Nova-Institute has introduced a focused expert workshop to help industry stakeholders prepare for upcoming policy developments related to bio-based plastics. The initiative comes as the European Commission evaluates the possibility of introducing mandatory quotas for bio-based plastics in packaging as part of its evolving bioeconomy strategy.
Although no final decision has been announced, early discussions indicate that binding targets could be implemented as early as 2028. While packaging is expected to be the first sector affected, the framework may later extend to industries such as automotive, textiles, construction, and toys.
The two-hour online workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the current policy landscape, potential quota structures, and expected timelines. It will also explore sustainability considerations, including industrial compostability requirements and the evolving regulatory framework.
A key focus will be on the carbon footprint of bio-based plastics, examining whether they offer environmental advantages over fossil-based alternatives. Experts will also discuss updates in life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and recent developments in life cycle inventory (LCI) data, which suggest higher emissions associated with conventional plastics.
The session will further address the availability of biomass resources, offering insights into global and European supply scenarios to assess the feasibility of scaling bio-based plastics across industries.
In addition, the workshop will provide practical market intelligence, including an overview of 17 commercially available bio-based polymers, covering production capacities, pricing trends, and application suitability across packaging and other sectors.
The workshop will be led by Michael Carus and Christopher vom Berg, bringing expert perspectives on renewable feedstocks and sustainable materials.
Two sessions are scheduled for April 30 and May 28, 2026, with participation open to industry professionals seeking to stay ahead of regulatory and market shifts. The program is also available in customized in-house formats for companies.
