The Farm to Fork Strategy is the EU's plan to create a fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly food system. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of food production by promoting sustainable farming practices, reducing chemical pesticide and fertilizer use, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy focuses on making healthy food more accessible while supporting farmers and fishers in their transition to sustainable methods. Aligned with the European Green Deal, it addresses food waste and aims to strengthen food security and resilience across the EU. The goal is a food system that benefits both people and the planet by 2050.

The EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy aims to reduce plastic waste and make all plastic packaging recyclable by 2030. It focuses on designing products for reuse, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics, thereby minimizing plastic pollution. The strategy also encourages innovation in sustainable plastics and bioplastics, promoting a shift toward materials with a lower environmental impact. It seeks to cut down on marine litter and microplastics, protecting ecosystems and human health. Ultimately, it supports the EU’s circular economy goals, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.

The Single-Use Plastics Directive is the EU’s policy to reduce plastic pollution by targeting commonly littered single-use plastic items. It bans specific items like plastic straws, cutlery, and plates, and mandates reduction targets for other single-use products. The directive also requires producers to help cover waste management costs and educate consumers about responsible disposal. By focusing on the most polluting plastics, it aims to protect marine life, reduce waste, and promote sustainable alternatives. This directive is a key part of the EU’s efforts to transition to a circular economy.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an EU policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially disposal and recycling. It requires producers to manage the waste their products create, encouraging them to design goods that are more durable, reusable, and recyclable. EPR schemes often include financial contributions from producers toward waste collection and treatment, reducing the burden on public waste management. By fostering sustainable product design and responsible disposal, EPR supports the EU’s shift to a circular economy, aiming to minimize environmental impact and resource waste.