French law strengthens bioplastics market

Biobased, biodegradable bags will be mandatory in France from January 2017

Bioplastic lightweight bags for fruits and vegetables, and packaging for commercial mailshots, will need to be biobased and compostable in home composting from 1 January 2017.

French parliament has adopted the law on energy transition and green growth proposed by Ségolène Royal, minister of ecology, sustainable development and energy.

Christophe Doukhi-de Boissoudy, president of French association Club Bio-plastiques, said: “These provisions represent an important step for the French bioplastics industry, which has invested more than 40 million euros in the last 15 years.”

François de Bie, chairman of the Board of European Bioplastics, said: “We fully support the clear commitment to plastics which are biobased and biodegradable.

“France has taken a step forward to the responsible consumption of plastic materials and to treating waste as a valuable resource. Bioplastic materials will contribute their share to its environmentally responsible economic growth.”