Analysis for European Commission highlights climate benefits and scalability of bio-based plastics
Nova-Institute has published a new analysis commissioned by the European Commission examining the role of bio-based feedstocks in plastic packaging under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The study, published on 27 April 2026, was authored by Michael Carus, Christopher vom Berg, Pia Skoczinski, Olaf Porc, Narendar Poranki and Gillian Tweddle.
According to the institute, the report provides scientific analysis on technological development, environmental performance, and policy options linked to bio-based plastics and packaging sustainability criteria in the European Union.
The report states that plastics remain more than 99% fossil-based globally, while bio-based polymers account for approximately 1% of the market. However, the analysis found that 17 bio-based polymers are already commercially available and identified no fundamental technical barriers to their use in packaging applications.
The study also addresses policy gaps within the PPWR framework, which currently includes binding recycled content targets but does not fully define the contribution of bio-based carbon toward defossilisation goals.
According to the report, bio-based feedstocks and recycled carbon should be considered complementary approaches. Recycling extends the use of existing carbon, while bio-based feedstocks introduce renewable carbon into the system to reduce fossil resource dependency.
Michael Carus said, “For more than 30 years, we have been working on defossilising the chemicals and materials sector. Our analysis shows that a climate-neutral packaging sector will require a balanced mix of bio-based carbon, CO2 utilisation and recycling.”
He added, “When it comes to packaging, this means increasing both the share of bio-based content and the use of recycled materials. Only by combining these approaches can we fully keep carbon in the loop and successfully transition from fossil to renewable carbon.”
Report Highlights Climate and Infrastructure Challenges
The analysis noted that many bio-based plastics currently deliver significant greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to fossil-based alternatives. However, scaling production remains a challenge due to higher manufacturing costs, limited infrastructure, and uneven policy support.
The report recommends measures including binding bio-based content targets, harmonised sustainability criteria, and investments in recycling and processing infrastructure to support broader adoption.
The study also highlights the importance of aligning sustainability criteria with the Renewable Energy Directive while supporting the long-term development of a circular carbon economy.
Lars Börger said, “We welcome that the European Commission has chosen to draw on independent scientific advice from nova-institute. In complex transformation processes, policy needs an unbiased view of the best available scientific evidence.”
According to nova-Institute, the organisation continues to support companies, policymakers, and investors through research, market studies, sustainability analysis, and renewable carbon initiatives linked to the transition away from fossil-based materials.
