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Addressing Stakeholder Concerns Regarding the Effective Use of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics

Author

Listed:
  • Carly A. Fletcher

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK)

  • Karolina Niemenoja

    (Prospex Institute, Victor Oudart Str. 7, 1030 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Rhiannon Hunt

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK)

  • Jill Adams

    (Prospex Institute, Victor Oudart Str. 7, 1030 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Alan Dempsey

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK)

  • Craig E. Banks

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK)

Abstract

Bio-based and biodegradable materials have the potential to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics across a range of products and contribute to a more circular economy. However, the uptake of these materials will not succeed unless consumers, manufacturers, and regulators are convinced of their efficacy. Investigating performance and safety concerns put forward by academic and non-academic communities, this paper assesses whether these concerns are being adequately addressed by current policy and regulation. In addition, measures to overcome significant concerns are developed through a series of stakeholder engagement events, informed by the Prospex-CQI-and STIR methodology. Discussions across the stakeholder engagement events have highlighted several concerns that create barriers to market up-take of bio-based and biodegradable plastic products, including the continued confusion regarding terminology and resultant communication, difficulties in navigating the plethora of documents related to safety, the appropriateness of safety documents when applied to new products, and the overall suitability and sustainability of such materials as an alternative to traditional plastics. To overcome these concerns, a series of recommendations for research, policy, and practice are made with respect to the following key areas of concern: regulation and legislative instruments, material quality and performance, market penetration and availability, waste management infrastructure, sourcing and supply chain, communication and information provision, and material health and safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Carly A. Fletcher & Karolina Niemenoja & Rhiannon Hunt & Jill Adams & Alan Dempsey & Craig E. Banks, 2021. "Addressing Stakeholder Concerns Regarding the Effective Use of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:10:y:2021:i:10:p:95-:d:641176
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Katia Berti & Rod Falvey, 2018. "Does trade weaken product standards?," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(4), pages 852-868, September.
    5. Erik Gawel & Nadine Pannicke & Nina Hagemann, 2019. "A Path Transition Towards a Bioeconomy—The Crucial Role of Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-23, May.
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