bag Free Day every 3 July.
The day is part of a broader global movement – Break Free From Plastic – to reduce plastic consumption and raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution. Over the years, the EU has embraced this mission, drastically cutting plastic use. And you can really tell the difference if you travel outside of the EU!
The Plastic Bags Directive helps deal with the unsustainable consumption and use of lightweight plastic carrier bags specifically. It requires EU countries to reduce their annual average consumption, through national reduction targets, economic instruments (e.g. fees, taxes) and marketing restrictions.
Meanwhile the Single Use Plastics Directive helps to reduce overall consumption of disposable plastics more generally. Since its implementation, the EU has entirely banned many commonly found single-use plastic products (like cutlery, plates, and straws).
These rules are not only helping to reduce the use of disposable plastics and plastic bags, they are also helping Europe transition to a circular economy. By promoting waste prevention, encouraging the use of reusable alternatives, reducing resource consumption, and supporting more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
For more information
- Publication date
- 3 July 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Communication