TIPA
TIPA fully compostable packaging is designed to address the global plastic waste crisis by replacing conventional flexible plastic packaging.
ID: 845415037782-13
Lobbying Activity
Response to Policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics
26 Oct 2021
TIPA Response: Policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics
TIPA® provides compostable solutions for flexible plastic packaging in the food and fashion industry, with a mission is to substitute hard-to-recycle flexible plastic with organically recyclable packagingOur solutions are designed to protect food while post-consumption integrate with food waste collection and biodegrade via home/ industrial composting, supporting soil fertility via carbon sequestration.
Alongside our trade associations European Bioplastics (EUBP) and Europen, TIPA aims to proactively contribute to the ongoing discussions on a future Regulatory Framework for bio-based and for compostable plastics, as part of the EU Plastics Strategy and Green Deal objectives.
The problem
While consumer flexible plastic packages 40% of consumers goods and represents 25% of plastic waste volume, only 2 have been recycled in 2019 in Europe, as recycling flexibles is challenging for multiple reasons. Flexible plastics is also the number one polluting source to our oceans, with a minimum of 5M tons (of 11M) discarded each year to sea.
Without a massive increase in recycling of flexible plastic, the EU recycling target to reach 50% plastic recycling by 2025 and 55% by 2030 are unlikely to be reached. Only increasing flexible packaging recycling in all forms, including composting will allow meeting the EU targets.
How the EU can help
The EU can take a global lead in making compostable solutions part of the mainstream waste management options. TIPA encourages the European Institutions to support a shift from conventional plastics to more sustainable options.
Within the ambitions set by the Green Deal the EU has the opportunity to
• develop a regulatory framework for bio-based and for compostable bioplastics which creates a distinction between conventional and innovative, more sustainable packaging solutions (as foreseen by the new Circular Economy Action Plan)
• ensure local authorities make provision for the collection of flexible compostable packaging films, alongside organic waste (as foreseen in by the Waste Framework Directive)
Collection - While EU already recognizes composting as organic recycling and allows for the inclusion of compostable packaging in bio-waste bin (WFD), Extended Producer Responsibility schemes need to acknowledge these materials as part of the packaging landscape and as packaging that needs to be treated like any other waste stream. In countries like Italy and Ireland, compostable packaging is already collected via organic waste bins to great success.
Labelling – there is a need for harmonised rules for the use of compostable claims to avoid confusion - with clear definitions and instructions on correct disposal directed at and comprehensible for consumers. Italian and Irish certification schemes by composters show the way of how compostable packaging finds its way into home composters or into bio-waste collections and the intended end-of-life in an industrial compost facility.
Standards - Revision of EN13432 - CEN EN 13432 has global reach and is instrumental in ensuring the credibility of compostable packaging solutions. It is essential for the provisions of the standard to be up- to- date and in line with current safety and environmental discussions. TIPA will be actively contributing to the discussion to make sure EN 13432 retains the high standard and reputation in Europe and far beyond.
Standards - Home Composting Standard - A CEN standard on home compostability of carrier bags is currently being developed.. We recommend the extension in scope of this standard to further application (like flexible packaging) and would welcome if the new standard were referenced in EU legislation.
Only with clear recognition for the role of compostable packaging – and endorsement of its collection alongside food waste – can the EU lead the way to a more sustainable packaging future.
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