European Commission (EC) publishes policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; aims to guide policy, industry, and public; “bioplastics” should not distract from circular economy principles prioritizing reduction, reuse, recycling; 17th annual European Bioplastics conference gives insights into recent bioplastics’ developments; bioplastics production capacities projected to almost triple by 2027
November 21, 2022
Value and struggles of the material production sector reducing emissions
Zero Waste Europe and Eunomia publish report on the ability of aluminum, concrete, steel, and plastics industries to meet global carbon budgets; current efforts and plans are unlikely to be sufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C; call for urgent actions to reduce material use
October 26, 2022
Scientists present and apply spectral database on plastic additives
Researchers develop high-resolution spectral database and method for the identification of 56 selected organic plastic additives; indicates presence of multiple additives when applied to polypropylene and polylactic acid food packaging; highlight chemical signature not polymer but product dependent and “bioplastic” just as conventional plastics contain harmful additives
October 21, 2022
Bioassays can help to develop safer food packaging
In vitro study assesses hormonal activity of leachates from bio-based polymers used in food packaging; demonstrates integration of toxicity testing in packaging development can help reduce toxicity and design safer bio-based packaging
March 15, 2022
Behavior and labeling interventions to reduce plastic pollution
Three studies research plastic labeling shortcomings, effectiveness of behavioral interventions; article recommends plastic labels should include sustainability scale, provide regional disposal instructions, and list additives; review considers bigger picture, stakeholder diversity, and several techniques to increase effectiveness of behavioral interventions to reduce single-use plastic consumption; study finds social media does not affect consumer’s intentions to recycle plastics
March 7, 2022
What are bioplastics? New fact sheet answers common questions
Food Packaging Forum publishes fact sheet about bioplastics; clarifies the meaning of the terms “bio-based” and “biodegradable;” discusses aspects of bioplastic production, chemical safety, and implications for bioplastics use and disposal
January 25, 2022
Public consultation on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics
European Commission (EC) opens a public comment period on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; consultation will advise EC during development of new policies for these plastics; three areas of particular focus: sustainability of feedstocks, verification of biodegradation claims, and “widespread confusion” among consumers on terms and proper disposal routes; comment period open until March 15, 2022
December 17, 2021
Studies report on oligomer migration from food packaging
Scientists perform migration experiments for oligomer analysis; one study detects eight chemicals including six non-intentionally added oligomers to migrate from multilayer biodegradable teacups; second study reports on oligomer migration from polycarbonate tableware as ‘hidden source’ of bisphenol A (BPA)
December 6, 2021
European Bioplastics conference discusses bioplastics’ role within Green Deal
16th annual European Bioplastics conference focuses on role of bioplastics in EU policies, new opportunities of compostable plastics and their performance in the open environment, measuring and communicating sustainability of bio-based plastics, bioplastics market development, and applications
November 10, 2021
Two articles review oligomers and other chemicals migrating from bio-based products
Research study compares different techniques for oligomer detection and finds polyester oligomers migrate from biopolymers; book chapter discusses catalysts, volatile organic compounds, and additives in bio-based products, including their migration and safety
