+ Are packaging products made from bioplastics recyclable?

That depends on the plastic used. Some bio-based plastics have the same chemical structure as their fossil-based equivalents and can generally be processed using existing recycling methods.

Other materials, such as PLA, are technically recyclable in principle, but are currently not usually collected and recycled separately in standard sorting systems. Plastic packaging should therefore be disposed of via the designated collection system for plastic packaging, regardless of whether it is bio-based or biodegradable.

+ Do compostable packaging products belong in organic waste?

No. In Germany, industrially compostable plastic packaging should generally not be disposed of in organic waste bins. It should be disposed of via the designated collection system for plastic packaging.

An exception may apply to specifically approved organic waste collection bags, subject to the respective local regulations.

Industrial compostability also does not automatically mean that a product is suitable for home composting. Industrial composting takes place under defined conditions that are generally not achieved in a home composting environment.

+ Does the use of bioplastics make sense?

The term “bioplastic” covers a wide range of different materials. A distinction must generally be made between bio-based and biodegradable plastics.

Bio-based plastics are made wholly or partly from renewable raw materials such as maize, sugar cane or cellulose. However, this does not automatically mean that they are biodegradable. Conversely, biodegradable plastics can contain both bio-based and fossil-based components.

The bio-based content can also vary depending on the material and product. Plastics based on renewable raw materials can in some cases have the same chemical structure and therefore comparable material properties as their fossil-based equivalents. Polyethylene, for example, can be produced from both fossil and bio-based raw materials.

Whether the use of a bioplastic makes sense therefore cannot be answered in general terms. Relevant factors include the specific raw material, material structure, intended application and the available recovery options after use.

From an environmental perspective, bio-based plastics are not necessarily better than conventional plastics. Depending on the production process, environmental impacts may simply shift to other areas, such as land use or agricultural processes.

For packaging, it is therefore important to select the material according to the intended application and to take the designated disposal route into account. Terms such as “bio-based”, “biodegradable” and “industrially compostable” describe different properties and should not be treated as equivalent.