How bioplastics can shape global plastic policy

Jack McKeivor, Global Public Affairs Manager, TotalEnergies Corbion

As the world grapples with the escalating plastic waste crisis, the need for sustainable alternatives has become more urgent than ever. In the lead-up to the final UN Plastics Treaty negotiations this November, there is growing attention on the role of bioplastics in addressing both environmental and economic challenges. With regulatory frameworks evolving and industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, bioplastics, and in particular PLA play an important role in the transition to a circular economy by reducing carbon footprint and offering viable end of life solutions.

Addressing misconceptions about bioplastics

One of the major challenges we face in the bioplastics industry is the lack of understanding about what bioplastics are and what they can achieve. Despite their potential, bioplastics have been unfairly penalised by restrictive legislation in some regions, particularly in Europe.

For example, compostable bioplastics have often been limited to niche applications like sticky fruit labels, coffee pads and tea bags, with little interest shown in their broader potential. This narrow approach overlooks the countless applications that bioplastics could fulfil to support a truly circular economy. As the international community considers new policies, we cannot afford for the limitations of the PPWR to be repeated in a binding global treaty.

The keys to overcoming these hurdles are education and advocacy. At TotalEnergies Corbion, and within the broader industry, we are working to clarify the benefits of bioplastics and correct misconceptions that may exist. It’s important to emphasise that bioplastics like PLA (polylactic acid) can be recyclable, compostable and perform very well under the right conditions, making them an essential tool in reducing plastic waste. With enhanced properties, PLA has the potential to serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, offering comparable performance while reducing environmental impact.

By raising awareness about their end-of-life options, such as organic recycling, we aim to create a more favourable regulatory environment that recognises the value of these materials in a circular economy. Presently, bioplastics don’t get the attention or recognition they should have within current policy debates. The future of plastic should not be considered without the role of bioplastics.

The UN Plastics Treaty: what’s at stake for bioplastics?

The upcoming 5^th session of the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan represents a pivotal moment for the global plastics industry. These discussions will shape how plastics are regulated worldwide and set the tone for future investments in sustainable alternatives such as bioplastics.

The treaty’s potential to support bioplastics goes beyond recognition; bioplastics need explicit endorsement from UNEP so that countries can access the technology required to meet climate targets. Ideally, the treaty would include an article dedicated specifically to bioplastics. However, this would only be effective if UNEP has engaged with the industry to fully understand bioplastics' unique benefits, in the case of PLA, the renewable feedstocks, and specialised end-of-life solutions. A commitment from the UN could inspire countries to create robust frameworks that enable the scalable adoption of bioplastics and compostable materials.

The bioplastics industry is prepared to make its case. We’re committed to ensuring that bioplastics are well-represented in the negotiations and that their potential to contribute to global sustainability efforts is fully understood. Whether a resolution will be reached at this session remains to be seen, but the goal is to secure clear, robust guidelines that support innovation and sustainable practices.

Regardless of the immediate outcome, it’s clear that bioplastics will need to play a vital role in any long-term strategy to reduce plastic waste and lower carbon footprints. Our aim is to ensure that the treaty acknowledges bioplastics not just as a niche product, but as a material that can be integrated into mainstream waste management systems and supply chains.

The circular economy and the role of PLA bioplastics

In a truly circular economy, the aim is to keep materials in use for as long as possible, minimising waste and making the most of natural resources. PLA bioplastics are uniquely positioned to support this vision, providing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics with improved end-of-life management. Made from renewable resources like sugarcane, PLA contributes to a truly circular economy. The industry is poised for growth – global production capacity is expected to grow by 300% from 2023 – 2028.

A critical part of achieving this is the recognition of organic recycling as a mainstream waste management option. When bioplastics like PLA are composted properly, they can break down without leaving behind persistent and harmful microplastics. This is a critical advantage over conventional plastics, as shown in a recent meta-study by HYDRA Marine Sciences. Ongoing innovations in chemical recycling, such as the Hydrolysis for PLA, offer promising ways for more energy efficient recycling processes.

Despite the potential of bioplastics, there remain concerns about their compatibility with existing recycling infrastructure. Some critics argue that bioplastics may contaminate traditional waste streams, though recent advancements in waste sorting technology, such as Near-Infrared (NIR) technology, are mitigating this issue. As waste management systems continue to evolve, we are confident that bioplastics will be increasingly recognised as a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. However, we urge the industry to place more focus in terms of investment and R&D in this space for it to reach its full potential at scale – and fast.

Shaping policy to support innovation

Policy plays a crucial role in determining the success of bioplastics. Currently, we are working closely with industry partners through European Bioplastics (EUBP) to influence key regulatory frameworks such as the secondary legislation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), slated to run until 2027. The goal is to ensure that these regulations not only address the challenges posed by plastic waste but also encourage innovation and the adoption of bioplastics as part of the solution in contributing towards EU’s climate and economic ambitions. If the continent aims to reach its legally binding target of climate neutrality by 2050, it must include bioplastics as a part of the solution.

Bioplastics are an important part of the broader toolkit needed to transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. For this reason, it’s essential that policies support their development and use them in a way that aligns with environmental and economic goals. We are advocating for regulations that are forward-looking, that recognise the potential of compostable and recyclable materials, and that allow bioplastics to make their full contribution to global sustainability efforts.

Looking ahead

As industries and governments continue to seek solutions to the plastic waste problem, bioplastics are gaining attention as a high performing, sustainable alternative. With the right regulatory frameworks and continued innovation, bioplastics can help reduce the amount of plastic waste going to landfills and oceans, contributing to the development of a circular economy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

At TotalEnergies Corbion, we remain committed to playing an active role in these conversations. The future of bioplastics is promising, but it relies on collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, brand owners and other stakeholders to realise its full potential. The upcoming UN Plastics Treaty meeting is just one step in a long journey, but it is a critical opportunity to set the stage for a more sustainable future.

To learn more about what we’re doing in this space, please connect with Jack McKeivor: jack.mckeivor@totalenergies-corbion.com

Originally published at: https://www.sustainableplastics.com/news/opinion-how-bioplastics-can-shape-global-plastic-policy