New European rules on generic environmental claims have prompted the Australasian Bioplastics Association to warn that packaging carrying poorly substantiated claims could be marketed in Australia.
Rules that took effect across the European Union on 27 September prohibit generic claims such as “eco-friendly” and “biodegradable” unless recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim can be demonstrated.
Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) CEO Martine Poulain said the difference between the EU approach and Australian requirements could create an incentive to redirect products to this market.
“Unless Australia catches up, packaging that can’t make those claims in Europe could simply end up here,” Poulain said.
Australia does not have an equivalent blanket prohibition on those terms, although false or misleading environmental claims can breach Australian Consumer Law. The ABA says it already sees bags, food service ware and packaging labelled “biodegradable” or “eco-friendly” without evidence to support the claims.
Poulain said such labels could lead people to place unsuitable products in food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bins, contaminating material intended for composting.
The ABA is urging buyers to check for certification to AS 4736 for commercial composting or AS 5810 for home composting, along with a certification logo and licence number. Poulain said European compostability certification does not establish compliance with the Australian standards, which include an earthworm toxicity test.
Products can be checked against the ABA’s register of certified products. Acceptance of certified compostable products in FOGO collections still depends on the local council and processor, so buyers should check the rules for their collection service.
