Biodegradable, biobased, and compostable plastics – find out why they are not compatible with our existing waste management infrastructure.
I joined the panel discussion at the InventU Sustainable Future Conference on March 13th to discuss the growing debate around biodegradable, biobased, and compostable plastics.
While these alternative materials have certain environmental benefits over fossil-based plastics, they aren’t yet compatible with our existing waste management infrastructure. Why?
- Consumers lack information/labelling on proper disposal.
- Sorting processes aren’t conceptulized to distinguish them. The right end-of-life treatment isn’t in place.
- But change is evident!
- The PPWR is pushing for greater adoption of alternative materials, meaning their volumes will increase significantly.
As we work towards plastic circularity, we will have to adapt the waste management and sorting infrastructure to accommodate these materials.
