nova-Institut: Specialist workshop on possible quotas for bio-based plastics

On 28 May 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the nova-Institut is offering an online workshop on current political and market-related developments concerning bio-based plastics. The central question is whether, and in what form, quotas for the use of bio-based plastics could be introduced in the future, particularly in the packaging sector. The participation fee is EUR 199.

The workshop will be hosted by the nova-Institut’s new “Renewable Feedstock” department. Its aim is to prepare companies and industry stakeholders for regulatory developments in the context of the European bioeconomy strategy and to address key questions relating to political framework conditions, carbon footprint, biomass availability, and market and supply structures.

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One focus will be the political framework. The workshop will examine whether a quota for bio-based plastics in packaging will be introduced, what quota levels are being discussed, and what timeframe can be expected. It will also consider whether other sectors outside the packaging market could be included in such discussions. Another aspect concerns applications for which industrial compostability is already mandatory today.

In the area of carbon footprint, the workshop will address whether bio-based plastics generally have a lower CO₂ footprint than fossil-based plastics. It will cover current developments in life cycle assessment, including new LCA standards that take into account the uptake of carbon by biomass. Changes in databases and methods will also be discussed, such as updated LCI data showing higher CO₂ footprints for fossil-based plastics, as well as new approaches to accounting for biogenic carbon.

Another programme item is the availability of biomass. The discussion will focus on whether sufficient biomass is available to significantly expand the use of bio-based plastics in the packaging sector and beyond. This will be based on current global and European scenarios, as well as modelling of biomass availability.

The workshop will also address the question of whether enough bio-based polymers are available to meet potential future quotas. The focus will be on expected market and price developments, suitable bio-based plastics for packaging applications, and key producers and distributors. An overview is planned of current and future market dynamics, including capacities and suppliers of 17 bio-based plastics.

The announced speakers are Christopher vom Berg, Head of the “Renewable Feedstock” department at the nova-Institut, and Michael Carus, founder of the institute and Senior Expert.

More information:
events.renewable-carbon.eu/event/are-you-prepared-for-a-bio-based-quota-2/

nova-Institut für politische und ökologische Innovation GmbH, Hürth, Germany

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