Policy and reports

𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆.

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy aims to position the nation as a global leader in technology-driven innovation by 2035, with Engineering Biology at its core, representing a £30 trillion global bioeconomy opportunity. However, this report highlights that outdated and fragmented regulations are stifling bio-based innovation, costing SMEs millions in lost value and jobs, and risking the UK’s competitiveness unless a clear, proportionate, and science-led regulatory framework is established.

As England prepares for the rollout of Simpler Recycling, the University of Birmingham Plastics Network, in consultation with experts from RECOUP, the UK’s leading independent authority and trusted voice on plastics resource efficiency and recycling, and the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), has conducted an analysis of the challenges that the implementation of simpler recycling will have on plastics circularity. Simpler Recycling (SR) aims to help meet the UK Government’s target of 65% recycling by 2035.

This report outlines outputs from the event, including key challenges and opportunities, and the collective
actions needed to build a secure, sustainable, and future-ready bio-based economy in the UK.

The global beauty industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the market expected to reach $418 billion by 2030. At the same time, the sector is undergoing a major transformation as biotechnology introduces sustainable alternatives like lab-grown and plant-based ingredients. However, fully integrating the bioeconomy into beauty operations remains challenging. Evolving and often fragmented regulatory frameworks pose barriers, particularly for smaller companies and innovators. This report is essential reading for professionals looking to stay ahead of market trends and lead in a bio-driven, responsible future.

In today’s world, chemicals often find themselves cast in a villainous light. From health warnings to environmental alarms, they’re seen as villains, their reputation tarnished. But while some chemicals do pose risks, it’s time to rethink the narrative. Many of the substances we fear are actually essential to the progress and functioning of modern society.

As we stand in 2025, we find ourselves at a pivotal midpoint between two significant milestones: the turn of the millennium and the globally agreed deadline to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The next 25 years represent a critical window for transformative action, and at the heart of this transformation lies the bioeconomy.

Read the letter we recently sent to policy makers and government officials about the bio-based sector is vital for the UK economy and net zero

BBIA report on the economic and environmental benefits of a transformative UK bioeconomy

The United States EPA has now ruled that the production of PET poses a health risk both to workers and to the surrounding community, including through pollution of water courses. This ruling creates a serious dilemma for the plastics industry as it will certainly now face considerable legal challenges to existing production sites and new ones planned.

BBIA response to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations call for submissions to guide development of a Voluntary Code of Conduct on the sustainable use of plastics in agriculture.

Systemiq has published another report, in time for the UN negotiations on the Plastic Treaty and the UN Climate Week in New York last month, on how to affront and resolve the plastic waste crisis.