EU - Policy Framework on Biobased, Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics
The EU Commission plans to develop an initiative regarding biobased (BBP) and biodegradable and compostable plastic (BDCP) in close coordination with other Directives, e.g. Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).
According to the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), the policy framework must address the sustainability challenges linked to
- sourcing, labeling and use of biobased plastics (BBP) to ensure their use results in genuine environmental benefits, going beyond reduction in using fossil resources.
- use of biodegradable and compostable plastics (BDCP), based on an assessment of the applications where such use can be beneficial to the environment, and the criteria for such applications.
The new initiative will have an assessment of the progress made on criteria or a standard for biodegradability in the marine environment by 2027. Furthermore, it is also related to the European Chemicals Agency's opinion on proposing restrictions on intentionally added microplastics, and on exempting biodegradable polymers if they fulfil biodegradability criteria.
This roadmap is open for feedback for 4 weeks until October 27, 2021. Feedback will be taken into account for further development and fine tuning of the initiative.
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