Policy framework for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics

NAT/886 - Policy framework for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics

Context:

The European Union is rethinking the production, use, and disposal of plastics due to their negative impact on the environment, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics are being developed as more sustainable alternatives, but their production also presents challenges that need to be addressed. The EU aims to take a systemic approach, prioritizing reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics to achieve a circular economy and toxic-free environment. A policy framework is being developed to ensure that the use of these plastics results in a positive environmental impact, and to guide future EU policies and legislation while also providing orientation for the market.

Key points:

The Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment ( NAT) has adopted an opinion on policy framework for biobased, biodegradable  and compostable plastics.

 In the opinion, the EESC:

• underlines that to address the environmental impact caused by increased plastic production and insufficient re-use, a hierarchical priority system should be implemented that prioritizes prevention, re-use, recycling, and recovery. This system should be applied throughout the entire value chain. To achieve the goals of the Green Deal, it is important to develop the characteristics and applications of each type of bioplastic to ensure that they play a suitable role in circular carbon cycle management and environmental protection.
• believes that the EU can and should increase its global competitiveness by implementing a comprehensive policy framework with administrative, legislative, normative, and economic measures.
• believes that the consumers need to be informed and empowered to play an active role in achieving green transition goals, including awareness, recognition, and proper end-of-life management of bioplastics. Clear labeling can help facilitate this.

Section:

Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT)

Rapporteur:

András Edelényi (Employers - GR I / Hungary)

Co-rapporteur

Alessandro Mostaccio (Civil Society Organisations-Group III / Italy)

Reference:

[COM(2022) 682 final]

EESC-2022-06068-00-00-AS-TRA-EN

Date of the section meeting: 13April 2023

Results of the section meeting vote: 55 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention.

Date of adoption at the EESC plenary session: 26 April 2023

Results of the plenary session vote: XX in favour, X against, X abstentions

 

Contacts:

Katerina Serifi

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 (0) 473 72 29 99

Email: aikaterini.serifi@eesc.europa.eu

 

Caroline Verhelst

Administrator

Tel.: +32 (0) 2 546 9497

email: Caroline.Verhelst@eesc.europa.eu