MEPs Pave the Way for Bioplastics in Vote on Waste Legislation

BERLIN, March 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

European Bioplastics (EUBP), the association representing the bioplastics industry in Europe, welcomes the positive outcome of yesterday's vote of the European Parliament plenary on the waste legislation proposal concerning the EU Circular Economy Package. The vote of the Members of Parliament recognises the contributions of bioplastics to the EU circular economy. 

The plenary's vote on amendments of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive encourages Member States to support the use of bio-based materials for the production of packaging and to improve market conditions for such materials and products. "This vote is an important milestone in strengthening the link between the circular economy and the bioeconomy in Europe. Bio-based and recycled materials are starting to be equally recognised as a viable solution to make packaging more sustainable and reduce our dependency on finite fossil resources", says François de Bie, Chairman of EUBP.

In line with its ambitious goals to increase recycling targets and waste management efficiency, the Plenary also voted for amendments of the Waste Framework Directive that support a definition of recycling that includes organic recycling. A separate collection of bio-waste will be ensured across Europe facilitated by certified collection tools such as compostable bio-waste bags. In addition, the MEPs have voted to exclude mechanically or organically recyclable waste from landfills. "This will provide an important boost to the secondary resource market within the EU. Bio-based mechanically or organically recyclable plastics support circular thinking by lowering carbon emissions, helping to reach recycling quotas and keep valuable secondary raw materials and renewable carbon in the loop", says de Bie.

More information on http://www.european-bioplastics.org.

Press contact: Katrin Schwede, press@european-bioplastics.org, +49(0)30-284823-53