The European Commission is launching an open public consultation today (21 Oct) to gather views and evidence on the role of bio-based plastics in packaging policy. The consultation will remain open until 13 January 2027.

The consultation is part of the review under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Strategic Framework on a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy. The results will support the Commission’s assessment of the technological development and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging to support the bioeconomy.

The PPWR establishes a harmonised EU framework for packaging and packaging waste, with the objectives of reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability and promoting more circular use of resources.

In this context, the consultation will help assess possible market demand measures and targets to increase the use of bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging, which could be linked with possible sustainability requirements for bio-based feedstock.

Why stakeholder input matters

Increasing the use of sustainable alternatives to virgin fossil feedstocks could reduce the EU’s dependence on imported fossil resources, strengthen strategic autonomy and help lower the packaging sector’s carbon footprint — key objectives of the EU Bioeconomy agenda.

The Commission is therefore inviting stakeholders across the packaging value chain to share evidence and practical experience on the availability and performance of bio-based feedstocks, their environmental impacts, the sustainability of their sourcing and production, and the potential implications of different regulatory approaches.

The consultation is open to all interested parties, including citizens, consumer organisations, environmental NGOs, public authorities, packaging manufacturers and converters, raw-material suppliers, bio-based plastics producers, recyclers, food-contact packaging businesses, brand owners, retailers, research organisations, and other interested stakeholders.

This input will help the Commission assess the opportunities, limitations and trade-offs associated with bio-based plastic packaging, including suitable recycling technologies.

Based on this feedback, the Commission may develop a legislative proposal establishing a framework to drive the use of bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging.

Have Your Say

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public consultation and provide evidence-based feedback to help inform the Commission’s review and the possible development of future measures under Article 8 PPWR.

This consultation is initially available in English, with translations into all EU official languages to follow shortly.

Background

The European Commission supports the development of bioeconomy lead markets and specifically refers to opportunities in the packaging field.

The PPWR requires the Commission to review the technological development and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging under Article 8 and assess whether further measures are needed in this area.

Fuente: Comisión Europea