EU policies require effective data and analyses, which are provided by Eurostat. This data is extremely useful for seeing how waste and the circular economy in the EU are evolving. Eurostat data on food waste, packaging and municipal waste paint a vivid picture. Part of it is good, other parts definitely less so.

The plastics sector is looking for sustainable solutions - and compostable bioplastics are definitely a good option. AIMPLAS's new methodology subjects materials to simulated industrial composting conditions, so companies can see quickly which of the materials they are working on are feasible.  

The Horizon Europe GRECO project aims to deliver innovative biobased, biodegradable and recyclable food packaging based on novel PLA copolymers, functional coatings, additives and green catalysts. 

It's starting next month - be interesting to see how it develops! 

The COM4PHA research project is working on developing new bioplastics for use in the packaging and agricultural sectors. The new formulations for packaging will be biodegradable and compostable, and the coating formulations will improve product quality and extend shelf life.

This research project is exploring how rice straw can be used to make a bio-based material with thermal insulation and fire resistence properties.

This year, EU Green Week will focus on circular solutions for a competitive EU. It will explore how the EU economy can speed up the transition from linear to circular models of production and consumption.

Scaling up sustainable and biodegradable materials is crucial for the future advancement of European industry. 

NEXT-STEP aims to develop recyclable products from wood production residues for use in shoe soles and insulation materials for construction.

Over a hundred international specialists in biotechnology and sustainability attended this seminar on 5-6 March. They discussed innovations in the field of biotechnology applied to the plastics sector and looked at the challenges ahead and the ways in which it contributes to society and the economy.

Waste management in remote areas, or where waste generation temporarily increases, makes it difficult to justify large-scale infrastructure development. To address this, the RECLAIM project has developed a low-cost, portable, AI-powered robotic material recovery plant, which will initially be deployed in the Greek Islands.

The EU Green Electronics Working Group brings together representatives from Horizon Europe projects dedicated to promoting greener and more sustainable electronics across Europe. The goal is to enhance visibility and coordination between them and advance green electronics by developing innovative materials, next-generation manufacturing processes and improved recycling techniques.