Policy and Reports

In this section of the website, policy documents issued by BBIA and others can be found alongside the many reports and studies issued by third parties that we believe are relevant to the bioeconomy.

European Biogas Association: Role of bioplastics

European Biogas Association: Role of bioplastics

A new report from the European Biogas Association on the role of bioplastics as highly supportive, stating that ‘the increasing use of bioplastics and their disposal within the organic fraction of municipal solid waste are a critical component for the future of waste management. To promote a circular economy, they need to be recovered to produce new materials and/or energy’. We hope that this clear statement will be echoed in the UK by operators and policy makers.

Carbon Clarity Commentary on the ‘Big Compost Experiment’ Published in the Journal Frontiers in Sustainability

Carbon Clarity Commentary on the ‘Big Compost Experiment’ Published in the Journal Frontiers in Sustainability

Response to findings from UCL’s Big Compost Experiment, noting that home composting is not an exact science, identifying limiting factors of a citizen science approach, and that UCL study’s conclusion that “home composting is not an effective or environmentally beneficial waste processing method for biodegradable or compostable packaging in the UK” is not accurate given the experimental methods used in the study.

How microplastics are infiltrating the food you eat

How microplastics are infiltrating the food you eat

BBC Future in depth article the widespread presence of plastic pollution, including microplastics, in various parts of the planet, including in the oceans, soils, and even in the food we eat.

The difficult relationship between science, citizen science, and mass communication. A negative example

The difficult relationship between science, citizen science, and mass communication. A negative example

A new paper from Francesco Degli-Innocenti, Senior Advisor at Novamont, developer and producer of bioplastics and biochemicals, presents how the citizen science results presented in University College London’s (UCL) recent study ‘The Big Compost Experiment’ have been misinterpreted. Francesco flags the misunderstanding of ‘citizen science’ as a key reason behind media shortfallings.

Seattle Organics report

Seattle Organics report

Seattle Public Utilities’ report ‘Addressing Compost Contamination in Seattle: a combination of policy and outreach’ takes a look into the history and future of the city’s compost programme. From 1989, when the separation of ‘yard waste from garbage was required’ to last year – when Washington State introduced labelling policies to reduce contamination. The report then considers the city’s next steps.

Climate Disruption Caused by a Decline in Marine Biodiversity and Pollution

Climate Disruption Caused by a Decline in Marine Biodiversity and Pollution

Recommended reading from the Scottish GOES Institute on how biodiversity loss, especially in oceans, is contributing to climate change. By pouring microplastics into our global commons we are killing off many microorganisms (eg plankton), so we reduce the rate at which oceans can absorb carbon according to the research.

BBIA response to EFRA report ‘The price of plastic: ending the toll of plastic waste’

BBIA response to EFRA report ‘The price of plastic: ending the toll of plastic waste’

Our analysis and response to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report ‘The price of plastic: ending the toll of plastic waste‘ that examines the issues around plastics waste and its impacts in the UK, and consequentially, abroad.

Sugar-to-What? An Environmental Merit Order Curve for Biobased Chemicals and Plastics

Sugar-to-What? An Environmental Merit Order Curve for Biobased Chemicals and Plastics

Research evaluating environmental impacts of different fermentation processes used in use of biomass versus fossil fuel alternatives.

REAL says at least 24 UK sites can take compostable packaging

REAL says at least 24 UK sites can take compostable packaging

The publication by REAL Schemes of the number of composting plants that accept compostable materials is extremely significant for our sector – it shows there are currently many composting plants across the whole nation treating compostables on a daily basis. Given this data, the myth that there is no infrastructure to handle compostables is finally busted. What is still lacking is the the collection routes through which food waste is transported to treatment and we hope this new evidence will give DEFRA the courage to do the right thing – allow councils to co-collect compostable packaging with food waste. For more on the REAL report see here and here.