Compostable by design platform

GORINCHEM, The Netherlands, 23^rd May 2024 – The recently agreed provisional text of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) mentions a limited list of applications designed for composting with a transitional period for member states to nationally amend this list. It is therefore time for the compostable products value chain to put effort in showing the benefits of their products and that it can fit the existing waste management system. 

By the end of 2023, the Compostable By Design Platform (CBDP) was launched in Europe with TotalEnergies Corbion has one of the steering group members. The platform gathers stakeholders representing the entire value chain from raw material producers, converters, brand owners to waste management organizations as well as testing and certification bodies. 

Maelenn Ravard, TotalEnergies Corbion’s Sustainability Manager, said: “TotalEnergies Corbion is proud to be part of this initiative participating actively in building a favorable future for compostable packaging.”

The objectives of the platform are to: 

• Ensure compostable materials are accepted for organic recycling at scale in Europe, thereby supporting the increase of biowaste recycling and increasing the quantity and quality of the compost produced.    
• Improve the circularity of materials that are contaminated with food waste or likely to end up being disposed of with organic waste.
• Establish pathways for compostable materials to be processed by the right technology provider and infrastructure.

To deliver on these key objectives, members are working on a protocol for field testing of compostable materials as well as drafting a guideline document for design for composting. Strengthening the benefits of the project and increasing the chances of proposing a viable future for compostable products in EU, it is a unique place where all voices are heard and valued, from the production to the end of life.

The platform is independent from other industry association and is meant for technical discussions which will built the foundation for future advocacy discussions.