Checking the facts!

Why are biobased and biodegradable plastic not part of the solution to reduce plastic waste?

  • Clara Löw
    Senior Researcher Sustainable Products & Material Flows
  • Siddharth Prakash
    Head of Subdivision Circular Economy & Global Value Chain / Senior Researchers Sustainable Products & Material Flows
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This report has been prepared to provide simple assistance to CAP SEA partner organisations in their work. Science-based background knowledge on biobased and biodegradable plastic shall enable the partners to avoid regrettable substitution of single-use products. For instance, replacement of single-use plastic items with biobased or biodegradable variations should be avoided.

This paper aims to raise awareness for the need to consider the trade-offs in this context. Furthermore, it is to anticipate consequences of material decisions in terms of environmental impacts and end-of-life treatment.