EU policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics

Summary:

Communication adopted by the European Commission on 30 November 2022, setting out for which applications biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics are environmental beneficial and how they should be designed, disposed of and recycled.

Further information:

The European Union's transition to a circular, resource-efficient and climate neutral economy, the ambition to reach zero pollution and the need to protect and enhance biodiversity triggered an overall rethinking of how plastics are produced, used and disposed of. In search for environment-friendly solutions, biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics have emerged as alternatives to dominant, conventional plastics. These have widely been perceived as more environmentally friendly than conventional plastics, which are fossil-based and non-biodegradable. At the same time, there is increasing scientific evidence and awareness that a number of conditions have to be met to ensure that the production and use of these plastics result in overall positive environmental outcomes and do not exacerbate problems of plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.

While EU policies and legislation address some aspects and applications of these plastics, it has been seen as necessary to take a more systemic approach to underpin decisions by both the public and private sector. The policy framework presented by this Communication seeks to provide better understanding of the challenges and benefits that stem from their use. It also sets out the conditions to ensure that overall, the environmental impact of their production and consumption is positive. It aims to fill policy gaps, guide future EU policy or legislation on such matters and provide orientation for the market with a view to avoiding any unsustainable developments.

The Communication was adopted by the European Commission on 30 November 2022 as part of a Circular Economy Package. It is based on the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Plastics Strategy. It also contributes to the aims of the Zero Pollution Action Plan and EU Soil Strategy.

• Primary Source

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 30/11/2022: European Green Deal: Putting an end to wasteful packaging, boosting reuse and recycling https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_7155

European Commission: Questions and Answers - Communication on a policy framework for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics (30 November 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_7158

European Commission: Opening remarks by Executive Vice-President Timmermans and Commissioner Sinkevičius at the press conference on the Circular Economy Package (30 November 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_22_7323

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