Biodegradable Plastics

EU Corrects Application Date and Annex Reference in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2770 on Polymer Biodegradability Criteria

The European Union has finalized the compliance timeline and technical references for polymer biodegradability requirements in fertilizing products, establishing a firm application date of October 2028. Companies must ensure that product development cycles and labeling for coating agents and water retention polymers align with these clarified standards to maintain market access.

26 Mar 2026, 11:47data.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

Hawaii Senate SCR 136 (2026) Requests Study Of Recyclable, Biodegradable And Compostable Labelling

Hawaii has initiated a formal study to assess the accuracy and potential deceptiveness of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labeling. This move signals a transition toward stricter enforcement of green claims, necessitating a review of environmental marketing substantiation to mitigate future regulatory risks.

18 Mar 2026, 16:26legiscan.comUnited States

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

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

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

Netherlands RIVM Publishes Study On Reducing Microplastics Emissions From Clothing And Footwear

The Dutch RIVM has released a study advocating for mandatory standards to curb microplastic emissions from clothing and footwear, signaling a shift away from voluntary industry measures. Manufacturers should anticipate future regulatory pressure to adopt binding design requirements and material restrictions aimed at minimizing synthetic fiber shedding across the textile supply chain.

12 Feb 2026, 09:20rivm.nlNetherlands

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

Mississippi Legislature Proposes Ban On Outdoor Release And Discarding Of Non-Biodegradable Balloons

Mississippi has introduced legislation to ban the intentional outdoor release of non-biodegradable balloons starting July 2026. This move reflects tightening state-level restrictions on single-use plastics and waste, requiring businesses to shift toward biodegradable alternatives for outdoor events and marketing.

15 Jan 2026, 16:18billstatus.ls.state.ms.usUnited States

Maryland Legislature Proposes Biodegradable-Only Plastic Ring Connectors For Beverage Containers

Maryland is proposing a ban on non-biodegradable plastic ring connectors for beverage multipacks starting October 2026. Businesses must transition to biodegradable packaging materials to ensure continued market access and comply with expanding state-level environmental mandates.

15 Jan 2026, 07:36mgaleg.maryland.govUnited States

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

Florida House Bill 1523 Proposes School Food And Plastic Waste Reduction Policy

Florida House Bill 1523 proposes a mandatory phased elimination of single-use plastics and food waste across all K-12 school districts by 2030. This initiative drives a transition toward circular procurement and compostable materials, creating significant market opportunities for sustainable packaging and waste management solutions in the public sector.

12 Jan 2026, 15:58flsenate.govUnited States

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

Hawaii Legislature Proposes Ban On Single-Use Plastic Food Ware And PFAS-Containing Packaging From 2026 (SB1020)

Hawaii is advancing legislation to ban single-use plastic food ware and PFAS-containing packaging starting January 2026. Businesses must accelerate the transition to PFAS-free or reusable alternatives to avoid significant daily civil penalties and maintain market access.

4 Jan 2026, 12:57capitol.hawaii.govUnited States

New Zealand Updates Waste Minimisation Regulations On Single-Use Plastic Products

New Zealand has finalized consolidated rules for single-use plastics, implementing stricter bans on drinking straws and requiring home-compostable certification for produce labels. Companies must urgently transition to compliant alternatives as exemptions for integrated packaging and imported produce labels expire between 2026 and 2028.

23 Dec 2025, 13:28legislation.govt.nzNew Zealand

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

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 effectiveness while identifying widespread non-compliance in the retail and hospitality sectors. Companies should prepare for intensified market surveillance and stricter scrutiny of alternative product claims, particularly those marketed as biodegradable or reusable.

23 Dec 2025, 12:36gov.ukUnited Kingdom