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.
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Brief on Bio-based plastics in a sustainable and circular bioeconomy
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Relevant policies on bio-based plastics
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Data on bio-based plastics
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Networks and expert groups on bio-based plastics
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