European Bioplastics (EUBP) welcomes the European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), finalized on December 16th by the Council.

The PPWR prioritizes sustainable packaging, highlighting biobased plastics as crucial for the EU’s circular economy and climate goals.

“Biobased plastics will be vital in reducing fossil fuel dependence and lowering lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing carbon absorbed during plant growth,” says Hasso von Pogrell, EUBP Managing Director.

Integrating these plastics into packaging aligns with the EU’s broader aim of increasing packaging circularity and minimizing environmental impact without compromising performance.

“Biobased plastics aren’t just an alternative; they’re essential for the EU’s shift to sustainable packaging. They lessen reliance on fossil fuels and offer practical solutions for meeting PPWR objectives. They can be easily integrated into existing recycling systems, boosting circular packaging,” von Pogrell states.

Compostable packaging certified to European standards (e.g., EN 13432) offers unique advantages, particularly in food packaging, improving organic waste management and minimizing recycling contamination.

Member States will decide whether to mandate compostable applications beyond those required, contingent on establishing separate bio-waste collection and adequate composting infrastructure.

“Compostable packaging depends on Member States effectively implementing the Waste Framework Directive, especially separate bio-waste collection and proper recycling infrastructure. Given Europe’s varied and sometimes inadequate waste management, investment and incentives for innovation, education, and infrastructure development are key to overcoming challenges and wider compostable solution adoption,” von Pogrell concludes.

EUBP is dedicated to advancing sustainable packaging through biobased, biodegradable, and compostable materials and will contribute to the PPWR’s future development, particularly secondary legislation.

About European Bioplastics

European Bioplastics (EUBP) represents the bioplastics industry across the value chain. Members produce, refine, and distribute bioplastics – plastics that are biobased, biodegradable, or both. More information is at www.european-bioplastics.org

Press contact

Hasso Von Pogrell, Managing Director
European Bioplastics, Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin, 
Tel: +49 (0) 30 28482 350, Fax: +49 (0)30 284 82 359,
press@european-bioplastics.org