The European Commission has presented its new bioeconomy strategy - with clear signals for the transformation of the packaging industry towards bio-based, recyclable and low-fossil plastic solutions. Packaging is one of the lead markets in which bio-based materials are to be expanded particularly strongly in the future.
The strategy defines bio-based plastics and polymer-based packaging materials as key growth markets. The EU sees great potential in them to replace fossil raw materials and create new value chains at the same time.
Relevant examples for the packaging industry:
- Bio-based and biodegradable films
- Plastics from algae, plant residues or by-products of food processing
- Polymeric materials for flexible packaging and rigid applications
- Bio-based barrier materials and functional coatings
The strategy therefore addresses both monomaterial solutions and more complex packaging structures.
Regulatory drivers: bio-based content to become more mandatory
The Commission has announced that it will anchor specific targets for bio-based ingredients in relevant EU legislation. This explicitly concerns packaging, as it represents one of the largest areas of plastic use.
For the packaging industry, this means
- Increasing demand for certified bio-based plastics
- New product development opportunities for brands and processors
- Potential pressure on fossil polymers due to political targets
Strengthening the market ramp-up of new biopolymers
The planned „Alliance for a Bio-based Europe“ could also act as a procurement platform, as companies are to commit to procuring bio-based solutions worth 10 billion euros by 2030 - including packaging applications.
Accelerating innovation: Less bureaucracy for new packaging materials
A key aspect of the strategy is the streamlining of authorisation and assessment procedures for bio-based materials - a decisive factor for packaging companies developing new plastics or coatings.
Planned are:
- Faster authorisation channels for innovative bio-based packaging plastics
- Facilitated market access for material-neutral innovations
- more EU funding for pilot and demonstration plants in the packaging industry
- a portfolio of bankable projects to mobilise private capital
This should significantly shorten the path „from the laboratory to the packaging line“.
Biomass as a source of raw materials for the packaging industry
In order to enable bio-based plastic packaging on an industrial scale, the EU is paying particular attention to sustainable biomass supply. In future, packaging companies should increasingly focus on:
- Residual and side streams (e.g. agricultural or food waste),
- organic waste,
- and lignocellulose-based resources
can access. This reduces dependence on primary agricultural raw materials and strengthens the circular economy, according to Brussels.
Perspective: European packaging industry to assume global leadership role
According to the Commission, Europe is well positioned to play a leading global role in the field of bio-based packaging - thanks to strong research, a large packaging industry and growing biorefinery capacities.
The advantages for the packaging industry:
- New business areas for sustainable plastics
- Reduced dependence on fossil polymers
- Improved carbon footprint of packaging portfolios
- Greater security of supply for brands and FMCG manufacturers
- Opportunities for premium segments through bio-based innovation
Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera emphasises that the bioeconomy is „the key to combining prosperity with environmental protection“ - also in the area of packaging.
Source: European Commission
