A new eight-week public consultation was launched on 18 January by the European Commission’s Environment services to feed into the development of a future EU policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics. The initiative is planned for the summer of 2022, the institution said.
This future policy framework aims to promote greater coherence in EU policy making, better protect the environment, and reduce user confusion through clear and comprehensive labelling when purchasing or disposing of these supposedly more sustainable plastics.
It will also aim to enhance investment security and encourage innovation for the circular economy (see EUROPE 12802/5).
“We need to thoroughly evaluate whether and under what conditions these plastics deliver on their promises. We also need to provide clarity for consumers and businesses so that they can easily distinguish the differences”, explains Commissioner for Environment Virginijus Sinkevičius.
Biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics currently represent 1% of the global and European plastics markets, with an expected overall growth of 5-8% by 2025 (compared to 2020). They are mainly used for packaging and for specific agricultural purposes.
The consultation is open until 15 March 2022: https://bit.ly/3KoAQX8 (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)