Call for clarity on bio-plastics labelling

Many respondents also reflected widely expressed concerns that oxo-biodegradable plastics could pollute the environment with microplastics.

Responses to the consultation from Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Defra said current terms are confusing and can be overlapping. Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down into water, biomass, carbon dioxide and methane. Those which are ‘bio-based’ are made from natural plant-based polymers, such as starch or cellulose.

Some of these products are marketed as ‘compostable’, but industrial rather than domestic composting conditions are optimal. Plastics refered to ‘oxo-degradable’ or ‘oxo-biodegradable’, contain added prodegradant chemicals, designed to assist biodegradation.

Responses were generally positive about such products for reducing carbon impact, but there was caution on their potential environmental effects in the oceans and landfill.

There was a clear consensus that, for plastics containing prodegradant agents, the technologies are “unproven” and “likely to be a source of microplastic pollution”.

Biodegradable plastics were felt to have a limited but valid role, mainly when conventional plastic is too contaminated to be reused or recycled.

Respondents noted that manufacturing standards only exist for plastics suitable for industrial composting but not home composting. It was felt that compostable plastics should be encouraged only in specific circumstances.

The Government agreed that the term ‘bio-plastics’ is “ambiguous and offers little value to the public”.

It says labeling should be clear and explain whether products are bio-based and/or biodegradable and how they should be disposed of correctly. It notes: “Such clarity would bring benefits in waste management through helping to ensure different materials are sorted correctly.”

The Government said bio-based plastics, especially those made from organic sources such as food waste, could reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Compostable plastics also have the potential to ensure less food waste ends up in landfill.

It added: “It is essential that the right evidence is gathered to ensure that the solutions we chose today do not cause greater complications for tomorrow...we would welcome further research on the full environmental impacts of using bio-based plastics.”

The call for evidence was issued to inform implementation of the UK’s waste and resources and bio-economy strategies. Fifty-nine responses were received from the waste industry, campaigners, councils, universities and manufacturers. The Government’s ambition is to double the size of the UK’s bio-economy by 2030.