I haven’t been through the whole document, but here’s what I found mentioning bioplastics
Page 61-63
What does not fall under the definition of plastics:
- Natural polymers
- Polymers who have not been chemically modified
- Coatings (or paintings), inks and adhesives
Examples
- Natural polymers: cellulose and lignin extracted from wood or starch obtain from corn through wet extraction
- Non natural polymers: PHA
- Non-chemically modified polymers: regenerated cellulose
- Chemically modified polymers: cellulose acetate
Bioplastics (biodegradable and / or biobased) fall under the definition of plastics, and thus they do not contribute to the reduction of single use plastics.
Page 114
Compostable plastics are considered as biodegradable plastics.
Page 116
Most PLA and PHA have a problematic end-of-life and will be incinerated or landfilled.
Page 117
Biobased plastics should be developed for reusable products.
Page 118
The claim “biodegradable” cannot be used.
Page 119
Compostable Plastics packaging and product that can only decompose in an industrial composting facility cannot use the claim “compostable”
Page 120
Degradation of compostable of biodegradable plastics is not considered as waste valorisation because the CO2 that is generated cannot be used to produce new products.
There are uncertainties regarding the full degradation potential of compostable plastics so there’s a risk that they will contaminate the compost.
One option would be to strengthen the norms on composting and develop new noms for methanisation.
Page 121
There’s a European Commission initiative to promote bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics with a real environmental benefit.
Page 122
Possibility to limit the use of biodegradable and compostable plastic in case of environmental benefit and if it doesn’t disturb the recycling process or reduces the quality of the compost.
According to the European Commission study, the bio waste bags, tea bags, and fruit and vegetable stickers are the most benefical applications. Single use bottles, cutlery and clothes packaging are the less benefical.
Page 123
At French Level, they say the the composting norms should be strengthen to limit the presence of plastic bigger than 2 mm in the compost.
Personal Remarks
- Compostable Claim
If the plastic is industrially compostable, you cannot make the claim “compostable” (Page 119 ) ??
Home compostable plastics are even more questionable in their efficiency than industrially compostable plastics, but they can still use the claim “compostable”?
And then on page 121 … the European commission is working on an initiative to promote compostable plastics … Very logic.
- Compostable fruit stickers
Compostable fruits stickers have a beneficial use?
Shouldn’t all fruits stickers be banned under the ‘reduce’ plastic packaging principle which is even higher than the ‘reuse’ or ‘recycle’ principle?
- Disturbing the Recycling Process
… doesn’t disturb the recycling process (Page 122)
What recycling process are they talking about?
What plastics are we recycling in Europe besides PET bottles in a few European countries and PVC window frames?
- Microplastics
Limit the presence of plastics bigger than 2mm in the compost ….
Plastic under 2 mm is considered as microplastics.
Shouldn’t they ban all microplastics from the compost and soils?
Wasn’t that the initial objective of the directive?
- Final Thoughts
We can feel the struggle between industry interests and protecting the environment.
Honestly, I am impressed that the industry even managed to include the authorisation to add microplastics under 2mm in the compost …
In fact it’s even in the European Standard.
So it’s allowed to spread compost that is full of microplastics under 2mm over our farmlands so that it will end up in our vegetables?
And people wonder how we get to eat the size of one credit card of plastic per week per person?
Shouldn’t it be: 100 % no plastic left after the composting cycle; and if it doesn’t, well then go back re-engineer it.
How does these lobbyists do it?
I think Abba answered that question … Money, money, money … always sunny … in a rich men’s world.
To add insult to injuries … these industrial concerns receives “green” EU grants from the European Commission?
And they’re even allowed to boycott journalists and discriminate individuals while receiving EU grants?
And then you wonder why most European citizens believe the European Commission is corrupt?