NEWS & FACTS

End of waste criteria for biodegradable packaging

There are four criteria required for a waste material to obtain end-of-waste status:[1] the substance or object is commonly used for specific purposes; there is an existing market or demand for the substance or object; the use is lawful (the substance or object fulfils the technical requirements for the specific purposes and meets the existing legislation and standards applicable to products); the use will not lead to overall adverse environmental or human health impacts. Furthermore, Read more…

By USABLE PACKAGING, ago

Top 10 emerging technologies for 2019

Great news for all USABLE PACKAGING partners: A new report by the World  Economic Forum has listed “Bioplastics for a circular economy” No 1 in a list of the Top Ten emerging technologies of 2019.  An international Steering Committee of leading technology experts worked to identify some of the breakthrough innovations that are expected to radically impact the global social and economic order. “Biodegradable plastics can ease the problem of plastic debris killing wildlife, releasing Read more…

By USABLE PACKAGING, ago

What is biodegradable packaging?

Only compostable packaging materials adhering to the EN13432 standard can be considered ”biodegradable” in the context of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/92, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 96/82 and the Essential Requirements and additionally the Directive on Single Use Plastics (article 3, 16). Packaging materials adhering to the EN13432 standard demonstrate conformity with the Essential Requirements and end-of-waste criteria when organically recovered through composting and anaerobic digestion into compost or digestate produced to the national Read more…

By USABLE PACKAGING, ago

Getting biowaste to recovery, i.e. is it a permitted waste input?

Biowaste collections should allow the simultaneous collection of compostable packaging, but before biowaste is submitted to recovery, it needs to be recognised as a permitted waste input. ​ Food waste should be defined as per the Waste Framework Directive Article 3 point b.4.: “bio-waste” means biodegradable garden and park waste, food and kitchen waste from households, offices, restaurants, wholesale, canteens, caterers and retail premises and comparable waste from food processing plants;” Further, biowaste should include Read more…

By USABLE PACKAGING, ago