On January 18, 2022, the European Commission announced that it was opening a public consultation period on a policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics (hereafter: bioplastics policy). There are three aspects of bioplastics policy up for consultation, (i) the sustainability of the materials used to create bio-based plastics (feedstocks), (ii) material biodegradation and compostability, and (iii) “widespread confusion” around the differences between bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics and how to properly dispose of them.
With the increasing popularity of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics, and the certifications around such products, confusion among consumers over what the various labels mean is growing (FPF reported, also here and here). In some cases, the confusion leads consumers to improperly dispose of bioplastics which can create problems at both plastics recycling facilities and composting facilities (FPF reported, also here and here). Additionally, just like petroleum-based plastics, chemicals can migrate from bioplastics (FPF reported, also here).
The upcoming policies around bioplastics are part of the larger EU plastics strategy published in 2018 (FPF reported) and the Circular Economy Action Plan (FPF reported). The consultation is open to all citizens, consumers, and stakeholders within the EU until March 15, 2022.
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Directorate-General for Environment (January 18, 2022). “European Green Deal: Commission launches public consultation on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics.” European Commission
European Commission (January 18, 2022). “Web-based public consultation on a ‘Policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics’.”
