European current standardization for plastic packaging recoverable throughcomposting and biodegradation

In this work current European standardization and a novel draft on the usag e of biodegradable and compostable plastics in packaging sector art: review ed. The state members of the European Community follow the directive 92/64 EC that harmonizes the national measures concerning the management of packa ging 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 packag ing recoverable through composting and biodegradation and it will probably be approved within a few months. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.