European Green Deal: Giving the public a say

The European Commission has opened a new, eight-week public comment period that is intended to generate feedback for the development of a new European Union policy framework on the use of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.

The public comment period by the European Commission's Environment services group launched Jan. 18 and continues through March 15.

Comprehensive EU legislation on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics is still lacking, said Commission members. The EU does not have sustainability criteria that applies to bio-based plastics. And while there is a harmonized standard for industrially compostable packaging, there is no general standard for marine biodegradation.

To promote the transition to a circular plastics economy, a clear policy framework, addressing the sourcing, labelling and use of bio-based plastics, including biodegradable and compostable plastics, is essential, officials said. Only then will it be possible to establish consistent European policies that will not only help to reduce consumer confusion but will also serve, for example, to enhance investment certainty within the internal market, and to foster innovation.

The Commission will be looking closely at where the use of bio-based feedstock yields genuine environmental benefits, as well as reducing the use of fossil resources.The present consultation will enable the views of citizens, consumers and expert stakeholders to be included in its assessment and preparation of the new policy framework.

As Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius pointed out, bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics have the potential to bring advantages over traditional plastics.

“However, we need to thoroughly assess if these plastics deliver on their promises, and under what conditions. We also need to bring clarity to the market so consumers and businesses can easily understand the differences between these plastics,” he said.

Specific aspects that will be addressed include the sustainability of the biological feedstock used to produce bio-based plastics; the effective biodegradation of biodegradable and compostable plastics and their role in a circular economy; and the widespread confusion about these plastics.

Currently, consumers expect all ‘bio’ materials to be fully sustainable. However, the full life-cycle environmental impacts of these materials, including land use changes, biodiversity, climate impacts and littering, are not yet completely clear. The same applies to biodegradation. The environmental benefits of this property must be verified by means of standards. However, European standards for compostability are available but no such standards exist for biodegradable plastics in other conditions, such as the marine environment.

Confusion about what bioplastics are, and what they are not, is rampant. As a rule, clear and trustworthy information when buying or disposing of these plastics is unavailable, while labelling is only helpful if reliable and transparent. Additionally, the subsequently inevitable incorrect disposal of these plastics can lead to cross-contamination of waste streams, which is highly detrimental to plastics circularity goals.

The consultation can be found on the DG ENV website. The policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics is expected to be adopted in summer 2022.