Bioploymers Need Careful Introduction, Says WRAP

New ‘green’ biopolymer plastics need to be introduced with care if potential environmental benefits are to be maximised, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) consumer research has shown.

The research has found that, most consumers are confused about the wide range of new materials emerging with ‘biodegradable’, ‘home compostable’, ‘compostable’  and ‘degradable’ all being introduced in the UK as bags, pots, trays, films or bottle formats, albeit in relatively small quantities at present.

The WRAP commissioned research involved over 400 respondents across the UK and was undertaken to establish better understanding of the public’s knowledge and perceptions of the new packaging materials and to try and determine what householders would do with the packaging on disposal – something that is appears often not to be considered when biopolymers are introduced.

According to the research, consumers initially rate biodegradable and compostable plastics very favourably as they believe they just ‘break down’ after disposal. However, when made aware of some of the possible impacts some of the biopolymers can have on plastics recycling, commercial composting or if sent to landfill sites, the respondents were less clear of the overall benefits, and were left feeling confused. Apart from some home compostable materials, there is currently no appropriate infrastructure for the materials to be collected and treated in the UK.

Prompted by the consumer research, WRAP is publishing a ‘statement’ on biopolymers to help set out some of the considerations brands and retailers should review when considering the use of biodegradable or compostable packaging materials. This clarifies some of the definitions used, and factors to consider regarding disposal and environmental impact.

The research and statement can be accessed from the WRAP website www.wrap.org.uk/retail or from retail@wrap.org.uk

Commenting on the issue WRAP executive director Phillip Ward said: “There is a lot of confusion about compostable packaging and biopolymers, both amongst consumers and in industry. Some of these new materials do have great potential, but it is vital that they are introduced carefully, with the correct infrastructure in place, so that they can be dealt with properly once they have been used. We believe the material producers and retailers using these new materials have a responsibility for introducing them in a responsible and coordinated manner.”

According to WRAP, clear labelling and guidelines for products is vital along with a better understanding of the full environmental benefits of the new materials. WRAP and other stakeholders are working with the Composting Association to modify standard tests and provide a certification service for home compostable packaging, and provide guidance on “compostable” claims that such items carry. WRAP is also planning several areas of work with key groups in the sector to review the options and impacts for collecting biopolymers via the plastic recyclables and food waste collection routes.