On October 1st, we held an internal policy workshop for PROSPER, attended by our Advisory Board members.
The discussions addressed several key topics that are shaping the bio-based sector:
🔹 Updates on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
🔹 Updates on standards
🔹 Implementation of biowaste collections
🔹 Responses to the bioeconomy consultation
Here are some key comments from the Advisory Board:
- There is no European single market for packaging; this has led to significant confusion regarding standards and access.
- EPR schemes vary significantly from country to country, further indicating the absence of a single market.
- Biowaste is crucial for a successful bioeconomy, but the separate collection of biowaste is lagging in most countries, despite legal obligations.
- The Plastic Treaty is not dead; however, it will take a few more years to reach an international consensus.
- Bioplastic films are unlikely to be suitable for mechanical or chemical recycling, with composting being the preferred option.
- When considering the economics of bioplastic recycling, the Plastic Tax should be factored in as a potential benefit.
We are extremely grateful to our Advisory Board for their valuable insights and perspectives. Their contributions are essential to ensuring that PROSPER’s work remains relevant, aligns with current policy developments, and effectively supports meaningful change in the bio-based economy.
