News
01 Dec 2022
EUBA Statement on the Commission’s new rules for packaging and proposed policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics
MORE IS NEEDED TO EMBRACE THE BENEFITS OF THE BIOECONOMY
1 December 2022
On 30 November, the Commission published a proposal for a Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) and a Communication for a policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics1.
The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA), representing 13 leading European organisations from various sectors active in the bioeconomy, considers the move towards a circular economy essential in delivering on objectives of the European Green Deal. We welcome recent supportive political comments from several Commissioners at the recent EU Bioeconomy Conference. This high level of ambition should be reflected by the policies that the Commission puts forward in order to support progress towards EU sustainability goals and innovation in sustainable and circular alternatives.
Embracing and accelerating the uptake of bio-based products and processes would contribute to Europe strengthening its resilience, reducing its dependency on fossil and non-renewable resources, advancing towards climate objectives, and remaining a leader in innovations in the bio-based industries. Bio-based materials and bio-based content can play a key role and as such should be further recognised in the proposals. Prioritising recycled content and mechanical recycling alone will not be enough to reduce the EU’s dependency on fossil resources to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to decouple economic growth from the depletion of fossil-based resources.
As we move fully into the implementation phase of the European Green Deal, the EUBA considers it crucial that the initiatives concretely and cohesively support the transition to a more sustainable circular bioeconomy. Recognising the contributions of bio-based products should be a key element in the further considerations of these proposals.