1. Policy Updates 

EUBP meets with Cabinet Hoekstra 

On 8 January, EUBP met with Miguel Garcia Jones from Commissioner Hoekstra’s Cabinet (Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth) to discuss how bioplastics can support Europe’s climate and industrial objectives. While not fully under DG CLIMA’s remit, Miguel welcomed the exchange and encouraged engagement with other relevant Cabinets. He stressed the importance of demand creation, highlighting the Clean Industrial Deal’s focus on stimulating demand for clean technologies, including bioplastics. Miguel also acknowledged their greenhouse gas mitigation potential and was receptive to stronger policies on the defossilisation of materials. We further raised the need for fair carbon accounting, clear legal definitions for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics, an EPR system for compostable applications, and long-term investment support. 

Futerro visit with Commission officials

On 21 January, EUBP member Futerro invited officials from DG ENV (B1) and DG GROW (F2), together with representatives from the European Biosolutions Coalition and European Bioplastics, to its premises in Anderlecht. 

Following a short introduction to the companies Galactic, Futerro and Noosa, as well as a guided visit to the R&D and application labs, the invitees held a policy discussion on the key barriers facing the sector and the need for swift regulatory support. In this respect, we reiterated that market-pull measures are needed to create a market for bioplastics in Europe. 

Circular Economy Winter package - missed opportunity for organic recycling

Following the publication of the first measures on the Circular Economy, focused mainly on boosting mechanical recycling, EUBP engaged with DG ENV to underline that organic recycling is recognised under EU waste legislation and already contributes to recycling targets in several Member States. We will remain vigilant to ensure that upcoming measures under Circular Economy Act II do consider organic recycling as a key pathway to enhance plastics circularity. 

2. Sustainability and Environment

A big welcome to the new WG SEA co-Chairs: Elisabetta Ugel and Rudi Eswein.  
TF MatRec was a focus in January and various polymer subgroups worked hard to ensure that our four draft Technical Specifications for Design for Recycling could be successfully submitted to the JRC, on time. This allows the JRC to continue with their PPWR-related work and helps to ensure that packaging made of biodegradable plastics are included in the future delegated act. The Task Force met with Wageningen University and with recycler Filippo Russo for further insights. 

EUBP has sent a letter to the EU Commission demanding that the awarding of the label for compostable packaging developed for the Harmonized Waste Labelling system in accordance with Art. 12 and 13 of the PPWR be subject to mandatory certification. This letter was co-signed by EUBP, the certification bodies TÜV Austria and DIN Certco, as well as a number of companies engaged in EU-funded projects on compostability. EUBP and the certification bodies are currently aligning on a strategy moving forward and will request an in-person meeting with DG ENV. 

3. Research and Innovation Projects

Get to know all the EU projects’ upcoming events here. We will be covering demonstrators for rigid packaging solutions based on PHA that seek a scale-up, packaging for oily products, and sustainable coatings. We will also be exploring the OK recycled certification scheme launched by TÜV AUSTRIA. Our portfolio of projects can connect you with experts in packaging, coatings, and in-soil applications through the newly established clusters we facilitate. If your expertise is in biobased, circular and sustainable coatings, join the workshop organised on 14 April 2026 (online) on new and sustainable materials for coatings: The workshop is addressed to all those researching the topic and interested in exploring new materials. The registration is open here. This workshop follows up on the previous one, held in November 2025, focused on applying the SSbD framework to coatings. 

The project GRECO has just launched a call for experts to advise the project as a stakeholder board member. Expertise in is seeking experts on the production of biobased monomers and polymers for food packaging, primary production techniques for packaging industry applications, such as blown film extrusion, injection moulding, and thermoforming, but also market assessment, commercialisation strategies, consumer acceptance, and market adoption factors for food packaging products. You can volunteer here.  

4. Events

We are excited to announce the launch of the EUBP Talks Series 2026, titled “Material Solutions: Bioplastics Beyond Packaging.” This new series will explore bioplastics applications in different areas such as Construction, Textiles, Agriculture, Consumer Goods and Automotive. The first talk is on 18 March 2026 and focuses on applications in construction. The registration is open here.

The EBC26 Super Early Bird registration is also now open, the perfect opportunity to secure your place at next year’s conference at the best available rate. We are also pleased to share that the call for EBC26 Advisory Board members is now open.