European current standardization for plastic packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation

In this work current European standardization and a novel draft on the usage of biodegradable and compostable plastics in packaging sector art: reviewed. The state members of the European Community follow the directive 92/64 EC that harmonizes the national measures concerning the management of packaging and packaging waste. Nevertheless, in this directive only a very brief part is dedicated to compostable and biodegradable materials. Therefore a draft of European standard was elaborated about the requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation and it will probably be approved within a few months. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.