Plastic has changed our everyday lives and, in many ways, making it more comfortable. Plastic has, however, also created a significant pollution problem for animals, humans and the environment. Everything points towards plastic production will continue to increase. The EU  developed a plastics strategy based on a circular economy’s principles to address limiting, reusing and recycling plastic products. The European Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) recently published a report concerning the Biodegradability of bioplastics in the environment.

The report concluded that bioplastics HAVE a role in the future sustainable management of waste and also in the circular economy. The report goes into depth about the advantageous utilisation of bioplastics and emphasises that bioplastics are not a quick fix or a replacement for conventional plastics. Where bioplastic is appropriate to use; however, it makes both good sense and offers excellent benefits. In sustainable waste management, waste fractions must be as clean as possible before recycling. The EU report concludes that in circumstances where it is challenging to separate plastic from organic material destined for composting or biogas, bioplastics are an appropriate and sustainable solution.