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The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on the role of bio-based plastics in packaging policy across the EU.

The consultation, which opened on 21 October, forms part of the European Commission’s review under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Strategic Framework on a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy.

Stakeholders have until 13 January 2027 to submit evidence and feedback.

The Commission said the consultation will support its assessment of the technological development and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging, as well as the potential for measures to encourage greater use of bio-based feedstocks.

The PPWR provides a harmonised framework for packaging and packaging waste across the EU, with a focus on reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability and promoting more circular use of resources.

As part of its consultation, the Commission is seeking views on potential market demand measures and targets that could increase the use of bio-based feedstocks in plastic packaging.

These measures could potentially be accompanied by sustainability requirements covering the sourcing and production of bio-based feedstocks.

The Commission said increasing the use of sustainable alternatives to virgin fossil feedstocks could help reduce the EU’s reliance on imported fossil resources, strengthen strategic autonomy and lower the carbon footprint of the packaging sector.

However, it is seeking evidence to better understand the opportunities and potential trade-offs associated with bio-based plastics.

Stakeholders are being invited to provide practical experience and data covering the availability and performance of bio-based feedstocks, their environmental impacts and the sustainability of their sourcing and production.

The consultation will also examine the potential implications of different regulatory approaches, including the availability of suitable recycling technologies.

Input is being sought from across the packaging value chain, including packaging manufacturers and converters, raw-material suppliers, bio-based plastics producers, recyclers, food-contact packaging businesses, brand owners and retailers.

Consumer organisations, environmental NGOs, public authorities, research organisations and other interested parties are also encouraged to participate.

The feedback will help the Commission assess the opportunities, limitations and trade-offs associated with bio-based plastic packaging.

Following the consultation, the Commission may develop a legislative proposal establishing a framework to drive greater use of bio-based feedstocks in plastic packaging.

The consultation is initially available in English, with translations into the EU’s other official languages expected to follow.

The Commission’s review reflects the EU’s broader efforts to develop bioeconomy lead markets, with packaging identified as an area where bio-based materials could have a role.

Under Article 8 of the PPWR, the Commission is required to review technological developments and the environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging and assess whether further measures are needed.

Stakeholders can submit evidence and feedback through the Commission’s public consultation until 13 January 2027.