Directive on Single Use Plastic Containers
The Directive orders all non-reusable plastic containers, as well as plastic caps on carton and similar liquid containers, to be permanently attached to the container itseld. This is to avoid littering the environment with loose caps that have been discarded by people after emptying the bottles etc. for content.
Reactions from one of the first countries to implement this Directive, Denmark, is that it is annoying and also often impossible to use the new design of plastic caps. They are attached to a ring around the neck of the sprout and are 1. more difficult to oppen, 2. splashing liquid outside the target when pouring, because the cap cannot be held back and thus comes in the way of clear pouring or just drinking directly from the bottle, 3. more difficult to close, because the retainer ring obstructs fitting the cap closely.
Why is this stupid order introduced in the first place? It is clearly within the realm of the subsidiarity principle, because any member state is able to sovereignly decide if this measure is necessary and which potential solution is appropriate and suited for the local conditions.
Many countries do not have notable issues with plastic caps in particular and prefers to campaign to heighten awareness if such problems at moderate lavel should apprear. A ban on loose plastic caps is crazy and just another over-administrative attempt on reducing innovation and free competition.