What is biodegradable packaging?

Only compostable packaging materials adhering to the EN13432 standard can be considered ”biodegradable” in the context of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/92, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 96/82 and the Essential Requirements and additionally the Directive on Single Use Plastics (article 3, 16).

Packaging materials adhering to the EN13432 standard demonstrate conformity with the Essential Requirements and end-of-waste criteria when organically recovered through composting and anaerobic digestion into compost or digestate produced to the national standards recognised within the Fertiliser Regulation and where relevant the Quality Protocols are respected.[1] Organic recovery is, according to the cited Regulations, recycling.

[1] Organics Recycling, 2011: http://www.organics-recycling.org.uk/uploads/article1983/EN%2013432%20Compostable%20Products%20and%20Packaging.pdf