On July 6, 2023, the conference "Biorepack: il sistema italiano delle bioplastiche come motore di sviluppo e rigenerazione" (Biorepack: the Italian system of bioplastics as a driver of development and regeneration) took place in Rome, organized by Biorepack, Consorzio Nazionale per il Riciclo degli Imballaggi in Bioplastica Compostabile (National Consortium for Compostable Bioplastic Packaging Recycling). The event brought together experts and speakers to examine the progress and the impact of bioplastics in Italy and address crucial challenges for a sustainable transition.
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During the conference, the significant role of Biorepack Consortium in managing and organically recycling compostable bioplastics in Italy was highlighted. Biorepack, serving 64% of the national population, represents a crucial piece of the extended producer responsibility system. In the last 10 years, the bioplastics industry has witnessed a strong increase in the production of goods and packaging, more than tripling.
But what exactly are biodegradable and compostable bioplastics? In recent years, as their popularity has grown, the term has become more familiar, yet it might still create confusion. Bioplastics are materials with properties similar to traditional plastics, but with one fundamental difference: they are mainly produced from renewable resources. Additionally, bioplastics can be biodegradable and compostable, allowing them to be recycled with organic waste in appropriate industrial facilities.
The conference highlighted the significant growth of the market for biodegradable and compostable bioplastics and the potential for this material to be a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. Among the interventions, speakers also drawn attention to some challenges such as: the proper management of single-use products made of traditional plastics, the need to combat industry’s illegality, the importance of correctly recycling bioplastic packaging, and the need necessity of focusing on consumer awareness through the improvement bioplastic product’s recognition.
These issue, therefore, pose significant challenges to the actual sustainability of these materials. The correct disposal of bioplastic packaging is a critical aspect: often, these are mistakenly placed in regular plastic bins, compromising their quality. Another issue is related to the actual recycling of these materials: the biodegradation of compostable bioplastics requires specific treatment conditions in industrial facilities. At the same time, the composting and anaerobic digestion new technologies don’t distinguish between compostable bioplastic packaging and other materials; thus, they are all separated from the organic waste, resulting in its loss.
Marco Versari, president of Biorepack, highlighted the challenges posed by these and other problems. He also underlined with his speech the importance of clear goals for the years to come. These include: expanding the network of affiliates and combating illegality, greater recognition of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics through a single well-recognizable brand, the technological adaptation of treatment plants. Cooperation between institutions, companies and consumers will be essential to ensure the success of this important transition towards a more sustainable future.
Lorenzo Nigro
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Bioplastics: definition and sustainability