Hinting at two EU laws that have been heavily debated over the last months, she also underscored the “essential” importance of deforestation-free products and biodiversity restoration.
The day following Roswall’s hearing, leaders in the moulded pulp industry convened at the annual “EMPPA Association Day” in Brussels to discuss with EU policymakers how to tap the full potential of moulded pulp in the European bioeconomy. Founded in 2022, the European Moulded Pulp Producers Association (EMPPA) represents suppliers, manufacturers, service and technology providers, recyclers, and customers of advanced “Moulded Pulp 2.0” packaging products made from agricultural feedstock, recycled paper, and cardboard.
“The bioeconomy is essential for supporting the green transition and achieving climate neutrality by 2050” confirmed Minna Huttunen, Policy Officer and Seconded National Expert for Bioeconomy and Food Systems at the European Commission. In a panel discussion with EMPPA and European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) representatives, Huttunen stressed that “at the heart of this transformation are sustainable bioeconomy innovations such as advanced moulded fibre technologies that reduce waste and promote the use of renewable resources.” Supporting pivotal transition technologies is one of the key recommendations of the “Draghi Report” on the future of European competitiveness.
As part of an integrated approach, the Commission is currently preparing a revised Bioeconomy Strategy along with a “Circular Economy Act” and “Biotech Act”, slated for release in 2025. These laws, rooted in the EU’s waste hierarchy principles, aim to keep biomass products in circulation as long as possible, reducing waste and dependency on non-EU imports. In light of a potential “biomass gap,” Huttunen cautioned that prioritizing biomass should not compromise food security or biodiversity.
“Private investment in the circular bioeconomy is vital for creating jobs and supporting rural development,” emphasized Peter Schmidt, President of the Committee of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). He advocated for stronger public-private partnerships to build a sustainable bioeconomy that benefits communities and strengthens environmental resilience across Europe. “To encourage businesses and citizens to adopt the concept of circularity, changing the narrative about the bioeconomy is as vital as regulation,” Schmidt noted. Reflecting on recent farmer protests in Brussels, Schmidt finds it essential to help farmers understand that economic and environmental objectives are complementary. “A circular bioeconomy gives farmers the opportunity to be engaged in value chains and to bring concrete solutions to the table.”
EMPPA reported that the global moulded pulp market, valued at approximately $8 billion in 2020, is projected to exceed $12 billion by 2026. Over the next years, the goal is to commercialize advanced pulping technologies and consumer-facing “moulded pulp 2.0” formats with bio-based functional coatings.
The market potential for these formats is significant, as illustrated by Ukrainian Hemp and Euro Caps, the world’s largest producer of private-label coffee capsules, who decided to shift towards regenerative feedstock to replace single-use applications made of plastic and aluminium. “We’re investing in a circular bioeconomy where our products consist of natural fibre with barrier materials made of natural biopolymers and hence are 100% home compostable”, explains Research & Development Engineer Anthony Kay at Euro Caps, in his presentation.
EMPPA’s President Tahsin Dag sees huge market opportunities despite ongoing challenges. “It’s illogical to subsidize plastic within an EU bioeconomy framework aimed at leveraging carbon-neutral, toxic-free regenerative resources.” He believes phasing out fossil fuel subsidies is essential to create fair market conditions: “EU regulation should facilitate a level playing field for moulded pulp packaging solutions and minimise administrative burdens.” This would also mean that standards, like the new EU Packaging Law (PPWR), must be upheld by importers from outside Europe.
“There’s a misconception that fibre packaging with natural biopolymer coatings contaminates recycling streams,” Dag clarified. In fact, these should be classified as mono-materials—home compostable and suitable for both organic and paper waste streams. Hemp and other long-fibre annual plants could even enhance the quality of recycled paper and cardboard. “Closing the loop is essential to prevent material loss through incineration, so that Moulded Pulp 2.0 can exploit its full potential in the EU’s circular bioeconomy.”
