SouthSouthNorth reposted this
#Compostables and #biodegradable plastic substitutes are a rapidly growing market, although still only a tiny fraction of global plastic production. Biodegradable alternatives are not without challenges though. For example, inconsistent materials and misleading labelling create confusion on disposal practices and complicate efforts to properly separate #plasticswaste from organic waste for responsible disposal or recycling. Enforced standards may go a long way towards addressing these challenges. We are glad to share this practical synopsis: A deep dive into policies and standards, including on biodegradation and compostability, to support National Management Authorities in East and West Africa, which is timeous in the context of the #INC5 negotiations (follow the link below) and provides clear summary recommendations. The recommendations are an outcome of working sessions held with representatives of Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana Environmental Protection Agencies and their National Standard Bodies which was held in Nairobi recently. The delegates were hosted by ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna and discussions were supported by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ISO - International Organization for Standardization, the Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS) and the SMEP Programme. To read the recommendations report, follow the link below or visit the SMEP website: https://lnkd.in/gPavbpaS The SMEP Programme is funded by UK International Development and implemented in partnership by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Many households segregate organic waste—yet often bag it in conventional plastics, complicating value recovery. Similarly, reforestation efforts often rely on plastic seedling pots, overlooking their environmental footprint. With #INC-5 next week, let’s focus on key principles for responsible plastic alternatives. Plastics labeled as biodegradable or compostable should: 🌍 Go beyond claims, and follow clear standards for credible biodegradadation and compostability. 1️⃣ Targeted Use: Allow biodegradable/compostable plastics only where reusable or natural substitutes are unfeasible. 2️⃣ Defined Performance: Be marketed under strict biodegradability and compostability standards to fit existing (not theoretical) waste management systems. 3️⃣ Clarity in Definitions: Standardize terms like "reusable," "recyclable," and "compostable" to guide regulation and consumer awareness. 4️⃣ Robust Testing: Mandate rigorous standards for biodegradation, disintegration, and safety in specific environments (e.g. soils, ocean). 5️⃣ Better Labelling: Ensure transparent, clear B2B and B2C disposal guidance to avoid consumer misinformation and environmental harm. Adopting or nationalizing international standards like ISO 17088:2021 and EN 17427:2022 can drive progress. Those summary recommendations follow a recent event in Nairobi, which brought together representatives of Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana EPAs and their National Standard Bodies, supported by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ISO - International Organization for Standardization, the Environmental Coallition on Standards (ECOS), ALN and the The SMEP Programme, supported by UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. For full details, check the summary of recommendations: https://lnkd.in/er5whHpy For info on the recent Nairobi workshop: https://lnkd.in/ekpwmiCt #Sustainability #Plastics #Innovation #Compostable
