The increase in the use of these products is impressive. From 100,000 tonnes in 2015, it is expected to rise up to 300,000 tonnes in 2020.

The study was carried out in the following European countries : Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Holland, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.The compostable plastic bags constitute the driving force of these innovative plastic materials.Their reception by the consumer public in certain European countries is impressive (e.g. Italy) due to the statutory national legislation. The implementation of the new European directive EE2015/720 (reduction in the use of thin plastic carrier bags) will affect the packaging sector and market, according to the published study. Innovative plastic containers, bottles, bags and cups made of PLA or starch-based materials have conquered a small share of the European market. In strict numbers, the use of biodegradable and compostable plastic products in packaging will be quadrupled by 2020.

One of the necessary prerequisites for the further development of biodegradable and compostable plastic products is the establishing of common European standards, the upgrading of European legislation, the availability of the necessary raw materials and the continuing research in the field of finding ways to reduce production and distribution costs.

The full study and its results are available at : www.bio-based.eu/markets.