More is needed to embrace the benefits of the bioeconomy
On 30 November, the Commission published a proposal for a Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) and a Communication for a policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics. The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA), representing 13 leading European organisations from various sectors active in the bioeconomy, considers the move towards a circular economy essential in delivering on objectives of the European Green Deal. The group welcomes recent supportive political comments from several Commissioners at the recent EU Bioeconomy Conference. This high level of ambition should be reflected by the policies that the Commission puts forward in order to support progress towards EU sustainability goals and innovation in sustainable and circular alternatives. Embracing and accelerating the uptake of bio-based products and processes would contribute to Europe strengthening its resilience, reducing its dependency on fossil and non-renewable resources, advancing towards climate objectives, and remaining a leader in innovations in the bio-based industries.
Industry calls for action on sustainable carbon cycles
The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) strongly welcomes the European Commission’s communication on sustainable carbon cycles and calls for implementation of important measures.
RCI is an interest group of leading companies and pioneers from the chemical and material sector and has a rich history of advocating for policies acknowledging the indispensable need of carbon in a broad range of chemical and material industries. According to the group, the Communication on Sustainable Carbon Cycles as published in December 2021 is a milestone in European policy as it acknowledges the value of carbon as a feedstock and its unavoidability for certain sectors. It aims to outline the necessary measures for achieving climate neutrality in 2050 including specific steps and targets for the manufacturing industries. RCI criticizes that climate policy has been solely focusing on ‘decarbonisation’ for many decades. While this is a good strategy for the energy sector, chemicals and materials mostly consist of carbon. Hence, ‘decarbonisation’ is not possible – but in order to avoid fossil emissions contributing to climate change, ‘defossilisation’ is key.
Taxonomy – new screening criteria for the manufacture of chemicals and plastic packing goods
In October, the Platform on Sustainable Finance’s published its report with supplementary advice on methodology and technical screening criteria for the climate and environmental objectives of the EU Taxonomy, including technical screening criteria for the manufacturing of chemicals, chemical products, and plastic packing goods. From this contribution, the European Commission will prepare its Second Delegated Act on Taxonomy.