27.04.2026
Are You Ready for a Bio-based Quota?
The nova-Institute’s new 'Renewable Feedstock' department offers a concise and timely expert workshop to help you prepare for the political challenges ahead.
The European Commission is currently exploring the introduction of a quota for bio-based plastics in packaging as part of its broader bioeconomy strategy. While no final decision has yet been taken, emerging policy discussions suggest that binding targets could already be introduced in 2028. The packaging will be the first sector, but might become a blueprint for other sectors such as automotive, textiles, construction, or toys.
Against this backdrop, nova-Institute is hosting a two-hour online workshop to provide the latest insights into policy developments, market readiness and sustainability aspects of bio-based plastics.
The workshop will examine the current policy framework, status and outlook for a potential quota system. Participants will gain an overview of which quota levels are being discussed, possible timelines for implementation, and which sectors beyond packaging may be included in future regulations. In addition, the event will address existing requirements for industrial compostability in specific applications.
Another focus will be the carbon footprint of bio-based plastics. Experts will discuss whether these materials inherently offer a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil-based plastics, and how new life cycle assessment (LCA) standards are evolving. This includes recent updates to life cycle inventory (LCI) databases, which indicate higher emissions associated with fossil plastics, as well as methodological changes in accounting for biogenic carbon.
The availability of biomass will also be explored. Participants will receive up-to-date insights into global and European scenarios assessing whether sufficient biomass resources exist to support a large-scale transition to bio-based plastics in packaging and beyond.
Furthermore, the workshop will provide very practical guidance: Which bio-based polymers and plastics are available for which applications? The workshop will give a detailed market overview of bio-based polymers. This includes current and projected capacities, price developments, and suitability for packaging and other applications. Attendees will gain insights into 17 different commercially available bio-based plastics, including information on production volumes, availability and key producers, compounders and suppliers.
The session will be led by Christopher vom Berg, Head of nova-Institute’s ‘Renewable Feedstock’ department, and Michael Carus, founder of the institute and senior expert.
Two dates are available:
30 April 2026, 2:00–4:00 pm (CET): https://events.renewable-carbon.eu/event/are-you-prepared-for-a-bio-based-quota/
28 May 2026, 2:00–4:00 pm (CET): https://events.renewable-carbon.eu/event/are-you-prepared-for-a-bio-based-quota-2/
Participation fee: €199
In addition to the public sessions, in-house workshops for companies are also available. For enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
