Leading experts nominated by academies from across Europe, among them Michael Sander (ETH Zurich), nominated by the Swiss Academies, conclude that biodegradable plastic has a role to play in reducing the accumulation of plastics in the environment.
However, its role is limited to some specific applications. In other cases, it would be better to reduce the amount of plastic we use — or to re-use it, recycle it or compost it in industrial plants where possible. The scholars also stress that calling something ‘biodegradable’ does not mean that it will biodegrade in all conditions.
The report was produced under the aegis of the consortium Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA). With its reports, SAPEA informs the work of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) towards the European Commission. The SAPEA biodegradability report fed into the GCSA’s report with policy recommendations.
Edition / Volume: Evidence Review Report, 8
Pages: 228 p.
Standard identifier: ISBN 978-3-9820301-8-0 / DOI 10.26356/biodegradabilityplastics
The recommendations of this report shall inform the European Commission’s forthcoming policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.
Image: Group of Chief Scientific Advisors
Plastic pollution is a growing problem worldwide, raising concerns of risk to the environment, animal and human health.
Image: SAPEADr. Roger Pfister
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