Faq Frequently Asked Questions on Bioplastics

FAQ

European Bioplastics e.V. Marienstr. 19/20 10117 Berlin European Bioplastics e.V. AUG 2013 Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 e-mail [email protected] web www.european-bioplastics.org FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BIOPLASTICS

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European Bioplastics e.V. Marienstr. 19/20 10117 Berlin European Bioplastics e.V.

I - ABOUT EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS...... Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin4 - When was EuBP founded & who are its members? phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 4 - What is EuBP’s vision and mission? fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 4 e-mail [email protected] web www.european-bioplastics.org II - GENERAL QUESTIONS REGARDING BIOPLASTICS...... 4 - How does EuBP define „bioplastics“? 4 - What are the advantages of bioplastic products? 5 - Are bioplastics edible? 5

III - THE BIOPLASTICS MARKET...... 6 - What are the main characteristics of the bioplastic market? 6 - How large is the bioplastics market – current and future? 6 - Are bioplastic products fully penetrating the plastics market? 6 - Can a sufficient supply of bioplastics be guaranteed? 6 - Can fossil-based plastics be completely substituted by biobased bioplastics? 7 - What are the economical advantages of bioplastics? 7 - How are costs for bioplastics developing? 7 - Where are bioplastics applied? 7 - Are bioplastics applied in mainly short-lived products? 7 - Which retailers and brandowners are using bioplastics? 7 - How accepted are bioplastic products by consumers? 8

IV - MATERIAL, PROPERTIES AND TECHNOLOGY...... 9 - What are bioplastics made of? 9 - What types of bioplastics do exist and what properties do they have? 9 - Is there a certain percentage threshold value that marks the minimal biobased carbon content / biobased mass content in a product/material? 9 - Are the properties of bioplastics equal to those of conventional plastics? 9

V - SOURCING OF FEEDSTOCK...... 10 - Why does the bioplastics industry use agricultural resources? 10 - How much agricultural area is used for bioplastics? 10 - Is there competition between food, feed and bioplastics regarding agricultural area? 11 - Is the current use of food crops ethically justifiable? 11 - Will there be sufficient agricultural area in the world to sustain production of food, feed, fuel and bioplastics? 11 - Is the use of non-food crops feasible? 11 - Are GMO crops used for bioplastics? 12 - How can the industry support the supply of sustainable feedstock? 12

VI - HUMAN HEALTH...... 12 - Can GMO feedstock be used for the production of bioplastics, e.g. for the packaging sector, and does it have an impact on human health? 12 - Is Bisphenol A used in bioplastics? 12

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VII - END-OF-LIFE...... Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin13 - Can bioplastics be integrated into established recycling and recovery schemes? phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 13 - Can bioplastics be mechanically recycled? fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 13 e-mail [email protected] - Do bioplastics 'contaminate' mechanical recycling waste streams? 13 web www.european-bioplastics.org - What is meant by organic recycling? 13 - How does composting (aerobic treatment) of bioplastics work? 13 - Are all bioplastic materials/products biodegradable? 14 - What is the difference between 'biodegradable' and 'compostable'? 14 - What are the required circumstances for a compostable product to compost? 15 - What are the advantages of biodegradable/compostable bioplastic products? 15 - Do (industrially) compostable plastics decrease the quality of the compost? 15 - What is the difference between oxo-fragmentable and biodegradable plastics? 15 - How can one distinguish oxo-fragmentable from biodegradable plastics? 16 - Is biodegradation a solution for the littering problem? 16 - How do bioplastics behave in landfills? Do they release methane gas? 16 - What is the recommended end-of-life option for bioplastics? 16

VIII - SUSTAINABILITY OF BIOPLASTICS...... 17 - Are biobased plastics more sustainable than conventional plastics? 17 - Do bioplastic have a lower carbon footprint than fossil based plastics? How is this measured? 17 - How can the environmental impact of bioplastics be assessed? 17 - Can bioplastic applications be compared to conventional plastics? 17

IX - STANDARDISATION, CERTIFICATION, LABELLING...... 18 - What are the relevant standards for bioplastics? 18 - How do standard, certification and label work together? 18 - Which institutions are involved in the certification of bioplastics? 18 - Which labels for bioplastic products do exist? 18 - What are the advantages of labels marking biobased property or compostability of bioplastics? 18 - How are environmental claims of bioplastic products soundly communicated? 19

X - POLITICAL FRAMEWORK...... 19 - What regulatory framework is there for bioplastics on national/EU-level in the EU? 19 - What policies would be necessary to pave the way for a full-scale market introduction? 19 - What are the most relevant projects/initiatives/laws currently underway? 20

IMPRINT...... 20

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European Bioplastics e.V. Marienstr. 19/20 10117 Berlin European Bioplastics e.V.

Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin I ABOUT EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 When was EuBP founded & who are its members? What is EuBP’s vision ande-mail [email protected] EuBP was founded in 1993 as Interessengemeinschaft Biologisch Abbaubare Our vision is that bioplasticsweb drive thewww.european-bioplastics.org evolution of plastics and contribute Werkstoffe e.V. (IBAW, International Biodegradable Polymers Association & significantly to a sustainable society. Working Group). First, it constituted a German and later European represen- tation and platform for the leading companies in the biodegradable plastics In order to realise this goal, European Bioplastics’ mission is to align the industry. By 2005 the bioplastic market had developed many new materials bioplastics value chain and work in partnership with various stakeholders and the focus of the association had broadened. As a result it was renamed towards a favourable landscape which enables the bioplastics market to grow. European Bioplastics. Today, it represents about 70 members throughout the entire value chain of bioplastics. These include: Bioplastics Manufacturers & Auxiliaries 3 • Plastic converters 5 Plastic Converters • Bioplastics manufacturers and auxiliaries 4 6 Research, Consulting, Frameworks and others • Research, consulting, framework and others 39 • (Industrial) end users 7 (Industrial) End Users • Plastic products distribution Machinery/Engineering/Equipment • RRM/intermediates RRM conversion Waste + Recycling 15 • Machinery/engineering/equipment RRM/Intermediates RRM Conversion • Waste and recycling 21 Plastic Products Distribution

Our members from all over the globe are engaged in the European market. Figure: Membership European Bioplastics, 2012 About three quarters of our members stem from Europe. The remaining quarter consists of companies from Brazil, the USA, Japan and China. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/about-us/members-membership/

II GENERAL QUESTIONS REGARDING BIOPLASTICS

How does EuBP define „bioplastics“? Biodegradability is an inherent property in certain materials that can benefit According to European Bioplastics, bioplastics are biobased, biodegrad- specific applications, e.g. biowaste bags. Biodegradation is a chemical able or both. process in which materials, with the help of microorganisms, degrade back into water, carbondioxide and biomass. When materials biodegrade under The term biobased describes the part of a material or product that stems conditions and within a timeframe as defined by the EN 13432 norm, they from biomass. When making a biobased claim, the unit (biobased carbon can be labelled as industrially compostable. content or biobased mass content) expressed as a percentage and the method of measurement should be clearly stated. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/technologymaterials/

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin Biobased phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 Are biobased Are biodegradable and biobased fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 e-mail [email protected] web www.european-bioplastics.org Bioplastics Bioplastics

e.g. Bio-PE (PP/ e.g. PLA, PHA, PVC), biobased PET, PBS, Starch blends PTT

Non Biodegradable biodegradable Conventional Bioplastics plastics e.g. PBAT, PCL nearly all conventional plastics

e.g. PE, PP, PET

Are biodegradable Graph: Material coordinate system of bioplastics Fossil-based Prof. Dr. Ing. H.-J. Endres, IfBB Figure: Bioplastics' material coordinate system, 2013 University of Applied Sciences and Arts

What are the advantages of bioplastic products? 1. using renewable resources for bioplastic products, mechanically recycling Biobased plastics help reduce the dependency on limited fossil resources, these products several times and recovering their renewable energy at which are expected to become significantly more expensive in the coming the end of their product life or decades. Slowly depleted fossil resources are being gradually substituted 2. using renewable resources for bioplastic products, organically recycling with renewable resources. These renewable resources are currently pre- them (composting) at the end of a product's life cycle (if certified dominantly annual crops (such as corn and sugar beet) or perennial cultures accordingly) and creating valuable biomass/humus during the process. (such as cassava and sugar cane). This resulting new product facilitates plant growth thus closing the cycle. Biobased plastics also possess the unique potential to reduce GHG emissions or even be carbon neutral. Plants absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide as they Bioplastics can increase resource efficiency to its (current) best potential. grow. Using this biomass to create biobased plastic products constitutes a temporary removal of greenhouse gases (CO2) from the atmosphere. This http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/ carbon fixation can be extended for a period of time if the material is recycled. Another major benefit offered by biobased plastics is that they can 'close the Are bioplastics edible? cycle' and increase resource efficiency. This potential can be exploited most Bioplastics are used in packaging, catering products, automotive parts, effectively by establishing ‘use cascades’, in which renewable resources electronic consumer goods and have many more applications where are firstly used to produce materials and products prior to being used for conventional plastics are used. Neither conventional plastic nor bioplastic energy recovery. This means either: should be ingested. Bioplastics used in food and beverage packaging are approved for food contact, but are not suitable for human consumption.

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin III THE BIOPLASTICS MARKET phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 What are the main characteristics of the bioplastic market? e-mail [email protected] The current market is characterised by high growth of about 20-100 percent web www.european-bioplastics.org annually and strong diversification. Bioplastics today still represent well under one percent of the about 280 million tonnes of plastics produced worldwide annually (Plastics Europe). However, there are numerous internal and external factors within the industry further encouraging the growth in bioplastics.

Internal factors include: • Advanced technical properties and functionality • Potential for cost reduction through economies of scale • New, cost-efficient recycling options for biodegradable products

External market factors include: • High consumer acceptance • Societal concerns about climate change • Price increase of fossil resources • Dependence on fossil resources Big brand owners including Danone, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Heinz, Tetra Pak With a growing number of materials, applications and products, the number and L’Occitane in the packaging market, or Ford, Mercedes, VW, Toyota in of manufacturers, converters and end users is increasing steadily. Significant the automotive market have launched or integrated bioplastic products. financial investments have been made in production and marketing to guide With strong brand names driving the development, market penetration is and accompany this development. Bioplastics are a relevant and leading gaining speed. segment of the plastics industry. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/ Can a sufficient supply of bioplastics be guaranteed? How large is the bioplastics market – current and future? Supply is well ensured to meet the growing demand in the short and me- Bioplastics today still represent well under one percent of the about 280 dium term. However, it is difficult to make long-term forecasts due to the million tonnes of plastics produced annually. In 2011 the global production dynamic and innovative nature of the bioplastic market. A reliable legislative capacity amounted to around 1.2 million tonnes. But demand is rising with framework in the EU would be beneficial to further attracting investment more and more sophisticated bioplastic materials and products entering the and ensuring supply in the long run. market. Big brand owners have introduced bioplastic packaging or biobased car elements for prominent brands. In recent years numerous joint ventures have been established. Planned investments in bioplastic production capacities have been made. Initial By 2016, the production capacity is expected to grow fivefold to about 6 facilities producing various types of bioplastics are operating in Europe, the million tonnes. Americas and Asia. Additional facilities are currently being set up in different regions from Thailand to Italy to produce more bioplastics, including http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/ starch compounds, PLA, biobased PBS, PE or bio-PET. These investments and scale-ups are reflected in European Bioplastics’ market data, which Are bioplastic products fully penetrating the plastics market? show growth in capacity from 1.2 million tonnes in 2011 to approximately Bioplastics are moving out of the niche and into the mass market. Although 6 million tonnes in 2016. full market penetration is just beginning, bioplastic materials and products are multiplying continuously. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin Can fossil-based plastics be completely substituted by biobased phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 bioplastics? fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 According to the PRO BIP study conducted by the University of Utrecht, e-mail [email protected] bioplastics could technically substitute about 85 percent of conventional web www.european-bioplastics.org plastics, so this is not a realistic short- or mid-term development.

With a share of 1.2 million tonnes (2011) compared to 280 million tonnes total plastic production per year, bioplastics are still only beginning to penetrate the market. However, with increasing availability and a quickly expanding number of products in diverse market segments, bioplastics will become a significant part of the plastics market in the long run. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/

© Pictures: Novamont | Samsung | Metabolix / Zoe b | Michael Young Designer | Mazda | Cargo Cosmetics | Heinz | Arkema What are the economical advantages of bioplastics? As an important part of the bioeconomy bioplastics are a future lead market for the European Union offering job creation, development of rural areas and global export opportunities for innovative technologies. Currently packaging is the leading market segment. However, automotive and consumer electronics are continuously coming up with new bioplastic The European bioeconomy sectors are worth 2 trillion euros in annual applications. Furthermore, bioplastics will become broadly visible in the turnover and account for 22 million jobs in the EU. That is approx. 9 percent sports equipment and toys sectors and first applications are appearing of the EU’s workforce. in the construction industry (floor panelling, plugs or insulating material). http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/

How are costs for bioplastics developing? Are bioplastics applied in mainly short-lived products? The cost of research and development still makes up for a share of invest- No. Bioplastics have a multitude of short-lived and durable applications. ment in bioplastics and has an impact on material and product prices. The term bioplastics covers a family of materials with a wide range of differing properties. However, prices have continuously been decreasing over the last decade. With rising demand, increasing volumes of bioplastics on the market and Biobased or partially biobased commodity plastics such as PE or PET are rising oil-prices, the costs for bioplastics will be comparable with those for used for durable applications including car dashboards and mobile phone conventional plastic prices. covers. Technical biopolymers like polyamides are used in machinery, automotive and sports equipment. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/ Where are bioplastics applied? Fields of application for bioplastic materials and products are increasing Which retailers and brandowners are using bioplastics? steadily. Bioplastics today are primarily found in the following market segments: The number of brand owners that apply bioplastics in their solutions is • Packaging increasing steadily. • Food services • Agriculture/horticulture Prominent examples of big brands that have introduced bioplastic packag- • Consumer electronics ing are Danone (Actimel, Activia, Volvic) and Coca-Cola (PlantBottle). The • Automotive supermarket chains Carrefour, Sainsbury, Billa, Spar and Hofer offer different • Consumer goods and household appliances packaging products and/or shopping bags made of bioplastics.

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin In the leisure/sport sector PUMA, for example, uses bioplastics, and in the usually not very well informedphone about+49.30.28 bioplastics 48posing 23 50 a challenge when it automotive market, Ford, Toyota and Mercedes have found various applica- comes to bioplastics penetratingfax the+49.30.28 consumer market.48 23 59 Nonetheless, these tions for bioplastic components in different car models. In the consumer hurdles are not insurmountable.e-mail [email protected] brand recall and corresponding electronics market, Fujitsu has found its first applications for bioplastics. information campaigns are contributingweb www.european-bioplastics.org towards more consumers’ awareness and an overall tendency to purchase these products. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/ The demand for low carbon goods – one of the major benefits of bioplas- How accepted are bioplastic products by consumers? tics – is steadily rising. The global market for low carbon environmental About 80 percent of European consumers want to buy products which have goods and services is estimated at 4.2 trillion euros with the market share a minimal impact on the environment (eurobarometer survey EC 2013). for EU companies amounting to 21 percent (UK Department for Business, Innovations and Skills, 2012). What is more, according to the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) and the Straubing Center of Science (2009), consumers want to see more http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/market-development/consumer-behaviour/ products made from bioplastics on the market. However, consumers are

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin IV MATERIAL, PROPERTIES AND TECHNOLOGYphone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 What are bioplastics made of? DIN CERTCO: e-mail [email protected] Bioplastics are not a single kind of plastic, but rather a family of materials web www.european-bioplastics.org that vary considerably from one another.

Bioplastics in general are partially or completely based on natural resources. The biomass used for biobased plastics today comes mostly from grain (corn), sugar cane, potatoes or castor oil. Other natural resources, such as cellulose and crop residues (corn stover, straw) will grow more important in the future. Vinçotte: http://en.european-bioplastics.org/technologymaterials/

What types of bioplastics do exist and what properties do they have? Bioplastics are not a single kind of plastic, but rather a family of materials that vary considerably from one another. There are three groups in the bioplastics family, each with its own individual characteristics. These include: Figure: Labels depicting a bioplastic products biobased share. • Biobased or partially biobased (nonbiodegradable) commodity plastics such as PE, PET, or PP (polyolefins, drop-in solutions) and biobased http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/ engineering plastics such as PTT, or TPC-ET • New biobased and biodegradable plastics, including PLA and PHA Are the properties of bioplastics equal to those of conventional • New biodegradable plastics that are currently based on fossil resources plastics? such as PBAT and PCL. Today, there is a bioplastic alternative to almost every conventional plastic. Bioplastics currently have the same properties as conventional plastics (e.g. Materials of the first group are biobased and non-biodegradable. They are used thermoplastics) and often offer additional advantages, such as compostability, for a large variety of durable applications (from packaging to automotives). natural breathability etc.

Materials of the other two groups are biodegradable and – under particular Bioplastics are also being improved continuously with increased heat conditions – compostable. This means they provide an extra benefit to resistance, enhanced moisture barriers, greater stiffness and flexibility or particular applications such as packaging films or biowaste bags. improved durability. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/technologymaterials/materials/ Bioplastics are available in a wide variety of types and compounds that can be converted on the standard equipment generally used for processing Is there a certain percentage threshold value that marks the minimal conventional plastics. biobased carbon content / biobased mass content in a product/material? There is no common agreement on a minimal value yet due to varying regional http://en.european-bioplastics.org/technologymaterials/ regulations. In Japan an industry-wide commitment is in place which sets the 'biomass margin' at '25 percent renewable material'. According to the USDA bio-preferred programme’s very broad margin, 'the minimum share of renewable material ranges from 7 to 95 percent' depending on defined product category rules.

Although there is no minimum value, clear labelling options are available. The certifiers, Vinçotte and DIN CERTCO, offer a stepwise labelling approach based on CEN/TS 16137 (or ASTM D 6866) which displays the biobased carbon content of a material or product.

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin V SOURCING OF FEEDSTOCK phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 Why does the bioplastics industry use agricultural resources? How much agriculturale-mail area is [email protected] for bioplastics? The emerging shift from crude oil towards renewable resources is driven In 2011 the global productionweb capacitieswww.european-bioplastics.org for bioplastics amounted to around primarily by the sustainable development efforts of the plastics industry. 1.2 million tonnes. This translates into approximately 300,000 hectares of land. Finite oil resources and climate change constitute two broadly acknowledged challenges for society in the coming decades. Reducing oil dependency and The surface area required to grow sufficient feedstock for today’s bioplastic mitigation of climate change are therefore two important drivers for the use production is therefore less than 0.006 percent of the global agricultural area of renewable resources. of 5 billion hectares.1 This ratio correlates to the size of an average cherry tomato next to the Eiffel Tower (based on land use data by EuBP/IfBB, 2013). Plants absorb carbon dioxide during their growth and convert it into carbon- rich organic matter. When these materials are used in the production of Assuming continued high and maybe even politically supported growth in bioplastics the carbon is stored within the products during their useful life. the bioplastics market, at the current stage of technological development a This carbon is then released back into the atmosphere e.g. through energy market of up to 6 million tonnes accounting for about 1.1 million hectares recovery or composting. could be achieved by the year 2016, which equates to approximately roughly 0.022 percent of the global agricultural area. Important forces driving the trend towards the use of renewable resources are the development of rural economies, innovation in the chemical and There are also many opportunities including using an increased share of plastics industry, regulatory and policy framework conditions and consumer food residues, non-food crops or cellulosic biomass that could lead to even demand. Retailers and brand owners are also important drivers behind this less land use demand for bioplastics than the amount given above. trend, as they constantly seek to improve the environmental performance of their product portfolios. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/sustainable-sourcing/land-use/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/download/labelling/EuBP_Land_use_2013.jpg http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/

Land use for bioplastics 2011 and 2016

Global land area 13.4 billion ha = 100 % Global agricultural area 5 billion ha = 37%

GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL AREA Pasture 3.5 billion ha = 70%* Arable land 1.4 billion ha = 30%*

Food & Feed 1.29 billion ha = 27%* Material use Bioplastics 100 million ha = 2%* 2011: 300,000 ha = 0.006 %* Biofuels 2016: 1.1 million ha = 0.022 %* 55 million ha = 1%*

Source: European Bioplastics | Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (October 2012) / FAO * In relation to global agricultural area.

1 Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (IfBB, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover).

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin Is there competition between food, feed and bioplastics regarding criteria into account and phoneto ensure +49.30.28that bioplastics 48 23 are 50 a purely beneficial agricultural area? innovation. fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 The global agricultural area and the way it is used shows that 0.006 percent e-mail [email protected] used to grow feedstock for bioplastics come nowhere near the 98 percent http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/web www.european-bioplastics.org used for pastures and growing food and feed. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/download/labelling/EuBP_Land_use_2013.jpg

Of the 13.4 billion hectares of global land surface, around 37 percent (5 Will there be sufficient agricultural area in the world to sustain billion hectares) is currently used for agriculture. This includes pastures (70 production of food, feed, fuel and bioplastics? percent, approx. 3.5 billion hectares) and arable land (30 percent, approx. 1.4 Renewable resources are a replenishing but limited resource. However, billion hectares). This 30 percent of arable land is further divided into areas there are various ways to ensure a sufficient supply to the industry with predominantly used for growing food crops and feed (27 percent, approx. renewable resources for the production of biobased plastics. 1.29 billion hectares), as well as crops for materials (2 percent, approx. 100 million hectares, including the 300,000 hectares used for bioplastics)2, and These include: crops for biofuels (1 percent, approx. 55 million hectares). 1. Broadening the base of feedstock: The bioplastics industry is currently working mostly with carbohydrate rich plants (sugarcane, corn, etc). http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/sustainable-sourcing/land-use/ Several projects, however, are looking into using plant residues or http://en.european-bioplastics.org/download/labelling/EuBP_Land_use_2013.jpg cellulose as second-generation feedstock (non-food crops). 2. Increasing yields: Increasing the efficiency of industrial conversion of Is the current use of food crops ethically justifiable? raw materials into feedstock, for example by using optimised yeasts According to the FAO, about one third of global food production is either or bacteria and optimised physical and chemical processes would wasted or lost every year. European Bioplastics acknowledges that this is a increase the total availability of resources. serious problem and strongly supports the food industry’s efforts to reduce 3. Taking fallow land into production: There is still plenty of arable land in food waste as a key element in fighting world hunger. various geographical regions available for production, even in the European Union (mostly in the eastern member states).3 The main deficiencies that need to be addressed are: - logistical aspects such as poor distribution/storage of food/feed, http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/sustainable-sourcing/land-use/ - political instability, and http://en.european-bioplastics.org/download/labelling/EuBP_Land_use_2013.jpg - lack of financial resources. Is the use of non-food crops feasible? When it comes to using biomass there is no competition between food/ Yes, in the future it will be and needs to be for production to remain efficient. feed and bioplastics. Only 0.006 percent of the global agricultural area is However, bioplastics today are predominantly produced from carbohydrate used to grow feedstock for bioplastics, compared to 98 percent used for rich crops i.e. food crops. food, feed and pastures. The bioplastics industry is putting significant effort into research and devel- Food crops such as corn or sugar cane are currently the most productive opment to diversify the availability of biogenic feedstock of non-food crops. and resilient feedstock available. Other solutions (non-food crops or waste The industry aims to further develop fermentation technologies that enable from food crops) will be available in the medium and long term with second the utilisation of other biogenic input based on non-food crop sources in the and third generation feedstock under development. medium and long term. The production of cellulosic sugars and ethanols in particular are regarded as a promising technological approach. There is no well-founded argument against a responsible and monitored (i.e. sustainable) use of food crops for bioplastics. Independent third party http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/sustainable-sourcing/ certification schemes can help to take social, environmental and economic

2 The 2 percent comprise e.g. natural fibres (primarily cotton), rubber, bamboo, plant oils, sugar and starch. Of these 100 million hectares only 300.000 hectares are used to grow feedstock for bioplastics (primarily sugar and starch). 3 Different sources come up with varying figures for „free“ arable land, the French National Institute For Agricultural Research gives 2.6 billion hectares of untapped potential (article in ParisTech, 2011), the nova-Institute calculates 570 million hectares based on figures of OECD and FAO (2009). The bottom line – there is an ample amount of unused land available.

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin Are GMO crops used for bioplastics? phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 The use of GM crops is not a technical requirement for the manufacturing fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 of any bioplastic commercially available today. If GM crops are used, the e-mail [email protected] reasons lie in the economic or regional feedstock supply situation. web www.european-bioplastics.org

If GM crops are used in bioplastic production, the multiple-stage processing and high heat used to create the polymer removes all traces of genetic material. This means that the final bioplastic product contains no genetic traces. The resulting bioplastic is therefore well suited to use in food packaging as it contains no genetically modified material and cannot interact with the contents. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/sustainable-sourcing/

How can the industry support the supply of sustainable feedstock? Sustainable sourcing of feedstock is a prerequisite for more sustainable products.

That is why European Bioplastics supports: 1.) the general sparing use of resources and increase of resource efficiency (e.g. through use cascades), 2.) the implementation of good agricultural practice, 3.) corresponding third-party certification, and 4.) a responsible choice of feedstock: The use of food residues or by- products of (food) crops can contribute to more sustainable sourcing. In addition, the biorefinery concept is promising in transforming cellulosic, non-food biomass feedstock into a variety of chemicals, e.g. ethanol, lactic acid, or many others, which can also be used to manufacture bioplastics. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/sustainable-sourcing/

VI HUMAN HEALTH

Can GMO feedstock be used for the production of bioplastics, e.g. for Is Bisphenol A used in bioplastics? the packaging sector, and does it have an impact on human health? European Bioplastics and its members are committed to avoiding the use of If GM crops are used, the multiple-stage processing and high heat used to harmful substances in their products. Many plastic products do not use any create the polymer remove all traces of genetic material. This means that plasticisers and a range of acceptable plasticisers is available if necessary. the final bioplastic product contains no traces of GMO. Should the bioplastic The wide range of bioplastics is based on thousands of different formulas. be used for e.g. food packaging, this packaging will be well suited for the This means specific information regarding a certain material or product purpose, and no GMO will interact with the contents. can only be obtained from the individual manufacturer, converter or brand owner using the material.

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin VII END-OF-LIFE phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 Can bioplastics be integrated into established recycling and re- Other bioplastics, for whiche-mail no [email protected] streams yet exist, are very unlikely covery schemes? to end up in mechanical recyclingweb streamswww.european-bioplastics.org due to sophisticated sorting and Bioplastics are a diverse family of materials and depending on the material/ treatment procedures (positive selection). application existing waste streams are an option. Drop-in solutions, such as bio-PE or partly biobased PET, can be recycled in existing streams. Biode- http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/recovery-options/ gradable plastic products that have been certified compostable according to EN 13432 are suitable for industrial composting. All bioplastic materials What is meant by organic recycling? offer (renewable) energy recovery as they contain a high energy value. Organic recycling is defined by the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC (amended in 2005/20/EC) as the http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/recovery-options/ - aerobic treatment (composting) or - anaerobic treatment (biogasification) of packaging waste.

The EU Directive refers to the harmonised European standards for the industrial compostability of plastic packaging, EN 13432. An equivalent standard has been approved by the European standardisation organisation CEN for the testing of compostability of plastics, EN 14995.

The effective organic recycling of biodegradable packaging would require the separate collection of biodegradable waste and legal access for certified compostable products to enter the respective systems.

http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/recovery-options/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ Can bioplastics be mechanically recycled? FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf If a separate recycling stream for a certain plastic/bioplastic type exists, the http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ bioplastic can be easily recycled alongside its conventional counterparts FactSheet_Home_Composting.pdf (e.g. biobased PE in the PE-stream or biobased PET in the PET stream). How does composting (aerobic treatment) of bioplastics work? The post consumer recycling of bioplastics for which no separate stream Bioplastic materials or products that have been certified compostable’ ac- yet exists, will be feasible, as soon as the commercial volumes and sales cording to EN 13432 or EN 14995 fulfil the technical criteria in industrial increase sufficiently to cover the investments required. New separate streams composting plants. These plants provide controlled conditions (humidity, (e.g. for PLA) will be introduced in the short to medium term. aeration, temperature) for quick and safe compost production.

Numerous research projects and tests e.g. for PLA are currently underway During the process the organic matter including biodegradable and com- in Germany (Re-PLA Cycle), in Belgium (r-PLA) and the USA. postable plastic products is converted to carbondioxide, water and biomass. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/recovery-options/ Compost is used as a soil improver and can in part also replace mineral fertilisers. However, biodegradable and compostable plastics only play a Do bioplastics 'contaminate' mechanical recycling waste streams? minor role in the biowaste stream. As with conventional plastics, bioplastics need to be recycled separately (by stream type). http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/recovery-options/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ Bioplastic types for which a recycling stream already exists (e.g. biobased FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf PE / biobased PET) can be easily recycled together with their conventional http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ counterparts (PE and PET). FactSheet_Home_Composting.pdf

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin Are all bioplastic materials/products biodegradable? advocates the certificationphone of biodegradable+49.30.28 products 48 23 50 meant for industrial No. Bioplastics can be biobased, biodegradable or both. Biodegradability is composting according to EN fax13432+49.30.28 in order to 48substantiate 23 59 claims made. an inherent property in certain materials that can benefit specific applica- e-mail [email protected] tions (e.g. biowaste bags). http://en.european-bioplastics.org/technologymaterials/materials/web www.european-bioplastics.org http://en.european-bioplastics.org/market/applications/ Biodegradable/compostable products should feature a clear recommendation regarding the suitable end-of-life for this product. European Bioplastics

What is the difference between 'biodegradable' and 'compostable'? on industrial composting EN 13432. Materials and products complying with Biodegradation is a chemical process in which materials degrade back this standard can be certified and labelled accordingly. into water, carbondioxide and biomass with the help of microorganisms. The process of biodegradation depends on the environmental conditions Please note that in order to make accurate and specific claims about com- which influence it (e.g. location, temperature, humidity, etc.) and on the postability the location (home, industrial) and timeframe need to be specified. material or application itself. Consequently, the process and its outcome can vary considerably. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/technologymaterials/properties/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/standardization/ In order to be recovered by means of organic recycling (composting)4 a material or product needs to be biodegradable. Compostability is a characteristic of http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ a product, packaging or associated component that allows it to biodegrade FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf under specific conditions (e.g. a certain temperature, timeframe, etc). These http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ specific conditions are described in standards, such as the European standard FactSheet_Home_Composting.pdf

4 Organic recycling according to EN 13432 comprises industrial compostability and anaerobic digestion.

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin What are the required circumstances for a compostable product phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 to compost? fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 Industrial composting is an established process with commonly agreed e-mail [email protected] requirements concerning temperature and timeframe for transforming web www.european-bioplastics.org biodegradable waste into stable, sanitised products to be used in agriculture. This process takes place in industrial or municipal composting plants. The criteria for the industrial compostability of packaging are set out in EN 13432. Materials and products complying with this standard can be certified and labelled accordingly.

There is currently no common European standard for home composting. Regulations, national standards, or certification programmes can be found in Italy (UNI 11183), Belgium (Vinçotte, OK compost home label) and the United Kingdom (European Bioplastics). PLA trays with lids, source natura http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/certification/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ Very short composting cycles may not be sufficient to enable a full disin- FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf tegration. However, leftover scraps (usually lignocellulosics) in composting http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ plants are sifted out and added to the next fresh compost batch where FactSheet_Home_Composting.pdf they fully disintegrate and biodegrade into water, carbon and biomass. The same is expected of plastic residues in case of incomplete disintegration What are the advantages of biodegradable/compostable bioplastic during the first cycle. products? Using biodegradable and compostable plastic products such as (biowaste) http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ bags and packaging or cutlery increases end-of-life options. In addition to FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf recovering energy and mechanical recycling, composting (organic recovery / organic recycling) becomes an available waste management option. What is the difference between oxo-fragmentable and biodegradable plastics? This appears to be of particular benefit when plastic items are mixed with The underlying technology of oxo-degradability or oxo-fragmentation is based biowaste. Under these conditions, mechanical recycling is not feasible for on special additives, which are purported to accelerate the fragmentation either plastics or biowaste. The use of compostable plastics makes the of the film products if incorporated into standard resins. The resulting frag- mixed waste suitable for organic recycling, enabling the shift from recovery ments remain in the environment. to recycling (a treatment option which is higher in the European waste hierarchy). An increased amount of biowaste is collected and then used to Biodegradability is an inherent characteristic of a material or product. In create valuable compost. contrast to oxo-fragmentation, biodegradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. The http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ process produces water, carbon and biomass as end products. FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf Oxo-fragmentable materials cannot biodegrade as defined in industry ac- Do (industrially) compostable plastics decrease the quality of the cepted standard specifications such as ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, ASTM, compost? D7081 or EN 13432. A product must fulfil all the requirements according to EN 13432 in order for it to be treated in an average industrial composting plant with a 12-week http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ composting cycle. All product components are tested (inks, glues, etc.). This FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf includes an eco-toxicity test, during which the resulting compost’s effect on http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pp/Oxo_Po- plant growth is examined (agronomic test). sitionsPaper.pdf

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Leuchtmittel Elektrogeräte

Mineralische Abfälle

Plastikaschen EPS (Styropor) Biogene Abfälle

FAQ AUG 2013

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin How can one distinguish oxo-fragmentable from biodegradable phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 plastics? fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 Through corresponding specification and labelling. European Bioplastics e-mail [email protected] advocates being as specific as possible when claiming biodegradability. web www.european-bioplastics.org For example, claiming industrial compostability according to EN 13432 is a clear and specific option. Corresponding certification and the ‘Seedling’ label substantiate the claim. The Seedling also clarifies the distinction between oxo-fragmentable and biodegradable – certified according to EN 13432 materials.

http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/labelling/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ FactSheet_Industrial_Composting.pdf Papier (lose) http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ Figure: Disposal options depend on product and available infrastructure Kehricht FactSheet_Home_Composting.pdf Landfilling remains a widely applied method of waste treatment in Europe. Is biodegradation a solution for the littering problem? Forty-two percent of all post consumer plastics waste in Europe is buried A product should be designed with an efficient recovery solution. In the case in landfills and neither the material value nor the energy content of the of biodegradable plastic items, the preferable recovery solution is collec- plastic material is utilised. However, landfilling is an expiring technology tion with biowaste, organic recycling (e.g. composting) and the creation of and European Bioplastics supports all alternative measures to strengthen compost (a type of humus which is beneficial for soil fertility). the recycling and recovery of plastics. There are better methods for dealing with plastic waste which should be broadly applied. Designing a product 'for littering of any kind' would mean encouraging the misuse of disposal, which is unfortunately widespread. Consequently, Further information biodegradability does not constitute a permit to litter. http://www.natureworksllc.com/~/media/The_Ingeo_Journey/EndofLife_Op- tions/landfill/Assessment-of-anaerobic-degradation-of-Ingeo-polylactides- However, the issue of pollution, especially marine pollution, is taken very under-accelerated-landfill-conditions_pdf.pdf seriously by the bioplastics industry; research is actively being conducted to provide further factual information in the immediate future.5 http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/fs/ FactSheet_Energy_Recovery.pdf Generally, when advertising products as biodegradable, a clear message should be communicated to consumers, who often misunderstand this What is the recommended end-of-life option for bioplastics? property. A clear recommendation on product recovery is therefore important. As with conventional plastics, this depends entirely on the application and the available infrastructure in the region where the product is to be recovered. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/recovery-options/littering/ Bioplastics are a large family of materials with widely varying properties. The How do bioplastics behave in landfills? Do they release methane gas? particular end-of-life solution depends on the bioplastic and the application Studies have proven that there is little risk posed by biodegradation of it was chosen for. Apart from all the waste streams suitable for conventional biodegradable plastics in landfills (Kolstad, Vink, De Wilde, Debeer: Assess- plastics, some certified biobased and biodegradable bioplastic products ment of anaerobic degradation of Ingeo® polylactides under accelerated can also be composted. landfill conditions, 2012). Most bioplastics remain inert in landfills, where they potentially sequester carbon. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/recovery-options/

5 According to UNEP (2005), figures estimate a total of around 20 million metric tonnes of plastic from both land and sea sources, with land sources (such as open landfills) making up 80 percent of the total figure.

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin VIII SUSTAINABILITY OF BIOPLASTICS phone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 Are biobased plastics more sustainable than conventional plastics? How can the environmentale-mail [email protected] of bioplastics be assessed? Biobased plastics have clear advantages over conventional plastics. They There are ongoing discussionsweb aboutwww.european-bioplastics.org what form a fair and commonly ac- provide the same and in some cases better performance while also being cepted environmental impact assessment of bioplastics (or for that matter based on renewable resources. Thus, the plastics industry will be able to other bio-products) could take. move away from finite fossil resources in the future and take its place in the bioeconomy. Saving fossil resources and reducing GHG emissions are two European Bioplastics advocates the sustainability assessment of biobased inherent advantages that biobased plastics offer in contrast to conventional plastics taking into account the most relevant key indicators – ecological, plastics. With use cascades biobased plastics can also contribute towards economic and social. 'closing the loop' of a product thus helping to increase resource efficiency immensely. Biobased plastics can potentially reduce dependency on fossil resources and greenhouse gases (GHG), increase resource efficiency and produce Bioplastics are either more sustainable than conventional plastics or have the renewable energy. They support the bioeconomy by creating jobs within potential to be so. According to a study by the German Environment Agency the EU and pose less risk to health and safety. Compared to conventional “bioplastics are at least as good as conventional plastics”. The study also plastics, the production of bioplastics is still in its infancy and the potential mentions that “considerable potential is as yet untapped” (ifeu/GEA, 2012). for further improvement is enormous. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/ Sustainability assessment schemes should be voluntary, clearly defined and in line with existing regulations while not overburdening the industry Do bioplastic have a lower carbon footprint than fossil based (especially SMEs), plastics? How is this measured? Biobased plastics have the unique potential over conventional plastics of Recommended criteria should include the determination of a material or reducing GHG emissions or even being carbon neutral. Plant growth absorbs product’s biobased carbon content or biobased mass content; information atmospheric carbon dioxide. Using this biomass to create biobased plastic displaying emitted GHG; information on the sustainability of the renewable products constitutes a temporary removal of greenhouse gases (CO2) from materials used; and possible economic and social impacts (e.g. job creation). the atmosphere. This carbon fixation (carbon sink) can be extended over a period of time if the material is recycled. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pp/LCA_Po- sitionsPaper.pdf The carbon footprint of a product (CFP) can be measured by carbon http://en.european-bioplastics.org/ecg-4/ footprinting or the life cycle assessment (LCA, standard ISO 14044). More information on how a carbon footprint should be established will be set out in the forthcoming ISO 14067 standard entitled the “Carbon Footprint of Can bioplastic applications be compared to conventional plastics? Products” expected in 2013. Comparing two different products is difficult as the corresponding assessment tools are limited. The CFP of two products can be compared, but comparing Communication recommendation 'carbon neutrality' two different LCAs may have limited significance (different impact categories, 'Carbon neutral' claims can be made for bioplastic materials in some cases, interpretation, organisations, etc.). A sound comparison based on LCA can but rarely for end products. For example, ISO 14021 demands that a product’s best be made for one product when switching from fossil to biobased plastics complete life cycle be taken into account when making claims about its carbon as a form of before and after assessment. This comparison will clearly show balance. The pure material from which a product is made (cradle to gate where the biobased solution is advantageous as long as it is procured by life cycle section) can be advertised in a B2B context with a neutral claim if the same institution integrating the same impact categories. sound data backs it up. When the material is then converted and disposed of at the end of its life (whole life cycle), in most cases neutrality cannot http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/lcelca/ be claimed. A reduced carbon emissions claim would then be appropriate. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pp/LCA_PositionsPaper.pdf http://en.european-bioplastics.org/ecg-4/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/ecg-4/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pp/LCA_Po- sitionsPaper.pdfVR 19997 Nz, Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, USt-IdNr. DE235874231 HypoVereinsbank Rosenheim, BLZ 711 200 77, Konto 6356800, IBAN DE26 7112 0077 0006 3568 00, BIC/SWIFT HYVEDEMM448 17 FAQ AUG 2013

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin IX STANDARDISATION, CERTIFICATION, LABELLINGphone +49.30.28 48 23 50 fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 What are the relevant standards for bioplastics? Biobased certification basede-mail on CEN/[email protected] 16137 is available from: CEN / TS 161376 is a testing standard that defines how the biobased carbon • DIN CERTCO (Germany)web www.european-bioplastics.org content in a material or product is measured. • Vinçotte (Belgium)

EN 134327 and EN 14995 are the European norms for industrial compostability. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/certification/

ISO 14040 - Life Cycle Assessment - focuses on describing the principles Which labels for bioplastic products do exist? and framework of life cycle assessments. Industrially compostable plastic materials or products certified according to EN 13432 / 14995 are allowed to carry the Seedling compostability label. ISO 14067 - Carbon Footprint of Products - is currently being developed This brand is owned by European Bioplastics. The independent certifiers and should be available by 2013. Aside from providing detailed information DIN CERTCO (Germany) and Vinçotte (Belgium) carry out this certification on how to measure and report on the carbon footprint of products (CFPs), it process. An alternative is the ‘OK compost’ label issued by Vinçotte. It is also gives some general guidelines on how to use carbon footprint claims based on the same standards. correctly. This standard is heavily reliant on the ISO 14021 and ISO 14040 standards. The certifiers DIN CERTCO (Germany) and Vinçotte (Belgium) have also introduced labels showing the biobased carbon content of bioplastics. The ISO 14020 series: The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) measuring of the biobased carbon content is based on CEN/TS 16137. issued the ISO 14020 series on “environmental labels and declaration” in 1999. This series provides the main international guidelines to relevant “green claims” publications. The standard promotes three different types of environmental labels and declarations: • Type I environmental labelling (14024), • Type II self-declared environmental claims (14021), • Type III environmental declaration (14025). The EuBP-Seedling and a biobased label by DIN CERTCO http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/ecg-4/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/labelling/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/ecg-4/ How do standard, certification and label work together? A standard is the basis for a certification scheme. It clearly defines the What are the advantages of labels marking biobased property or criteria and the testing procedures for the material or product. Once the compostability of bioplastics? certifier confirms compliance with the defined requirements, the respective A label awarded in accordance with independent certification based on product can be labelled with the corresponding logo. acknowledged standards guarantees that the product fulfils the criteria claimed. As bioplastics cannot be distinguished from conventional plastics http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/ by non-experts, reliable labelling helps the consumer to identify these products. It also informs the consumer of particular additional qualities the Which institutions are involved in the certification of bioplastics? material /product possesses. Another advantage provided by compostability Certification of biodegradable/compostable products is available from DIN labels in particular is that they facilitate correct waste separation, collection CERTCO (Germany) or one of its co-operating institutes such as AfOR (UK), and recovery. COBRO (Poland) and Vinçotte (Belgium). They link EN 13432 and EN 14995 to the ‘Seedling’ compostability label. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/standards/labelling/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/ecg-4/

6 US-equivalent = ASTM 6866. 7 US-equivalent = ASTM 6400

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Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin How are environmental claims of bioplastic products soundly European Bioplastics has publishedphone a+49.30.28 detailed guide 48 regarding23 50 environmental communicated? communication. fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 Environmental claims of bioplastic products should be specific, accurate, e-mail [email protected] relevant and truthful. Furthermore, there should be independent third party The brochure can be downloadedweb onwww.european-bioplastics.org the EuBP website: substantiation for these claims. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/ecg-4/

X POLITICAL FRAMEWORK

What regulatory framework is there for bioplastics on national/ What policies would be necessary to pave the way for a full-scale EU-level in the EU? market introduction? In contrast to the areas of biofuels and renewable energies, there is currently In representing the whole value chain of the bioplastics industry, ranging no EU-wide framework for action to support the material use of renewable from raw materials suppliers to manufacturers and converters and leading raw materials. The development of an integrated concept to coordinate both brand owners to waste management companies, European Bioplastics has the material and the energetic use of renewable resources should be the identified the key constraints and issues at a political and regulatory level that highest priority. Intelligent use cascades must therefore be developed to need to be addressed to ensure that bioplastics fulfil their potential in Europe. promote the most efficient use of resources. Use cascades add to economic and ecological value creation of products. Europe will have difficulty in com- These key issues are: peting globally without sufficient economic and technological value creation. • Access to materials - Guaranteeing the access of the European industry to competitively http://en.european-bioplastics.org/policy/ priced agricultural feedstock and biomass in sufficient quantities and quality.

VR 19997 Nz, Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, USt-IdNr. DE235874231 HypoVereinsbank Rosenheim, BLZ 711 200 77, Konto 6356800, IBAN DE26 7112 0077 0006 3568 00, BIC/SWIFT HYVEDEMM448 19 FAQ AUG 2013

European Bioplastics e.V. Marienstr. 19/20 10117 Berlin European Bioplastics e.V.

Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin - Establishing a level playing field for industrial use of biomass with an What are the most relevantphone projects+49.30.28 / initiatives 48 23 50 / laws currently integrated EU policy approach for material and energetic use of underway? fax +49.30.28 48 23 59 biomass and feedstock. The new European Commissione-mail [email protected] paper entitled “Innovation for • Financial and political support/endorsement sustainable growth: A bioeconomyweb www.european-bioplastics.orgfor Europe” was published in February - Clear political commitment and support for bioplastics would 2012. The bioeconomy aims to activate the potential of biobased products provide many other benefits to the European population (economic, and generate new markets and industries while enhancing the sustain- social and environmental). Governments and policy-makers should ability of production and consumption. It remains the main EU strategy on encourage a market shift towards biobased products in order to support biobased products and identifies bioplastics as one of the most promising and stimulate the industry within Europe. This could involve incentivisa- markets for growth. tion of bio-based materials or industries and other policy tools for example. Besides the bioeconomy, resource efficiency remains a key priority of Euro- • Consumer awareness-raising and education pean policy makers. The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, published - Governments and the EU should clearly and simply communicate in September 2011, proposes ways to increase resource productivity and what the bio-based economy would mean to consumers and citizens decouple economic growth from resource use and its environmental impact. in practical terms by supporting its development and raising aware It illustrates how policies interrelate and build on each other. Resource ef- ness about the potential in bioplastics. ficiency will remain one of the priorities for policy work in the years to come. - Consumers need to be properly informed about what bioplastics could mean to them in their daily lives in real and practical terms together The EC announced plans to launch a revision of the European Directive on with the importance of initiating the shift to a low-carbon economy Packaging and Packaging Waste in 2014. A Green paper on plastics waste, in Europe. outlining first ideas of the Commission, was subjected to public consultation in May 2013. Ideas regarding biodegradable and biobased plastics as well http://en.european-bioplastics.org/policy/ as carrier bag policy were part of the consultation. http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/publications/ Policies_bioplastics2012.pdf http://en.european-bioplastics.org/policy/ http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/publications/ Policies_bioplastics2012.pdf

August 2013

European Bioplastics e.V. Marienstraße 19/20 10117 Berlin Phone: +49 (0) 30 284 82 350 Fax: +49 (0) 30 284 84 359 [email protected] www.european-bioplastics.org

VR 19997 Nz, Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, USt-IdNr. DE235874231 HypoVereinsbank Rosenheim, BLZ 711 200 77, Konto 6356800, IBAN DE26 7112 0077 0006 3568 00, BIC/SWIFT HYVEDEMM448 20