Single-Use Plastics Directive: Notpla identifies “huge loopholes” while gaining directive exemption

02 Oct 2023 --- Notpla’s coated packaging will be exempt from upcoming bans and taxes on disposable plastic food packaging in the EU. The UK-based start-up’s seaweed-based food packaging coating branded Notpla Coating has been officially recognized as plastic-free by the Dutch government, which Notpla says is applying the strictest interpretation of the “non-plastic” definition under the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).

Made from seaweed and plant extracts, Notpla provides an internal coating for food takeaway boxes to retain moisture and grease in food and maintain the packaging’s robustness.

Niall Russell, head of Marketing at Notpla, tells Packaging Insights that a “huge” loophole in the EU’s SUPD allows plastic companies to proclaim to be “plastic-free” in how they communicate with the market and sell their products.

“This loophole stems from the ambiguous definition of ‘main structural’ component in the plastic definition. Until addressed, this argument will continue to be used to exonerate any type of synthetic coating or additive that very much is a plastic, like polylactic acid or water-based dispersion coatings.”

Russell continues by stating that the vagueness and actual makeup of the directive and corresponding legislations create an “even greater challenge” for Notpla to convey that the company’s products are plastic-free.

Norpla replaces plastic coatings and chemical treatments that are found in traditional food boxes.Natural polymers only
The solution replaces traditional plastic coatings and chemical treatments that are otherwise found in traditional food boxes, explains the winner of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize 2022.

Notpla packaging can be recycled with paper or composted at home without leaving toxins or microplastics behind.

As part of the SUPD, enforced in July 2021, the EU revealed the first definition of plastic: “Plastic” is a material consisting of polymers that are either chemically modified or synthetically polymerized. The law requested EU member states to prohibit certain single-use plastic items and put in place marking requirements through their national legislation.

After a thorough independent assessment by global sustainability consultancy Eunomia Research & Consulting, Notpla Coating was confirmed to be fully compliant with the EU’s SUPD and therefore is not plastic. Eunomia has concluded that the polymer utilized by Notpla within their packaging products may be defined as a natural polymer that is not chemically modified and is therefore not considered to be “plastic” as defined by the EU SUPD, finds the Eunomia report.

“Further positive assessment was received from the Dutch government – the nation which is currently taking the strictest stance on enforcing the SUPD of any EU member state by imposing a tax on disposable cups and containers that contain plastic,” asserts Russell.

Pierre-Paslier Notpla’s co-founder says the classification “sets Notpla apart and aligns with our mission to reduce society’s dependence on plastic. We look forward to working with businesses across the EU to meet [environmental] sustainability targets and make a tangible environmental difference.”

By Natalie Schwertheim

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