Europe accused of trailing Middle East on sustainable plastics policy
10 Apr 2025
The European Union is “stuck in the past” in its attitude to so-called oxo-biodegradable plastics, claims a manufacturer of the product.
Michael Laurier, CEO of Borehamwood-based environmental technology company Symphony Environmental, claimed continued EU opposition to its use was due to ‘muddled’ understanding and lobbying from special interest groups.
He said a decision by the European Parliament’s Environment Committee in 2018 to pass legislation against ‘oxo-degradable’ plastic had been confused by the public with oxo-biodegradable plastic.
“This has delayed the adoption of the technology in the EU, resulting in thousands of tonnes of ordinary plastic escaping into the European continent and its coastal waters,” said Laurier.
Oxo-degradable plastics degrade when exposed to weathering, rendering them into microplastics that will not biodegrade for many years, creating environmental hazards.
By contrast, oxo-biodegradable plastics are designed to undergo a further process with microorganisms breaking down fragments into components of biomass, water and carbon dioxide.
Laurier charged that, by not endorsing oxo-biodegradable plastics as an alternative, the European Union was prolonging the problem of plastic waste.
He contrasted the EU stance with that of Middle East states that have encouraged sustainable technologies with the use of oxo-biodegradable plastic for a wide range of consumer products.
“The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Bahrain have been implementing a broad initiative to combat plastic pollution for years, phasing out conventional plastics and mandating more eco-friendly alternatives,” said Laurier.
