Following from the decision by the European Commission to make provisions for the exclusion of halogenated flame retardants from electronic displays, a decision supported by ECOS, EEB and the Coolproducts campaign, the resulting legislation has now been published despite strong opposition from chemicals industry stakeholders.
Biodegradable plastics are often seen as improved versions of regular plastics. There is a certain comfort in thinking that our plastic products could disappear completely, as if they had never existed. However, the reality is very different. Biodegradable plastics are not an alternative to regular plastics. It is important to keep in mind that biodegradability is only an end-of-life management option. Prevention of plastic production and use, but also reuse, rank higher in the waste hierarchy and are simply a better choice.
After years of ignoring this product group with a great potential for water and energy savings, the European Commission is finally moving forward.
Biodegradable plastics remain high on the political and public agenda. From a potential exemption as part of the REACH microplastics restriction, to media articles on biodegradable bags still capable of carrying shopping after being exposed to the natural environment for 3 years, and France’s decision to ban plastic table ware unless it is 50% bio-based and home compostable, the debate on biodegradable plastics is going strong.
The European Commission is currently looking into options for revising the essential requirements for packaging in order to strengthen them and ensure better enforcement of these new rules.
Our training on standardisation and the environment brought together our members and experts for an interactive session in Brussels. It was the second part of a training programme following an introductory webinar.
As the current European Commission mandate comes to its end, the next Commission’s faces, roles and priorities are slowly being put in place for a slightly delayed start on 1 December. In terms of circular economy, Ursula von der Leyen has herself declared that she wants to make Europe “a world leader in circular economy and clean technologies”.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.