Microplastics and their potential environmental and health impacts have been of growing concern in recent years. However, certified biodegradable plastics can be part of the solution, as they are designed to biodegrade and mineralise rather than persist as microplastics in the environment […]
Certified biodegradable plastics are part of the solution to persistent microplastics.
The targeted use of certified biodegradable plastics in applications where biodegradation is a benefit, can contribute to addressing the challenge of persistent microplastics. Transitioning from conventional plastics to biodegradable plastics certified for composting or biodegradation in soil or aqueous environments is key to:
- help prevent the long-term accumulation of persistent microplastics in relevant receiving environments;
- reduce the generation of persistent microplastics associated with conventional plastic products used in agricultural and horticultural applications, including twines, threads, clips, nets, shelters, and mulch films;
- support the separate collection and organic recycling of biowaste, while reducing contamination of compost by conventional non-biodegradable plastics;
- limit leakage of persistent microplastics from products that are designed to be left in the environment, or have a high risk of being left e.g., marine/fishing gear, forestry/tree protection, outdoor sports which may leave products in the environment, synthetic grass, etc.European Bioplastics calls on the EU institutions to distinguish demonstrably biodegradable plastic products from persistent plastics across relevant legislation and policy, and to recognise their targeted use in applications where they have been shown to prevent long-term microplastic accumulation and provide a verified environmental benefit.