European Bioplastics urges EU to develop comprehensive action plan

European Bioplastics (EUBP) released Policy Manifesto to call on the European Union (EU) to develop a comprehensive Biopolymers Industrial Action Plan to accelerate the growth of bioplastics industry.

EUBP calls on the EU to develop comprehensive action plan to accelerate the growth of bioplastics industry.

The action plan prioritizes the following six key points:

• Harmonizing regulations: The EU should harmonize regulations, including integration of bioeconomy concepts and priorities, within the regulatory framework for bioplastics.

• Incentivizing access to sustainable biomass: The EU has to strike a balance between bioenergy and biobased sustainable products.

• Enhancing financial support for technological innovation: Favorable financial environment for innovation is required to scale up bioplastics manufacturing processes to meet commercial demands.

• Closing infrastructure gaps and incentivizing access to food waste collection: The EU should invest more in infrastructure for the collection, sorting and recycling of food waste, which support the growth of bioplastics industry.

• Increasing market uptake: The EU should set up market incentives for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics on public and private investment.

• Increasing consumer awareness: The EU should increase consumer awareness of the benefit of bioplastics to drive the demand.

The Manifesto is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including bioplastics producers, converters and end-users.

“Bioplastics have the potential to play a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of plastics. However, the industry needs a clear and supportive policy framework to reach its full potential,” stated Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of EUBP.

EUBP is committed to working with the EU and other stakeholders to develop and implement the Biopolymers Industrial Action Plan.