Bio-based plastics

In the non-biodegradable category, there are “drop-in” bio-based plastics, such as bio-PET, which have an identical chemical structure to their fossil-based counterparts. These “drop-in” plastics are easier to process in existing recycling systems than bio-based plastics with entirely different chemical structures, often referred to as “novel bio-based plastics”.

The general environmental benefit of bio-based plastics lies in the shift from fossil-based feedstock to bio-based feedstock. Renewable resources involve a temporary removal of greenhouse gases (primarily CO₂) from the atmosphere. This carbon fixation can be extended over a longer period if the material is recycled, for example in the case of “drop-in” bio-based plastics. For both bio-based and fossil-based plastics, if not reused, the greatest environmental benefit is achieved by recycling them into new plastic products.

The renewable resources used in bio-based plastics have predominantly been crops such as corn, cereals, sugar beets or sugar cane. There is also ongoing research and development on second and third generation feedstock (see definitions of feedstock generations below). However, there is a risk that shifting from fossil to bio-based materials may create new environmental problems. The use of renewable resources has an environmental impact too, such as large cultivation areas needed, land use change and impact on biodiversity e.g., if forest is converted into agricultural land. Above all, the first generation feedstock is not only needed for plastics, but it also competes with food production.

How does the Nordic Swan Ecolabel contribute?

For plastics, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel requirements generally promote bio-based raw materials over virgin fossil-based raw materials where possible and aim to ensure that this shift does not create new environmental problems. For bio-based feedstock, the use of secondary raw materials, such as residues from other production processes (e.g. bagasse from sugar cane), and recycled raw materials is generally promoted over the use of primary raw materials. The requirements are, however, often specific to the raw material and product group in question. In addition, sustainably sourced bio-based plastics that can be reused or recycled into new plastic products are prioritised over bio-based plastics that are biodegradable.

Where relevant, Nordic Swan Ecolabel requirements for plastics are set for:

• Plastic feedstock in general, with a high share of sustainable raw materials in the product, either recycled materials or bio-based materials that can be reused or recycled.
• Bio-based feedstock – primary raw materials: certification according to credible third-party standards and certification schemes that follow certain principles, such as:
  • Manufacturers must respect international laws and conventions.
  • The standard has absolute requirements for environmental, economic and social sustainability.
  • The standard is developed in a transparent process where stakeholders participate.
  • An independent third-party verifies that the products and the company meet the standards’ requirements.
• Bio-based feedstock – secondary raw materials: waste or residual products defined in accordance with (EU) Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001. There must be traceability back to the production / process where the residual production occurred.
• Bio-based feedstock – recycled raw materials: recycled material (in accordance with ISO 14021): documentation demonstrating that the raw material is recycled.
• Restrictions on the use of certain raw materials that are not produced or sourced in a sustainable way.
• Traceability (often certified traceability) of raw materials to ensure that bio-based plastics are sustainably sourced and traceable. The raw material supply chain must be documented from the site of extraction through to the final product.
• Recyclability: bio-based plastics must be recyclable through existing waste management systems operating in the Nordic region. Incineration with energy recovery is not considered material recovery.

Definitions

First-generation feedstock consists of crops and plants that can be consumed by humans and animals.

Second-generation feedstock refers to crops and plants that are not suitable for human (food) or animal (feed) consumption. Second-generation feedstock can consist of either non-food crops (cellulosic feedstock) or waste materials derived from first-generation feedstock (e.g. waste vegetable oil). Examples of second-generation feedstock include wood, short-rotation crops such as poplar, willow, or miscanthus (elephant grass), wheat straw, bagasse, corncobs, palm fruit bunches, and switchgrass.

Third-generation feedstock refers to biomass derived from algae.

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