Bioplastics to play a key role in achieving EU recycling goals

Speaking recently, François de Bie, chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP), said that the recently revised Waste Framework Directive aims to promote the use of renewable resources.

Such a practice would begin “a key transition” to greater sustainability, de Bie says.

EU aims include:

• to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2030,

• To recycle 75% of packaging waste by 2030,

• To reduce landfill to maximum of 10% of municipal waste by 2030

• a ban on landfilling of separately collected waste.

EU recognises benefits of bioplastics for consumer goods industries​

This legislation makes clear that bio-based feedstock for plastic packaging as well as compostable plastics for separate bio-waste collection contribute to more efficient waste management and help to reduce the impacts of plastic packaging on the environment.

It may herald step forward in creating a more sustainable supply chain for consumer goods industries in Europe.

The cosmetic industry has been moving forward towards genuinely sustainable practices, with several major names, such as M&S, Unilever and Procter and Gamble, signing agreements or using recycled products for the good of the environment.

It comes in apparent responses to consumer groups across age demographics showing rising demand for sustainability, and in order to preempt legislation such as this latest EU directive.

Bio-waste collection spotlight​

The revised Waste Framework Directive proposes biodegradable and compostable packaging be collected together. By 2023, separate collection of bio-waste is set to be mandatory throughout Europe.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, as it has been called, acknowledges that bio-based plastics help to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic packaging and to minimise Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials.