Recently announced by the EU Commission, the European Green Deal represents a roadmap towards a European ‘resource-efficient and competitive economy with zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050’, said François de Bie, chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP), the association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry. The association sees the bioplastics industry as able to play a crucial role in achieving this deal.


The Green Deal concept includes a set of specific measures and initiatives that are designed to guide the implementation process. Amongst other sectors, the Commission has put a special emphasis on the plastics industry. Bioplastics as a key driver for innovation of this industry will therefore play a leading role. “In order to reach circularity and fossil-decarbonisation formulated in the concept, it is highly important to create a strong link between bioeconomy and circular economy”, says François de Bie.

“Bio-based plastics can make a strong contribution as they use sustainably sourced biomass as feedstock for their production. They help to diminishing the dependency on fossil resources and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. Mechanical or chemical recycling of those bio-based plastics further adds to the reduced environmental footprint of these products. The same applies for biodegradable and compostable plastics as they increase recyclability-options by adding composting and helping to create clean organic waste streams”, de Bie added.

European Bioplastics also welcomes the European Commission’s initiative included in the Green Deal Action Plan that focuses on sustainable products as well as on packaging. In this regard, EUBP looks forward to closely working together with the new Commission in order to create a sound regulatory framework for the use of bio-based as well as for biodegradable and compostable plastics.

EUBP will engage in constructive discussions to explain in further detail the innovative potential of bioplastics and their crucial contribution to achieving the Green Deal.

http://www.european-bioplastics.org