EU Opens Consultation On Bio-Based Feedstock In Plastic Packaging

The Commission is gathering evidence until 13 January 2027 on bio-based plastic packaging under the PPWR review; the consultation sets no new content target.

Foresight

26 October 20262 min readAI-drafted, expert reviewed

The European Commission opened a public consultation on 21 October 2026 on bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging. Feedback is open until 13 January 2027. Packaging manufacturers, raw-material suppliers, recyclers and food-contact businesses are among the stakeholders invited to contribute. Commission announcement.

Evidence On Materials And Environmental Performance

The Commission seeks evidence on feedstock availability and performance, environmental impacts, sustainable sourcing and production, and the effects of possible regulatory approaches. It is considering potential measures to stimulate demand and increase bio-based content, alongside possible sustainability requirements. Consultation scope.

The Earlier PPWR Review Requirement

The consultation supports a review already required by Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2025/40, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The regulation was adopted on 19 December 2024 and published on 22 January 2025. Official regulation.

Article 8 requires the Commission to review the technological development and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging by 12 February 2028. That is the Commission's review deadline. It is not a new content-compliance deadline for packaging manufacturers. Article 8(1).

Possible Measures Require A Further Proposal

Where appropriate following the review, Article 8 provides for a legislative proposal on sustainability requirements and bio-based content targets. It also provides for considering bio-based feedstock as an alternative way to meet recycled-content targets where suitable food-contact recycling technologies are unavailable. Article 8(2).

The consultation itself sets no mandatory bio-based content percentage and grants no immediate option to replace required recycled content. The Commission says the feedback may inform a future legislative proposal. Commission announcement.

Official source

European Commission consultation announcement

environment.ec.europa.eu

Topics

Packaging and Packaging Waste

Questions about this change

When does the EU consultation on bio-based plastic packaging close?

The consultation closes on 13 January 2027. It supports the Commission’s Article 8 PPWR review, which has a separate deadline of 12 February 2028.

Does the EU bio-based packaging consultation allow manufacturers to replace required recycled content now?

No. Article 8 envisages a possible later legislative proposal, including a conditional alternative where suitable food-contact recycling technologies are unavailable. The consultation itself grants no such permission and sets no mandatory bio-based content target.