1. Policy Updates

We are fully operationalising our PPWR advocacy strategy and have engaged with more than ten relevant stakeholders - including Plastics Europe, BIC and ZWE - to present EUBP’s key messages on the upcoming PPWR secondary legislation. Our exchanges consistently focus on four priority areas: (1) future biobased targets, (2) compostable packaging, (3) labelling, and (4) design for recycling. 

On 5 March, EUBP co-organised an event with the Compostable by Design Platform and sectoral associations (Serving Europe, 360° FoodService, HOTREC, etc.) to explore the relevance of compostability for specific packaging formats that may otherwise be restricted in the future. The discussion focused on concrete use cases, and through practical samples we were able to demonstrate why compostability can be a viable optionfor heavily food-soiled packaging and other packaging formats that are difficult to sort or recycle.  

On 18 March, EUBP participated in a well-attended online meeting of the Expert Group on Waste, where several PPWR-related topics were discussed. We are very pleased that EUBP is now officially part of the Expert Group, ensuring an additional and valuable advocacy channel! 

Finally, on the penultimate day of March, the European Commission published its long-awaited Notice and Q&A document related to the PPWR. We will continue to discuss these documents with REGA members, but overall, the Commission’s interpretative language is largely in line with our expectations.  

Thanks to the work of the TF SUPD and WG REGA, we were able to publish and disseminate our position paper on the evaluation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive. If you missed the contribution you can find it here. To sum, EUBP calls for the exemption of all certified biodegradable plastics from the scope of the SUPD and is engaging with the Commission to further contribute to the evaluation process. Next steps: an even more targeted stakeholder consultation to which EUBP will contribute with a deadline of 11 May! 

On 23 March, EUBP met with Mirka Janda, member of the Cabinet of Commissioner Fitto. The main objective was to introduce the association and the bioplastics sector, and to establish a positive working relationship that will be valuable in the coming months, particularly in the context of inter-service consultations on relevant files. Ms Janda, who has previous experience in waste management, showed particular interest in biowaste collection and in how EPR systems can support the separate collection of biowaste. This could represent a relevant entry point for further engagement. 

March also provided opportunities to further strengthen our engagement with key stakeholders. EUBP organised an operational group meeting of the European Bioeconomy Alliance on 6 March, participated in a CEN TC 411 meeting in Brussels on 16 March to discuss biobased plastics, and contributed to a joint webinar organised by CbDP and TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium, attended by over 200 participants, on European legislation relevant to compostables. 

Due to a national strike, our in-person WG REGA meeting on 12 March was held in a hybrid format, with strong participation - thank you all! We would also like to give a special mention to the BON members who met on 24 March and continue to advocate, among other priorities, for additional compostable packaging formats in their respective Member States. 

2. Sustainability and Environment

The month started with a meeting with the JRC regarding our Design for Recycling (“DfR”) work for packaging made from biodegradable plastics. This interaction with the JRC is very important, especially for our members who are active in TF MatRec (part of deliverables D4 and D8), as the JRC will be using the Technical Specifications that are being drafted in CEN (with strong input from EUBP as liaison organisation), as input that will ultimately lead to a future PPWR Delegated Act on DfR.  
 
EUBP gave an opening talk at the International Seminar on Biopolymers and Sustainable Composites in Valencia, providing data on the European bioplastics market and giving an update on all recent movements in the regulatory/policy landscape that affect bioplastics.  This provided a positive scene-setting for the remainder of the seminar that covered various topics such as bioeconomy, certification, raw materials and biopolymers in the open environment.  

Work concentrated on deliverables for task forces TF Feedstock, TF MatRec and TF Safe:   

• TF Feedstock: For deliverable D3 (Infographic on Availability/Accessibility of Sustainable Biomass and most relevant feedstock crops), an infographic titled “Sustainable Biomass for Bioplastics” was recently shared with WG SEA for review.  It will be published after final changes are made. 

• TF MatRec: Work concentrates on deliverables D4 (Guidance doc on DfR requirements) and D8 (Input to DA for DfR) as mentioned above.  The CEN (TC261 and WG10) commenting periods on the Technical Specifications concluded, and the MatRec team commenced reviewing the comments during numerous meetings. 
  A small volunteer team continues to work on deliverable D6 (a value proposition document for brands, to continue using compostable packaging even if the end of life may be recycling instead of composting).  

• TF Safe: Work continued on deliverable D5 (updating an older microplastics paper), with lively and interesting discussions.  Progress was made, however, it will be some time before the document can be submitted to formal review by WG SEA.  

EUBP attended the Ecodesign forum (detailed updates were provided in the last WG SEA meeting) and participated in a round table for the final conference of the SISTERs project (a project focused on the reduction of food waste, including the advantages of bioplastic food packaging).   

The WG SEA meeting provided an update on all activities on 24th March. 

3. Research and Innovation Projects

BioSupPack Project

From Brewery Waste to Biobased, Circular Packaging: BioSupPack brings on innovation for PPWR Compliance 

The EU-funded project BioSupPack has succefully demonstrated that brewer’s spent grains can be transformed into high-performance bioplastics for sustainable packaging. Over five years, the consortium has developed and validated innovative polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA and PHB) materials and production processes that offer viable alternatives to fossil-based plastics while supporting compliance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). By turning brewer’s spent grains into valuable packaging materials and by recycling the packaging waste through innovative recycling technologies like enzymatic recycling, BioSupPack shows that circular, biobased packaging is an increasingly practical reality. Read more here.

INSOIL Project

INSOIL progresses on bio-based fertilizers for agriculture 
The INSOIL project is advancing the development of sustainable controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) through the selection and optimisation of active bioproducts for biodegradable, bio-based agricultural applications.A key focus is an organic NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) fertiliser developed by the Particula Group and local partners. It derives from nutrient-rich organic feedstock, namely chicken manure, and is processed using solar energy. After collection and biorefining, it undergoes solar drying to reduce moisture content and ensure microbiological stability, then it is ground into a fine and controlled powder suitable for incorporation into CRF matrices and biodegradable polymer blends. 

The optimisation is essential, as particle size, homogeneity, and flowability affect both processing efficiency and product performance in the field. The selected organic NPK fertilizers will be the key nutrient source in prototype controlled-release formulations. Read more here.

SOUL Project

Touch Base with the project SOUL: Biobased in soil applications with optimal biodegradation in their ultimate life 

The next Touch Base with R&I projects session will spotlight SOUL, an EU-funded project developing biodegradable materials with a high renewable content for in-soil applications. SOUL develops biodegradable, biobased plastic that breaks down safely in the soil, reducing pollution and improving waste management. By focusing on products commonly used in agriculture, such as mulch films and tree shelters, SOUL seeks to transform existing plastic products and develop sustainable end-of-life solutions.  In total, the project will develop 11 biobased and biodegradable in-soil products to meet market demand. Come and listen to Carolina Penalva (AITIIP): Register here to participate. 

Event Project

Integrated proceedings of the “Bioplastic Packaging Design: Safe, Sustainable and Recyclable” event on 1 December 2025  

Organised as a side event to the EBC 25, this event opened a discussion on how to improve the design of packaging to ensure it is safe, sustainable and recyclable. The updated version of the proceedings is now available with valuable input (extended abstracts) from AIMPLAS, ITENE, Normec OWS and the team at European Bioplastics. Read more here. 

4. Events

In March, the EUBP Talks Series 2026 successfully kicked off with its first session, “Material Solutions: Bioplastics Beyond Packaging – Construction”, held on 18 March 2026. The session attracted around 100 participants online, marking a strong start to the series and underlining the growing interest in bioplastics applications beyond packaging. Preparations for upcoming sessions are ongoing, including continued engagement with speakers across the targeted sectors. 

Preparations for European Bioplastics Conference 2026 have further progressed. An Advisory Panel has been successfully established, strengthening the conference’s strategic and content-related governance. In addition, the Call for Papers was published at the end of March, marking a key milestone in programme development and opening the submission phase to the wider community.  

Sponsorship packages are now open, and we are actively inviting partners to join us in shaping the conference. We are promoting these opportunities across our communication channels while continuing targeted outreach to potential collaborators. Early Bird registration remains open and is being highlighted through our ongoing campaign - secure your place and be part of it. 

In parallel, preparations have started for a guided walking tour at the Interpack 2026, scheduled for 11 May 2026. Initial outreach to EUBP members has been conducted to assess participation on-site and identifypotential tour stops, aiming to create an engaging format for showcasing bioplastics solutions directly at exhibitor booths. If you plan on attending Interpack 2026 let Denise know at valdix@european-bioplastics.org 

Overall, March focused on the successful launch of the Talks Series, the establishment of key governance structures for EBC26, the activation of the Call for Papers, and the continued advancement of sponsorship, registration, and community engagement activities.