ECOS works to cut our global plastic footprint and ensure clean material loops in a circular plastics economy by engaging in standards and related policy developments. We contribute to policy developments related to plastics in order to push for an absolute reduction of our plastic footprint. We believe that plastic products should be clean and circular by design, and that they can be recycled into new products. We also help develop test methods, criteria and regulatory targets to dramatically reduce microplastics emissions into the environment. As standards shape the essential part of the European and global markets for plastics, ECOS also contributes to standardisation workin order to foster net environmental benefits. The more robust and ambitious the standards in the plastics field, the better the overall environmental performance of plastics and the lower the overall pollution level of the sector.
The European Parliament, EU Council and European Commission will have the second trilogue negotiations on the revision of the European tyre label early next week.
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.
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.
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.
Download the pdf
