European Bioplastics Conference discusses EU climate targets

At the 16th annual European Bioplastics Conference (EUBP), which took place in Berlin from 30 November to 1 December, industry experts discussed the role of bioplastics in the European Green Deal. The discussions at the conference confirmed that bioplastics make an important contribution to achieving the ambitious climate targets of the European Union, which are described in the EU strategy.

In his opening speech, François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP), gave a clear answer to the conference's overarching question about the role of bioplastics in the European Green Deal. „There are many areas of interaction between the European Commission's Green Deal and bioplastics, where our industry can make an important contribution to achieving the European Union's ambitious climate targets„, said de Bie. „Bioplastics are part of the solution we need to solve the problem we have with plastics today,“ he continued, referring to the Challenges posed by plastic waste.

In a pre-recorded speech, Kestutis Sadauskas, Director for Circular Economy and Green Growth at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment, said: „Bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics can be part of the solution, but they also pose certain challenges. The feedback we received shows us that a political framework is needed“. The subsequent political meeting focussed on the Role of bioplastics in the realisation of the European Green Deal targets and focussed on key processes such as the framework for bioplastics and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

This year, the leading business and networking platform for bioplastics took place in a hybrid format and attracted over 320 participants. Around 140 participants attended in person, while the others were able to follow the conference online and actively participate.

Source: European Bioplastics e.V.