January 25, 2024 - The European Association for Bioplastics (EUBP) today released a policy declaration calling on the European Union (EU) to develop a comprehensive action plan for the biopolymer industry in order to accelerate the growth of the bioplastics sector.
EUBP believes that an actionable EU bioeconomy strategy that supports a strong biopolymer industry base should be one of the most important elements of the next EU policy cycle.EUBP calls on the future Commission and co-legislators to develop an action plan for the biopolymer industry, prioritizing the following six key points:
1. Harmonization of regulations: Despite high-level political support for the bioeconomy, there is a lack of integration of bioeconomy concepts and priorities within the existing EU regulatory framework. The EU should harmonize regulations to create a level playing field for bioplastics.
2. Encouraging access to sustainable biomass: The EU needs to strike a balance between bioenergy and bio-based sustainable products.
3. Enhancing financial support for technological innovation: Scaling up bioplastics manufacturing processes to meet commercial demand is technologically challenging and requires a conducive financial environment to enable the scaling up of innovations.
4. Closing infrastructure gaps and encouraging food waste collection: Achieving a circular economy for bioplastics requires strong mechanical, chemical and organic recycling infrastructure that can be utilized. The EU should invest more in food waste collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure to support the development of the bioplastics industry.
5. Increasing market share: Europe needs market incentives to prevent returns on public and private investment from going elsewhere. The EU should establish a level playing field for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.
6. Raising consumer awareness: Many consumers are still unaware of the actual environmental benefits of biobased or compostable alternatives. The EU should raise consumer awareness of the benefits of bioplastics to help drive demand.
Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of EUBP, said, "Bioplastics have the potential to play an important role in reducing the environmental impact of plastics. The industry needs a clear and supportive policy framework to realize its full potential."
The declaration is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including bioplastics producers, processors and end users.
Roberto Ferrigno, EUBP's Head of EU Affairs, said, "We call on the EU to seize this opportunity to create a thriving bioplastics industry that will benefit the environment and the economy."
EUBP is committed to working with the EU and other stakeholders to develop and implement the aforementioned action plan for the biopolymer industry.
