Biobased Plastics

EU Commission Study Evaluates Bio-based Feedstock and Content Targets for Plastic Packaging Under PPWR (EU) 2025/40

An EC-commissioned nova-Institute study finalised in April 2026 assesses the technological, environmental, and market readiness of bio-based plastics for packaging under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, and proposes scenarios for binding bio-based content targets and treating bio-based and recycled content as equivalent tools for defossilisation. If taken up by the Commission, these recommendations would push packaging and polymer producers to secure certified sustainable biomass supply, invest in compatible recycling infrastructure, and redesign PPWR-compliant packaging around combined recycled and bio-based content to meet future circular-economy and climate requirements.

28 Apr 2026, 08:24media.licdn.comEuropean Union

United Kingdom Researchers Demonstrate Bio-Based Membrane for PFOA Removal

Researchers in the UK have developed a high-efficiency bio-based membrane capable of removing PFOA from water with closed-loop thermal regeneration. This technology signals a shift toward sustainable and circular remediation solutions as industrial PFAS discharge limits tighten globally.

27 Mar 2026, 18:42pubs.acs.orgUnited Kingdom

EU Council Revised Draft Conclusions on Bioeconomy Strategy Emphasise Bio-Based Materials and Biomass Sustainability

The EU Council is finalizing a strategic framework to accelerate the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy, with formal conclusions expected in March 2026. This signals a shift toward regulatory simplification for bio-based chemicals and materials, likely followed by new demand-side measures such as mandatory bio-based content requirements.

26 Mar 2026, 19:01data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy

The EU Council has adopted a 2040 strategic framework to accelerate biomanufacturing and transition the industrial base away from fossil-fuel dependence. This signals a long-term policy shift toward streamlined regulation and enhanced market incentives for bio-based chemicals, plastics, and circular materials.

19 Mar 2026, 19:31data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Hawaii HR195: DOH Study On Recyclable, Biodegradable And Compostable Labeling

Hawaii is initiating a formal study to assess the accuracy of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labeling against local waste infrastructure and federal standards. This signals a shift toward stricter state-level enforcement of environmental claims, likely leading to future legislative mandates that restrict green labeling to products that can be processed locally.

19 Mar 2026, 18:52capitol.hawaii.govUnited States

Netherlands RVO Schedules 2026 EKOO+ Subsidy Rounds and Webinars

The Netherlands has opened the 2026 application windows for EKOO+ subsidies supporting collaborative R&D in industrial decarbonization, biobased circularity, and renewable energy. Companies in the chemical and plastics sectors should accelerate consortium formation and align innovation roadmaps with 2035 market-entry requirements to secure funding for low-carbon technologies.

9 Mar 2026, 18:35rvo.nlNetherlands

EU JRC Policy Brief Examines Barriers And Enabling Measures For Bio-Based Plastics

The EU Joint Research Centre has identified high costs and feedstock constraints as primary barriers to scaling bio-based plastics, signaling a shift toward more targeted regulatory support. Strategic planning should account for potential mandatory bio-based content shares, restrictions on fossil-based alternatives in specific sectors, and rigorous new certification requirements for biomass sourcing.

9 Mar 2026, 15:18publications.jrc.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

OECD Publishes Report On Industry’s Net-zero Transition In Thailand’s Petrochemical And Plastics Sectors

The OECD has published a strategic roadmap for Thailand to decarbonize its petrochemical and plastics industries through bio-based feedstocks and carbon capture. Stakeholders should prepare for regulatory shifts including plastic pollution taxes, emissions trading, and mandatory bio-based content requirements.

6 Mar 2026, 13:55oecd.orgThailand

Germany Funds PerPlacsBio Research On Biodegradable Plastics In Agriculture And Forestry

Germany has launched the PerPlacsBio project to evaluate the practical application and environmental impact of biodegradable plastics in agriculture and forestry. This research will likely inform future policy on microplastics and soil health, signaling a potential shift toward mandatory biodegradable alternatives for high-leakage plastic applications.

23 Feb 2026, 14:25biooekonomie.deGermany

EU JRC Publishes Science-For-Policy Report on Bio-Based Textiles in a Sustainable and Circular Bioeconomy

The EU Joint Research Centre has released a strategic report outlining the role of bio-based textiles in achieving a circular bioeconomy and reducing fossil-fuel dependence. This evidence base signals future policy direction for textile sustainability, highlighting likely investment priorities in processing infrastructure and stricter sustainability criteria for bio-based synthetics.

23 Feb 2026, 13:58publications.jrc.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Chile: New Single-Use Plastics Law Obligations for Restaurants and Supermarkets Enter Into Force

Chile has implemented the next phase of its single-use plastics law, banning all single-use plastic items for on-premise dining and setting returnable bottle quotas for supermarkets. Food service and retail operators must transition to reusable or certified compostable packaging systems and adjust supply chains to meet mandatory returnable packaging targets.

22 Feb 2026, 15:45mma.gob.clChile

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/270 Imposes Provisional Anti-Dumping Duties on 1,4-Butanediol Imports From China, Saudi Arabia and the US

The EU has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on 1,4-Butanediol imports from China, Saudi Arabia, and the US as of February 2026. Downstream manufacturers in plastics, automotive, and electronics must anticipate significant cost increases and potential supply chain disruptions for this essential chemical intermediate.

12 Feb 2026, 10:48eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionChinaSaudi ArabiaUnited States

Japan Adopts Amended Green Purchasing Act Basic Policy And Publishes Consultation Results

Japan has finalized amendments to the Green Purchasing Act Basic Policy, introducing stricter eco-friendly procurement criteria and carbon footprinting requirements across 41 product categories. Manufacturers must align product specifications with these updated standards to maintain eligibility for government contracts and meet evolving market demands for circularity and transparency.

8 Feb 2026, 06:36env.go.jpJapan

UK BB-REG-NET Issues LCA Methodology Guidelines With Additional Impact Categories for Biobased and Biodegradable Materials

The UK BB-REG-NET has released new LCA guidelines introducing seven specific impact categories to ensure fairer environmental comparisons between fossil-based and bio-based materials. Companies should adopt these expanded metrics to accurately quantify the benefits of alternative materials while addressing emerging regulatory focus on persistence and microplastic formation.

5 Feb 2026, 14:37bb-reg-net.org.ukUnited Kingdom

Chile Publishes Implementing Regulation for Law 21.368 on Single-Use Plastics and Plastic Bottles

Chile has published the final implementing regulation for its Single-Use Plastics Law, establishing technical standards for compostable plastics and escalating recycled content mandates for beverage bottles. Companies must now operationalize domestic recycling supply chains and comply with strict certification and labeling requirements to maintain market access for plastic packaging and beverages.

14 Jan 2026, 20:10bcn.clChile

Washington Legislature Proposes Litter Task Force and Plastic Carryout Bag Amendments

Washington prefiles legislation to establish a litter task force and maintain current minimum thickness standards for reusable plastic carryout bags. Businesses benefit from the removal of a planned 2028 thickness increase but should prepare for potential new waste-reduction mandates following the task force's 2027 recommendations.

9 Jan 2026, 08:50lawfilesext.leg.wa.govUnited States

Florida Legislature Proposes Uniform Standards For Local Drinking Straw And Stirrer Regulations

Florida has introduced SB 958 to establish uniform state standards for local drinking straw and stirrer regulations, requiring local ordinances to align with specific material criteria by January 2027. This proposal signals a shift toward certified renewable and marine-biodegradable materials while aiming to harmonize fragmented local rules and address PFAS concerns in food contact products.

8 Jan 2026, 16:07flsenate.govUnited States

Washington State Senate Prefiles SB 5965 To Reduce Environmental Impacts Of Retail Bags

Washington State has proposed a total ban on film plastic carryout bags and an increase in mandatory paper bag fees effective January 2028. Businesses must transition to high-recycled-content paper or cloth alternatives while ensuring packaging meets strict new compostability and labeling standards to avoid significant civil penalties.

7 Jan 2026, 09:10lawfilesext.leg.wa.govUnited States

Florida Lawmakers Propose Ban On Paper Straws At Restaurants Citing PFAS Health Risks

Florida has introduced legislation to ban paper straws in food service due to PFAS contamination risks, effective upon passage. This signals a regulatory pivot toward certified compostable and marine-biodegradable materials, forcing a re-evaluation of alternative material safety and supply chains.

4 Jan 2026, 16:39foxnews.comUnited States

Florida Senate Proposes Uniform Standards for Local Regulation of Drinking Straws and Stirrers

Florida is proposing a state-level framework to standardize local regulations on drinking straws, prioritizing certified bio-based and compostable materials over PFAS-containing alternatives. Manufacturers must prepare for a shift toward rigorous third-party certifications for biodegradability to maintain market access and comply with emerging uniform state standards.

23 Dec 2025, 12:45flsenate.govUnited States