“Zeitenwende” for bioplastics: EUBP chairman urges policymakers to maximize investment as climate change escalates

16 Dec 2022 --- European policymakers must act fast and decisively to protect and expand the region’s bioplastics industry, according to Stefan Barot, chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP). The association recently held its 17th annual conference, during which Barot gave a speech stressing the sector’s importance amid current geopolitical crises.

PackagingInsights speaks with Barot about his central message: the industry is at a critical juncture, and the decisions EU leaders make now will have severe ramifications on the European economy and global environmental and human health. 

‘“We are at a ‘Zeitenwende,’” he says – using the term coined by German chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier this year in a historic speech given at the outbreak of war in Ukraine, meaning literally “times turn.” 

“People are starting to realize that global warming is real and that our current way of life is not sustainable. To change our habits will take time, massive investments and some trial and error because nobody has the exact blueprint for the future,” Barot says. 

“Our entire global economy, of which the bioplastics industry is only a small part, is facing a climate crisis, rising energy costs and disrupted value chains. The related problems of inflation and now the looming recession causes uncertainty in consumer sentiment and demand.”

The 17th EUBP conference in Berlin.Europe’s fragile position 
According to Barot, bioplastics have beginning- and end-of-life advantages and unique material properties. The industry, he stresses, is therefore an essential player in this technical and political debate.

“We have a lot to offer. However, to contribute and innovate to its full potential and support the EU climate objectives, our industry needs a future-oriented, clear and transparent economic and regulatory environment.” 

The recent revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), which caused opposing outcries by environmentalists and industry associations like EUBP, has hindered needed technological and developmental progress, asserts Barot. 

Since the bioplastics industry is still relatively young, “a forward-looking and stable political and economic environment” is essential, he continues. 

“Recent legislative proposals from Brussels led to the opposite and, in consequence, quite a lot of innovation came to a halt.”

The PPWD revisions are set to impose strict reuse targets aimed at material reduction rather than circularity, which critics say could destroy billions of euros worth of investments and jeopardize millions of jobs. The scientific advantages of reuse systems have also been repeatedly called into question. 

Foreign threats
Since the war in Ukraine has driven up fossil fuel prices at an unprecedented rate, many industries – such as the metal sector – say they are now facing a “life or death” winter, with some production sites shutting down permanently. Meanwhile, the door to foreign trade from countries where environmental standards are far below those of Europe or the Paris Climate accords, like China, is rapidly opening. 

“While Europe is still the leader in sustainability, autocratic China, with its strict rules and strategic agenda for the future, is on the brink of overtaking Europe on bioplastics,” Barot says. Speakers discussed the role bioplastics will play in achieving carbon neutrality in Europe by 2050.

“Unless there is a clear vision from EU policymakers to keep and locate the production of bioplastics to Europe, current producers will leave, and new ones will set up production units outside of Europe.” 

“Rooted in the past, the still dominating mentality to think in political silos is a hindrance as it does not consider a balanced view of the overall need for sustainability. An example: Is it more important to preserve old buildings or to save energy? Is it more important to farm and use biomass or waste biomass and more energy?” 

Barot’s answer is that only an integrated view will produce the best solutions, and that innovation requires “time and a clear framework.” The current political framework poses a challenge, he says, which is leading to a slow-down that “could take years to catch up.”

A call to industry 
At the same time, Barot says packaging industry players should ask themselves several key questions.

“First, is the considered packaging really required? Does it protect the item or prolong the product’s shelf life? I believe that many industry players already ask these questions.”

“Second, how can I design my product with a low carbon footprint to make my packaging reusable or find the best end-of-life option? For the beginning of life, bio-based plastics offer a great solution because they allow for a substantial reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the start,” he explains. 

“Packaging designed for the protection of food, which, after its use, is contaminated with food, can be designed for composting or the conversion into biogas, resulting in a significantly lower GHG footprint.” 

Not all countries allow for all end-of-life solutions, he continues: “Members of EUBP are happy to advise and support industry players to design and select environmentally meaningful packaging.”

The uncertainty ahead 
Looking toward 2023, Barot warns we will see the real impact of the higher energy prices on society and the industry from next year. 

“Next year will also be a year where many key political decisions about bioplastics, waste management and sustainability are taken. The EU aims to comprehensively revise its waste management rules with the recently published proposal for a PPWD and the expected Waste Framework Directive at its core.” 

“EUBP supports the European Green Deals’ strategic objectives, especially achieving a low-carbon circular economy. However, the important role of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics within a circular economy needs to be fully acknowledged in every single policy initiative.” 

“I call on EU policymakers to use their legislative competence to direct the industry's behavior toward more circularity.” 

By Louis Gore-Langton