Biobased Plastics

United Kingdom Researchers Demonstrate Bio-Based Membrane for PFOA Removal

Researchers in the UK have demonstrated a high-efficiency, bio-based membrane for removing PFOA from water with a closed-loop thermal regeneration capability. While currently at the research stage, this development offers a potential sustainable alternative to traditional filtration media 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 strategic framework for a sustainable bioeconomy, setting a 2040 vision to scale up biomanufacturing and reduce fossil-fuel dependence. This signals a long-term policy shift toward streamlined regulation and increased market support for bio-based chemicals, plastics, and circular industrial materials.

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

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

Hawaii has proposed a study to evaluate the accuracy of 'recyclable,' 'biodegradable,' and 'compostable' labels against local infrastructure and federal standards. This initiative signals a move toward stricter state-level enforcement of green claims, potentially leading to legislative mandates that align product labeling with actual waste processing capabilities.

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

Netherlands RVO Schedules 2026 EKOO+ Subsidy Rounds and Webinars

Netherlands RVO has announced the 2026 application windows for the EKOO+ subsidy schemes, targeting collaborative R&D in industrial decarbonization, biobased circularity, and renewable energy. Chemical and plastics manufacturers should prioritize consortium building and project alignment with 2035 market-entry targets to secure funding for low-carbon and circular technology development.

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 production costs and feedstock sustainability as the primary barriers to scaling bio-based plastics, which currently represent only 0.5% of global output. Businesses should anticipate future regulatory instruments including mandatory bio-based content shares, sector-specific fossil-based restrictions, and enhanced 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, carbon pricing, and carbon capture. Stakeholders should prepare for potential regulatory shifts including plastic pollution taxes, emissions trading, and updated licensing for bio-based chemical manufacturing.

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 implemented new single-use plastic bans for on-premise dining and returnable bottle quotas for supermarkets effective February 2026. Operators must transition to certified compostable or reusable packaging systems to ensure compliance and maintain market access.

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 (BDO) imports from China, Saudi Arabia, and the US, effective February 6, 2026. Manufacturers in the plastics, automotive, and electronics sectors should prepare for increased supply chain costs and potential sourcing shifts for this critical 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 (February 2026), tightening eco-friendly procurement criteria across 41 product categories and adding new requirements for carbon footprinting and mass-balance biomass. Manufacturers must align product specifications—including recycled content, energy efficiency, and sustainability labeling—with these updated standards to maintain eligibility for government contracts and meet rising market expectations for circularity.

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's BB-REG-NET has introduced a new LCA framework designed to eliminate bias against bio-based and biodegradable materials by adding seven specific impact categories, including persistence and microplastic formation. Businesses should prepare for more rigorous environmental reporting requirements that better reflect the benefits and risks of alternative materials compared to traditional fossil-based plastics.

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 finalized the implementing regulation for its Single-Use Plastics Law, setting strict technical standards for compostable plastics and escalating recycled content mandates for beverage bottles. Companies must secure certified sustainable packaging and meet mandatory returnable bottle quotas, necessitating long-term supply chain adjustments to comply with domestic recycling and traceability requirements.

14 Jan 2026, 20:10bcn.clChile

Washington Legislature Proposes Litter Task Force and Plastic Carryout Bag Amendments

Washington prefiles HB 2284 to establish a statewide litter task force and freeze minimum thickness requirements for reusable plastic carryout bags. Operators gain regulatory certainty through the cancellation of a planned 2028 thickness increase, though they should monitor the task force for future waste-reduction mandates.

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

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

Florida has proposed SB 958 to establish uniform state standards for local ordinances regulating drinking straws and stirrers, effectively pre-empting non-compliant municipal bans. Businesses must prepare for a shift toward certified renewable and compostable materials, as local rules would be restricted to allowing only products meeting specific bio-based and marine-biodegradable criteria.

8 Jan 2026, 16:07flsenate.govUnited States

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

Washington State has introduced SB 5965 to ban all film plastic carryout bags and increase mandatory paper bag fees by January 2028. Retailers and packaging suppliers must prepare for a shift toward high-recycled-content paper or cloth alternatives while ensuring compliance with new labeling and compostability standards.

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 to centralize drinking straw regulations, requiring local governments to permit products that meet specific bio-based and compostability certifications. This shift away from PFAS-containing paper alternatives toward certified biodegradable materials will require manufacturers to validate product compliance through rigorous third-party testing.

23 Dec 2025, 12:45flsenate.govUnited States

Defra Publishes Post-Implementation Review of England's Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers Regulations

Defra's review of England's single-use plastic bans confirms environmental benefits but identifies widespread non-compliance in the retail and hospitality sectors. Companies should prepare for intensified market surveillance and stricter scrutiny of 'biodegradable' or 'reusable' claims on alternative products.

23 Dec 2025, 12:36gov.ukUnited Kingdom