In addition to its proposal for an EU Regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), the European Commission also released a Communication on a policy framework for biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics at the end of November. The Commission says the aim of the document is to create clarity for industry and consumers and to establish which application areas offer "genuine environmental advantages”.
The document is not legally binding but points to the relevant existing EU rules relating to certain aspects. Moreover, according to the Commission, the policy framework is meant to "guide” future EU work in this area, including eco-design requirements for sustainable products, funding programmes and discussions on the international level. The Commission encourages citizens, public authorities and businesses to use this framework in their policy, investment or purchasing decisions....
