EU ban on disposable plastic: an opportunity for biobased products: Less single-use plastic wrapping of vegetables and fruit

The European Parliament agreed on 21 May of this year to ban disposable plastic. Plastic disposable cutlery, straws and cotton buds are forbidden from 2021, as well as certain types of plastic packaging material. Also, Member States must collect  90 percent of all plastic bottles in 2029 and they should consist for 30% out of recycled material. Member States have to reduce the use of other disposable products, such as plastic cups, in other ways.

From now on, producers also need to contribute to collection, transport and processing of plastic waste.

In 2025 supermarkets would like to reduce the number of plastic containers on the shelves with 20%. More and more products in the supermarket are wrapped in plastic. Especially in plastic wrapped vegetable and fruit are a thorn in the flesh for many people. Remove all packaging, however, is not feasible, because it is often for vulnerable products. For example strawberries or pears must have a shelf life and be safe to eat and therefore well packed. However, if it is possible, all necessary packaging is from 100% recyclable material.

The decision of the European Parliament means an important impulse to develop ' plastic replacements ' on a biobased basis, such as from plant materials.