EU's Innovative Bioplastics Strategy to Power Renewable Energy

The EU is advancing biogas production from bioplastics, aiming to convert waste into renewable energy. Anaerobic digestion processes bioplastics, reducing ecological risks and supporting recycling, helping meet 2035 sustainability goals.

Fremont, CA: The European Union (EU) is stepping up its efforts to tackle waste and energy production with a focus on biogas. As bioplastics make up an increasing percentage of municipal waste, the biogas industry is emerging as a critical player in turning this waste into valuable renewable energy. Through anaerobic digestion, bioplastics, typically considered a problematic pollutant, can be processed into biogas without ecological risks.

A recent study highlights how the growing volumes of compostable bioplastics could make up to 10 percent of organic waste in the future. Bioplastics degrade 50-70 percent within 120 days in soil, and the remaining digestate can safely be used as fertiliser. The research indicates that when bioplastics are processed via anaerobic digestion, they contribute to biogas generation, helping the EU meet its 2050 sustainability goals, recycling and renewable energy goals. Beyond energy recovery, the process also ensures the residual bioplastics degrade safely in the soil, avoiding the accumulation and environmental concerns associated with plastic waste.

The EU’s target to recycle 65 percent of municipal waste by 2035 underscores the importance of managing bioplastics effectively, a goal that aligns with circular economy principles. Anaerobic digestion, already a significant process for managing organic waste, has proven capable of efficiently converting bioplastics into usable forms of renewable energy. The digestate, a by-product of this process, is used as organic fertiliser, further closing the loop by contributing to soil health.

As cities and industries face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, anaerobic digestion is positioned to play a key role in reducing carbon footprints while meeting energy needs. The ability to process bioplastics without ecological risks addresses a growing waste problem and creates opportunities for renewable energy production, which can be integrated into the energy grid.

With bioplastics expected to grow as a share of waste in Europe, the biogas industry is ready to take on an even more significant role in addressing environmental challenges. This forward-looking solution aligns with the EU's long-term sustainability goals by improving waste management, enhancing recycling rates, and generating green energy.

As bioplastics are increasingly introduced into waste streams, it is clear that biogas has the potential to be a game-changer. The shift toward renewable energy sources and the integration of circular economy principles will help Europe achieve its targets, ensuring a cleaner, more resilient future. The environmental impact of bioplastics will be minimised as cities, regions and industries adopt anaerobic digestion on a larger scale, creating a blueprint for waste management that could set the standard for the future.