In its efforts to tackle the challenges related to waste, overpackaging, and sustainable production, the European Commission not only introduces additional regulations, such as the Single-use Plastics Directive, but also focuses on revising existing legislation. A milestone in the EU’s approach to respond to the environmental challenges we are facing is the revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). Together with the development of a policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics and the revision of the Waste Framework Directive, the PPWD ranks amongst the most important policy developments for the bioplastics industry. With 48 percent of all applications represented by packaging, it is by far the largest sector for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.
Bioplastics need a clear, coherent, and fit for purpose regulatory environment
Bioplastics can make significant contributions to successfully tackle the environmental challenges we all aim to overcome, but they require a transparent and reliable regulatory environment to fully tap their potential. However, so far, bioplastics lack a comprehensive regulatory EU policy approach, a fact that had also been confirmed recently by the European Commission’s “Bioeconomy Strategy Progress Report”. Therefore, it is important that the revision of the PPWD, as a cornerstone in establishing such a regulatory environment for bioplastics, fully acknowledges their role within the circular economy as well as their potential to defossilize the EU economy. All requirements outlined in the revised PPWD must go in line with the priorities of the European Green Deal, such as establishing a proper waste management infrastr