Biodegradable Plastics

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

The EU has corrected the application date and technical cross-references for polymer biodegradability criteria in fertilizers, setting a definitive compliance deadline of October 17, 2028. Manufacturers must adjust implementation schedules and product instructions for coating agents and water retention polymers to ensure alignment with the clarified regulatory framework.

26 Mar 2026, 11:47data.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

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

Hawaii is proposing a formal study to evaluate the accuracy and potential deceptiveness of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labeling. This initiative signals a move toward stricter enforcement of green claims, requiring businesses to prepare for increased scrutiny and potential future alignment with rigorous environmental labeling standards.

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 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

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 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

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

The Dutch RIVM has published a study advocating for mandatory standards to reduce microplastic emissions from clothing and footwear, citing the inadequacy of voluntary measures. Textile and footwear manufacturers should prepare for a potential shift from voluntary guidelines to binding design and material requirements aimed at minimizing fiber shedding and synthetic content.

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'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

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

Mississippi has introduced legislation (HB 638) to ban the intentional outdoor release of non-biodegradable balloons, effective July 2026 if passed. The proposal signals increasing state-level scrutiny of single-use plastics and litter, requiring businesses to transition toward strictly compliant materials 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 has introduced legislation to ban non-biodegradable plastic ring connectors for beverage multipacks starting October 2026. Manufacturers and retailers must accelerate the shift toward biodegradable packaging solutions to ensure compliance and avoid enforcement actions under state environmental laws.

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 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

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

Florida House Bill 1523 proposes a mandatory phased reduction of food and single-use plastic waste across all K-12 school districts by 2030. This signals a shift toward circular procurement and waste management infrastructure, creating demand for compostable packaging and reusable alternatives in the public sector.

12 Jan 2026, 15:58flsenate.govUnited States

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

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 should prioritize the transition to PFAS-free or reusable alternatives to maintain market access and mitigate the risk of daily civil penalties.

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

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

New Zealand has consolidated its single-use plastic regulations, tightening restrictions on drinking straws and mandating home compostability for produce labels as of December 2025. Businesses must accelerate the transition to compliant alternatives as phased 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 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