Relevant EU policies
Representing the interests of the entire value-chain of biobased, recyclable, and biodegradable/compostable materials and products, European Bioplastics (EUBP) proactively contributes to ongoing discussions and works closely with the EU institutions to ensure a fit for purpose legislative framework in Europe for bioplastics to thrive in.
Several policy processes, many of them related to the European Green Deal have the potential to boost the role of bioplastics in developing a truly circular bioeconomy, enabling innovation, and attracting new investments. In order to be able to contribute to the ambitious climate goals of the European Union, it is important that the relevant legislation acknowledges the important role of bioplastics within a circular economy.
In recent years, the European Union has made increasing efforts to introduce or adapt policies, regulatory frameworks, and standards to strengthen and implement the bioeconomy and circular economy in Europe, all of which affect the bioplastics sector in one way or other.
European top-level strategies supporting bioplastics
- EU Bioeconomy Strategy (2018)
- EU Plastics Strategy (2018)
- EU Green Deal (2019)
- New EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020)
- EU Climate Law (2021) & EU Taxonomy (2020)
- Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (review 2022)
- Waste Framework Directive (review 2023)
Other relevant policy initiatives include:
- Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019) incl. restrictions on oxo-degradable plastics
- EU rules on recycled plastics for food-contact materials (2022)
- Substantiating claims on environmental performance (2022)
- Sustainable Products Initiative (2022) / Proposal on ecodesign for sustainable products Regulation
- Policy Framework for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics (2022)
- Sustainable Carbon Cycles (2021)
Latest EU policy news:
EEA recognizes role of biobased plastics as a pathway towards circular plastics in Europe
“Plastics play an essential role in modern society. However, their value chain is currently unsustainable, contributing to the generation of climate changing emissions and increasing waste and pollution. Reducing such impacts while retaining plastics’ usefulness requires a shift towards a more circular and sustainable plastics system”, states the European Environment Agency (EEA) in a recently published briefing paper. The [...]
Producers of biobased and biodegradable materials raise concerns over proposed definition of “natural polymers” in REACH restriction
In in the context of the currently discussed REACH restriction of microplastics, several business associations representing producers of biobased and biodegradable materials, including European Bioplastics, developed a joint letter to raise concerns about the proposed definition of “natural polymers” and its impact on biopolymers. The signatories’ members are companies that industrially produce solutions based on renewable carbon. This way, [...]
Policy News: February 2023
Ecodesign for a circular economy The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation proposed by the European Commission in 2022 seeks to reduce the overall environmental impact of a wide range of products. To be effective, it should not only focus on individual products but also towards increasing collection, sorting, repair, and recirculation systems. 1,039 terawatt hours, or 89 million tonnes [...]
EUBP starts 2023 with a new Head of EU Affairs and the opening of its Brussels office
Roberto Ferrigno, Head of EU Affairs & Head of EUBP Brussels office Roberto Ferrigno had been recently appointed as European Bioplastics’ (EUBP) new Head of EU Affairs who already started his position on 1 January. He will also head EUBP’s new Brussels office in the heart of political Brussels located in Av. Palmerston 3, 1000 Brussels, to be [...]
How bioplastics can contribute to the sustainability of food contact materials
The European Commission is currently revising the EU’s rules on food contact materials (FCMs), particularly in light of its recent initiatives on Single Use Plastics, Sustainable Products, and the revision of the rules on packaging and packaging waste. In order to meet the EU’s ambitious environmental objectives, the Commission should introduce specific rules to ensure that FCMs are manufactured [...]
Policy News: January 2023
European Parliament proposes ban on plastic waste exports to developing countries The European Parliament has given its backing to a new law that would ban exports of plastic waste to non-OECD countries and phase out the export of plastic waste to OECD countries within 4 years. The EU expects this move to boost the EU circular economy, resource efficiency [...]