Brief me
- Bio-based plastics are derived from biomass feedstock. They are generally considered as a positive alternative to conventional plastics for their contribution in reducing GHG emissions.
- Bio-based and biodegradable plastics account for ~0.5% of the total plastics production in 2025. Global annual production capacity is ~2.3 Mt, expected to grow to 4.7 Mt by 2030.
- Between 2014 and 2023, the European rubber and bio-based plastic sector provided on average EUR 3.2 billion added value and 57,000 jobs every year; 25-30% of which are related to manufacturing and production of bio-based plastics.
- The European bio-based plastic industry could potentially grow, relying on domestic feedstock, which would bring socio-economic advantages and help improve recyclability and end-of-life management.
Find out more in the brief and discover more resources in Explore further.
Explore further
Relevant policies on bio-based plastics
Explore the EU policy framework and discover how it supports the development of the bio-based plastic sector.
Data on bio-based plastics
Consult relevant datasets made available by high profile institutions.
Reports on bio-based plastics
Access the latest studies on bio-based plastics.
Networks and expert groups on bio-based plastics
Explore platforms, clusters and working groups with a focus on bio-based plastics.
Latest knowledge
Knowledge gaps impeding plastic governance in the European Union
This paper offers an analysis of critical knowledge gaps that impede effective plastic governance across plastic life cycles. Through a multi-stage process drawing on structured expert...
New EU packaging rules start to apply, including restrictions on PFAS in food-contact packaging
From 12 August, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) applies across the EU. The PPWR establishes a harmonised framework for packaging and packaging waste in the Single Market. The new...
Overview of projects on bio-based plastics
The data shown in this visualisation is a result of a search in the CORDIS (Community Research and Development Information Service) database under the programmes called FP5, FP6, FP7, H2020 and Horizon...
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