European Bioplastics welcomes ‘important opportunity’ on EU plastic bags

7 November 2013


An EU Commission proposal on 4 November 2013 aimed at reducing the consumption of plastic carrier bags in the EU has been welcomed as “an important first step in the direction of a more sustainable economy” by François de Bie, chairman of the European Bioplastics association.

Advocating the reduction of carrier bag consumption in general, European Bioplastics says it endorses the basic approach of the Commission’s proposal – presented by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik – to amend the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD).

The proposal allows Member States to derogate from Article 18 of the PPWD.

European Bioplastics further advocates the consideration of specific promoting measures for bioplastic alternatives.

“Under this Directive, the Italian plastic bag law would be finally validated,” says de Bie.

“This law banned fossil-based lightweight plastic carrier bags, and allows only single use bags that are compostable according to EN 13432 to be utilised.”

European Bioplastics also supports the exemption of biobased, non-biodegradable shopping bags, that contain at least 50% biobased content, from restricting market regulations.

According to European Bioplastics, promoting measures for bioplastic alternatives would address environmental issues as well as driving the building of a biobased economy.

“Keeping in mind the guiding principles of a circular economy and increased resource efficiency, the initiative…should also be the opportunity for legislators to promote biobased products, such as bioplastics,” the organisation states.

European Bioplastics recommends that the measures brought forward to reduce the consumption of plastic bags should also allow for flexibility in Member States when dealing with bioplastic shopping bags.

“Exempting bioplastics, due to their environmental performance, from any measures intended to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags should be considered.”



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