Organizations Promoting Biobased Products
There are several organizations in Europe that promote the use of biobased products, such as bioplastics, as part of their global climate change initiatives.
BNPP (France)
The Bureau de Normalisation des Plastiques et de la Plasturgie (BNPP) aims to promote the use of bioplastics and bring together experts in the field. BNPP also has a certification program for all bioplastic products in France.
DIN CERTCO (Germany)
DIN CERTCO is the certification organization of TUV Rheinland Group and DIN, which is the German Institute for Standardization. The company is still in the initial stages of developing a bioplastics certification program.
European Bioplastics (Germany)
The European Bioplastics is an association representing industrial manufacturers, processors, and users of bioplastics and biodegradable polymers and their derivative products. The association aims to promote the growth and use of renewable raw materials in products and applications and supports innovations leading to lower environmental impact of durable and non-durable plastic products, among others.
Vinçotte (Belgium)
Vinçotte provides more than 130 specialized inspection, monitoring, and certification services, analyses and tests for a wide range of applications including bioplastics. Its OK Biobased certification system requires ASTM D6866 product testing.
Government Programs
German Packaging Directive
There is a regulation in Germany concerning bioplastic drink bottles as established in the 5th Amendment of the German Packaging Directive. This regulation took effect beginning January 2009.
Under this regulation, bottles "produced from at least 75% renewable resources" are exempt from the compulsory deposit for single-use drink bottles until December 31, 2012, but manufacturers must participate in a dual recycling system.
