Today, European and French regulations strongly encourage the use of recycled and biobased plastics. The goal is clear: to reduce waste and limit the carbon footprint by making recycling a cornerstone of the circular economy.
But this approach still too often relegates biobased plastics to the background.
Although derived from renewable resources (primarily plant-based), biobased plastics are not incompatible with recycling. On the contrary, they can play a complementary and strategic role in the transition to more sustainable materials and, in some cases, can be integrated into existing recycling systems.
To move forward effectively, it is advisable to adopt a more balanced perspective:
- Support both the use of recycled materials and the development of biobased plastics
- But also to ensure that the end-of-life process is best suited to the product’s intended use (recyclability, compostability, in situ biodegradability).
Current and future regulations therefore have a key role to play: recognizing biobased plastics as solutions in their own right, capable of contributing to the reduction of environmental impact, raw material self-sufficiency, and local industrial innovation.
A Necessary Evolution of the Regulatory Framework at the European Level
For many years, numerous initiatives—at the European, national, and regional levels—have supported research and industrial development in the field of biobased plastics. As part of the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy, however, it is essential to ensure equitable treatment among the various alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
This involves, in particular:
- Regulatory recognition of biobased plastics on the same level as recycled plastics
- The implementation of dedicated support measures (funding, tax incentives, innovation support)
- Easier integration of biobased plastics into application markets and existing recycling systems
When this integration proves difficult, the development of specific end-of-life management systems should be encouraged, particularly through:
- Targeted Investments
- Standardization of Materials
- Better coordination among stakeholders in the value chain
At the Member State level
To ensure a consistent rollout of alternatives to fossil-based plastics in Europe, some harmonization of national policies is necessary.
Approaches that differ too widely could create distortions of competition, hinder market access, or slow down innovation.
However, this harmonization must remain flexible.
Each country has its own specific characteristics that are important to take into account:
- Availability of biomass resources
- Local Industrial Structure
- Existing Application Markets
- Existing end-of-life management systems
The challenge, therefore, is to strike the right balance between a common European vision and appropriate local adaptations
Expected Impacts
The development of biobased plastics represents a strategic opportunity—both environmental and economic.
In particular, their production could become more firmly established in rural areas, close to biomass resources. This would make it possible to:
- Meeting Growing Demand
- Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
- Strengthening Local Economic Dynamics
Today, only 25% of biobased plastics are produced in Europe. This situation limits industrial sovereignty and exposes the sector to fluctuations in international markets.
Enabling the development of European production facilities would help secure supplies, stabilize markets, and build a more robust regional ecosystem.
For biomass producers, this opens up new opportunities for value creation, particularly through higher-value-added markets.
For manufacturers, this means a more transparent, stable market that is better aligned with European sustainability requirements.
A more local and sustainable approach
The development of shorter supply chains—by bringing production, processing, and the use of materials closer together—is also a key driver.
This approach helps reduce transportation-related emissions, improve the traceability of raw materials, and encourage more sustainable agricultural practices.
In this context, it is essential to support the development of biobased plastics production capacity, particularly in rural areas, through:
- Appropriate Public Policies
- Dedicated funding mechanisms
- Partnerships between public and private sector entities
This initiative is fully aligned with the European goals of carbon neutrality, balanced regional development, and industrial sovereignty.