International Institute for Sustainability Analysis and Strategy
IINAS
In our work we use quantitative methods and modelling, though applying qualitative analysis when appropriate (e.g.
ID: 594870938918-64
Lobbying Activity
Response to Policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics
21 Oct 2021
IINAS welcomes the EC initiative to establish an EU policy framework for biobased (BBP).
With a near-term need to drastically reduce GHG emissions globally (see IPCC reports) and increasing country + business commitments to “net zero” GHG emissions by 2050 at the latest, all biomass-based products but especially bioenergy (as now covered in RED III) as well as bioplastics should contribute to the GHG emission mitigation. The EU Green Deal and the net-zero 2050 climate target imply that bioplastics are becoming relevant for mitigating GHG emissions from e.g., packaging, hygiene products etc. (see report: Fritsche, Uwe R.; Brunori, Gianluca; Chiaramonti, David; Galanakis, Charis; Matthews, Robert & Panoutsou, Calliope (2021) Future transitions for the bioeconomy towards Sustainable Development and a Climate-Neutral Economy – Bioeconomy opportunities for a green recovery and enhanced system resilience. Report of the Network of Experts for the JRC in the framework of the European Commission's Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy. Luxembourg https://doi.org/10.2760/831176)
Thus, sustainability criteria for bioplastics are needed, in parallel to bioenergy, and should be seen as part of an overall sustainable, circular bioeconomy, as indicated in the reports
Fritsche, Uwe R. ; Brunori, Gianluca; Chiaramonti, David; Galanakis, Charis; Matthews, Robert & Panoutsou, Calliope (2021) Future transitions for the bioeconomy towards Sustainable Development and a Climate-Neutral Economy – Foresight Scenarios for the EU bioeconomy in 2050. Report of the Network of Experts for the JRC in the framework of the European Commission's Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy. Borzacchiello, M.; Stoermer, E. & Avraamides, M. (eds.). Luxembourg https://doi.org/10.2760/763277
Fritsche, Uwe; Brunori, Gianluca; Chiaramonti, David; Galanakis, Charis, Hellweg, Stefanie; Matthews, Robert & Panoutsou, Calliope (2020) Future transitions for the bioeconomy towards Sustainable Development and a Climate-Neutral Economy – Knowledge Synthesis Final Report. Prepared for EC DG RTD & JRC. Report JRC121212. Luxembourg https://doi.org/10.2760/667966
As a first step, minimum GHG emission reduction quota and respective benchmarks (for coal, natural gas, and oil) should be established against which the GHG reduction quota are to be determined, e.g., a minimum GHG reduction target should be set as 70 % for bioplastics vs. fossil plastic (coming from a mix of natural gas and oil using the RED II fossil benchmarks).
Furthermore, the RED III non-GHG sustainability criteria for biomass (biodiversity, land use etc.) should apply for bioplastics as well.
In addition, biodegradability of bioplastics should be required.
The policy framework should establish a respective certification scheme, and be aligned with the related EC policies (Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, Sustainable Product Initiative). As bioplastics and respective feedstocks are also imported to the EU, the certification should include non-EU production of bioplastics and respective feedstocks.
The GHG accounting for the reduction target should apply the same life-cycle analysis as in the RED II/III.
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