Relevant EU policies
Representing the interests of the entire value-chain of biobased, recyclable, and biodegradable/compostable materials and products, European Bioplastics (EUBP) proactively contributes to ongoing discussions and works closely with the EU institutions to ensure a fit for purpose legislative framework in Europe for bioplastics to thrive in.
Several policy processes, many of them related to the European Green Deal have the potential to boost the role of bioplastics in developing a truly circular bioeconomy, enabling innovation, and attracting new investments. In order to be able to contribute to the ambitious climate goals of the European Union, it is important that the relevant legislation acknowledges the important role of bioplastics within a circular economy.
In recent years, the European Union has made increasing efforts to introduce or adapt policies, regulatory frameworks, and standards to strengthen and implement the bioeconomy and circular economy in Europe, all of which affect the bioplastics sector in one way or other.
European top-level strategies supporting bioplastics
- EU Bioeconomy Strategy (2018)
- EU Plastics Strategy (2018)
- EU Green Deal (2019)
- New EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020)
- EU Climate Law (2021) & EU Taxonomy (2020)
- Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (review 2022)
- Waste Framework Directive (review 2023)
Other relevant policy initiatives include:
- Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019) incl. restrictions on oxo-degradable plastics
- EU rules on recycled plastics for food-contact materials (2022)
- Substantiating claims on environmental performance (2022)
- Sustainable Products Initiative (2022) / Proposal on ecodesign for sustainable products Regulation
- Policy Framework for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics (2022)
- Sustainable Carbon Cycles (2021)