brussels, 5 march 2014. with the participation of industry experts, eu policy makersand ngos, the european bioplastics high level panel debate on &lsquoa future for lightweightplastic bags in europe&rsquo reaffirmed that the characteristics and dual use of biodegradableplastic bags makes them a key contributor to enhanced resource efficiency andreduced littering in the eu.françois de bie, chairman of european bioplastics, commented on the commission&rsquos proposaland the future for plastic bags in europe &ldquowe agree with the commission and believethat there should indeed be a reduction in lightweight plastic bags consumption in europe.however, we also believe that it is important to recognise valid and readily available alternativesto traditional fossil based lightweight plastic bags. biodegradable plastic bags that complywith standard en 13432 should be exempted from the measures that member states areallowed to take to tackle consumption of lightweight plastic bags.&rdquothe idea of an exemption for biodegradable plastic bags was endorsed by cohost mepelisabetta gardini, who has proposed such an exemption in her amendments to the europeanparliament report on the proposal, due to be voted in the environment committee on 10march. also cohost mep judith merkies has acknowledged in one of her amendments thatbiodegradable bags can lower the environmental burden for member states.also taking part in the panel debate, marianne muller, policy officer in the commission&rsquoswaste management and recycling unit, explained the commission proposal in further detail.joan marc simon, director of zero waste europe called for ambitious measures by eu memberstates to ensure that plastic bag consumption is drastically reduced.the debate confirmed that biodegradable plastic bags are key components in any discussionon the future of plastic bags in europe. they facilitate the move towards a circular, greeneconomy and their dual use function will help reduce littering and improve waste managementin the eu.
