European current standardization for plastic packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation

Abstract

In this work current European standardization and a novel draft on the usage of biodegradable and compostable plastics in packaging sector are reviewed. The state members of the European Community follow the directive 92/64 EC that harmonizes the national measures concerning the management of packaging and packaging waste. Nevertheless, in this directive only a very brief part is dedicated to compostable and biodegradable materials. Therefore a draft of European standard was elaborated about the requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation and it will probably be approved within a few months.

Introduction

Plastics can be considered the last generation of artificial materials that man has created. In a few decades these compounds have revolutionized our daily life.

At present, the world production of polymeric materials is around 100 million tons and, contrary to the other materials, their recycling is not easy mainly due to thermodynamic reasons.

In the last 20 years the production and the use of plastic materials is increasing the problem of waste disposal and the growing interest in environmental impact has directed research to the development of plastics that degrade rapidly, leading to a complete mineralization or bioassimilation [1]. Thus, such materials offer a possible alternative to the traditional non-biodegradable polymers especially when their recycling is difficult or not economical. However, industrial demand for these materials will grow only when their characteristics become well known and more infrastructure for their composting is available. Moreover, to obtain a rapid spread of these plastic materials another obstacle should be overcome: the lack of a single set of rules in Europe about packaging and in particular about biodegradable packaging [2]. The aim of this work is to review the latest regulations and the ones that are in progress in Europe.