To retain a strong EU bioeconomy, the biopolymers industry needs to be prioritised and acknowledged for its added value in achieving the ambitious goals in the EU Green Deal. The recent EU Bioeconomy Strategy Progress Report in 2022 highlights the bioeconomy sector’s role in boosting the economic wealth across Europe. The average share of biobased chemical products in the overall chemical market for example, is 3% and generates € 65 billion of value added in 2019, ensuring 500.000 jobs.
Beyond economic benefits, the bioeconomy is crucial in reducing waste and defossilising the economy by reducing dependency on non-renewable resources. For instance, substituting the annual European demand for fossil-based polyethylene (PE) with biobased PE would save around 73 million tonnes of CO2.
“Bioplastics have the potential to reduce plastic waste, reduce the carbon footprint and steer the EU towards a circular economy”, declares Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of EUBP. “However, the industry needs a proactive policy support to thrive.”
A strong biopolymer industry can be achieved by putting in place a Biopolymer Industrial Action Plan that harmonises regulations, supports research and development, incentivises investment, stimulates market opportunities, and promotes sustainable feedstock sourcing. Additionally, the Action Plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to changing market conditions, technological developments, and sustainability requirements.
European Bioplastics therefore urges the future Commission and co-legislators to develop a Biopolymers Industrial Action Plan to enable the sector to reach its full potential.
“An actionable Biopolymers Industrial Plan is an investment in a cleaner, more efficient future, aligning with the EU Green Deal objectives. We therefore urge the EU to take action,” says Roberto Ferrigno, Head of EU Affairs at EUBP.
