A new test by consumer organisations in four countries¹ found chemicals of concern in single-use tableware made of popular non-plastic alternatives, such as disposable plant fibre bowls, paper straws, or palm leaf plates. Several products were also found to mislead consumers with unsubstantiated green claims. BEUC and its member organisations urge the EU to ensure that single-use plastic alternatives are safe and do not mislead consumers.

 

In total, over half of sampled products contained one or more unwanted chemicals above recommended levels (53%), including some that are suspected to cause cancer. Additional 21% contained these chemicals close to the limits. With many single-use plastic items about to be banned in the EU (as of 3 July 2021),² manufacturers and consumers are increasingly turning to alternatives made of bamboo, paper, or palm leaves. Unlike plastics, the safety of these materials is unregulated in the EU as no specific rules exist.

 

The findings also indicate that the alleged green credentials of popular plastic alternatives may mislead consumers: several sampled products claim to be compostable or biodegradable. Yet, the test found that many contain ‘forever’ chemicals that may not fully degrade in nature for hundreds of years, migrating into the environment and accumulating in soil, water and living organisms.

 

Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC, commented:

“With single-use plastic plates and cups soon to be a thing of the past, plant-based and paper alternatives are naturally gaining popularity among consumers. It is wonderful that the EU is finally weeding out throwaway plastic, but it must equally weed out toxic chemicals in the alternatives.

 

“The fact that many plastic alternatives are loaded with ‘forever’ chemicals sadly shows that one persistent pollutant is being replaced with another. The results we publish today prove that current EU food packaging rules fail consumers. It is high time the EU get its act together and comes up with strict food packaging rules that both protect consumers and the environment.

 

“Green labels such as ‘natural’, ‘biodegradable’, or ‘compostable’ have no place on single-use dinnerware that contain persistent chemicals. Such bogus claims create confusion among consumers and make it difficult for them to identify the plates, straws or bowls that are more environmentally friendly than others. The EU needs to clean up the food packaging market from all misleading green claims.”

 

Test details:

The survey sampled:

 

• 57 items, such as disposable bowls made from straw or bagasse (i.e., fibres from sugarcane stalks), paper straws, and palm leaf tableware.

 

• Three categories of items: 23 bowls and plates made from moulded natural fibres, mainly bagasse; 18 paper straws; and 16 palm leaf bowls and plates.

 

• Certain groups of chemicals and pesticides:
  • Fluorinated compounds (PFAS), also called ‘forever’ chemicals because they persist in nature. PFAS are widely used to make food packaging and other consumer products water-, grease- and/or stain-resistant. PFAS are linked to cancers, IQ loss, and other severe health effects.
  • Chloropropanols may emerge during the manufacture of paper packaging; they have cancer-causing properties.
  • Pesticides may be present in plant-based food contact items either as residues of the pesticides used to grow sugarcane, palm trees and other natural materials or from processing the raw material. Exposure to certain pesticides is linked to cancers, birth defects, and endocrine disruption, among others.

 

Access the complete test results here.

On June 19–20, 2025, the final transnational partner meeting of The Green Opportunity – GO Project took place in Sofia, marking the official conclusion of this inspiring European journey. For the last time, we gathered – partners, allies, and friends – to share results, reflect on what we’ve achieved, and celebrate the powerful impact we created as a team.

 

The project went through key phases – from the seed of an idea, through intense development and collaboration, to tangible outcomes that are already inspiring sustainable practices in the circular economy. The GO Project successfully delivered innovative educational resources, practical tools, and new opportunities for young people, trainers, and entrepreneurs focused on the green transition.

 

We are proud of what we’ve achieved – not only of the final results, but of the journey we shared: the trust, teamwork, and a common vision for a more sustainable future.

 

A heartfelt thank you to all our partners who contributed their energy, expertise, and inspiration!

 

May was a month of inspiration and sharing! Throughout May, we held our dissemination events to present the results of the GO Project – Redesign the Future, proudly showcasing the educational videos and the practical toolkit created to inspire young people toward a more sustainable future.

 

We met with partners, friends, youth workers, business representatives, academics, and NGO members to share ideas and explore the possibilities of the circular economy.

 

Sofia:

 

• 20 May 2025 – event organized by BAP, with participants from business and academia
• 30 May 2025 – event organized by Get Involved, with youth workers and NGO representatives

 

Greece:

• 28 May 2025

 

Croatia:

• 26 May 2025

 

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and supported our vision for a greener and more conscious future!

 

As part of our Green Opportunity project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, in early October we held another workshop to exchange good practices in beautiful Zagreb, Croatia! We were joined by incredible partners from Bulgaria (Association “Get Involved”), Greece (Liofyllo) and Croatia (More Coaching).

 

This meeting was dedicated to EU practices and requirements for textile sustainability. During the meeting, we engaged in discussions on water pollutants and how to effectively address them, as well as an overview of EU regulations for a cleaner future.

 

During the event, BAP participants met with representatives of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce in Zagreb.

 

But we did not stop there! On the last day, our team rolled up their sleeves and took action, cleaning up the Sava River together!

 

A huge thank you to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication! Together we are making a difference!

At the beginning of July, we held a workshop as part of the “Green Opportunity” project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ program. The meeting was attended by partners from Bulgaria – the Branch Association Polymers and the association “Get Involved” from Greece – Liofyllo, and from Croatia – More Coaching, as well as youth workers and volunteers.

 

The main goal of the workshop was for each country to share good practices related to the circular economy. The partners presented interesting and innovative practices, initiatives, and enterprises that promote sustainability and green thinking.

 

Together, we visited the interactive educational center for the separate collection of packaging waste by ECOPACK Bulgaria. The center’s aim is to educate children and young people about the benefits of waste separation and recycling, as well as the importance of this activity for protecting the environment from contemporary threats.

 

The center is part of a complex that houses ECOPACK Bulgaria’s most modern facility, specialized in sorting packaging waste made of paper, plastic, and aluminum, which we also explored with great interest.

The newest line, which was put into operation in early April, is worth 1.5m euros and is the last part of an investment launched last year. The line is currently in test mode and production is expected to start at full speed in a few weeks.

 

This is the largest production line of Extrapack. It is assembled entirely by the company’s team, with components from China, Germany and Ireland, while the structure is manufactured in Bulgaria. The line will produce nonwoven textiles for medical and hygienic products, furniture production, interior textiles, etc.

 

With the new machine, the company already has three lines for spunbond textiles. In addition, last year two lines were installed for meltblown textiles, which are mainly used for filtering devices (masks, filters for clean rooms, etc.). All of them are located in the third plant of the company near Veliko Tarnovo.

 

The introduction of the new production lines allows Extrapack to contribute to the fight against the COVID pandemic, in which non-woven products – protective clothing, masks, socks and filters – are extremely important.

 

Another reason for the investment is the shift of supply chains from China to Europe and the increased demand for products and raw materials produced in the EU. Non-woven products are mainly exported to Eastern Europe, Italy, Turkey and the former Yugoslav republics.

 

Despite the uncertainty at the beginning of the pandemic, Extrapack managed to adjust to the new realities in a short time and according to preliminary data expects about 20% higher turnover for 2020.

 

Last year, there was also a big increase in the demand for recycled polyethylene packaging for courier services, and the company launched new paper envelopes for shipments.

 

Currently, Extrapack is preparing to build the next, fourth, plant specifically for paper bags. It will be located next to the third plant, and the purchase of the land is currently being completed. The new factory is expected to be operational in about two years.

We are excited to share the success of our first international meeting for the “Green Opportunity” project, held on June 3-4, 2024, in Patras, Greece!

 

The small-scale partnership project KA2 2023-3-BG01-KA210-YOU-000180593 “Green Opportunity,” funded by the Erasmus+ program, is dedicated to educating young people about the environmental benefits of the circular economy. We aim to inspire and promote a new way of thinking about production and consumption that integrates natural ecosystems into our daily lives, businesses, and waste-reduction efforts.

 

Our inaugural meeting brought together passionate individuals from Bulgaria (Branch Association Polymers and Get Involved), Croatia (More Coaching), and Greece (Liofyllo), united by the shared goal of creating a sustainable future. The project focuses on developing engaging and educational animated videos and tools about the circular economy, distributing them through social media and video platforms, and launching social media challenges with unique hashtags to encourage active participation and responsibility among young people.

 

The discussions and activities during these two days laid a solid foundation for our mission to combat the negative environmental impacts of the current “take-use-dispose” economy. We are thrilled to empower young people with practical tools and techniques to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle and contribute to the circular economy.

 

This project will foster a sense of initiative and active citizenship among young people while encouraging creative learning, intercultural dialogue, and the joy of diversity. With participants from three different countries and cultures, we are united in our mission to create a greener and more sustainable world.

 

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful partners and hosts from Liofyllo, who showed us incredible hospitality in the enchanting city of Patras, rich in both ancient and modern charm!

 

Stay tuned for more updates and join us on this exciting journey toward a more sustainable future!

The Polymers for Europe Alliance was set up by the European Plastics Converters association (EuPC) in 2015 due to the shortage of polymers for converters in Europe. Its objective is to build and maintain good communications between suppliers and customers of polymers and additives in Europe following the catastrophic situation during the first semester of 2015.

 

The monitoring of Force Majeure declarations globally of polymer producers by the Alliance showed an alarming increase in issued declarations by numerous polymer producers towards the end of 2020. Especially the supply situation for Polyolefins and PVC worsened significantly, making it difficult for converting companies to get the necessary material to keep their production running.

 

“The increased declarations of Force Majeure and rapid producer margin improvement resembles the situation at the beginning of the Force Majeure crisis in 2015.” Says Ron Marsh, Chairman of the Polymers for Europe Alliance. “We will continue to monitor the developments very closely to ensure the interests of the plastics converting industry are heard and to try to avoid a second 2015.”

 

With some polymer supplies getting very tight, plastics converters have difficulties to purchase the needed raw materials at reasonable prices and passing on the large price increases to their customers. Sandwiched between big polymer suppliers and users of plastics, the many SMEs that form the plastics converting industry remain in a difficult position to recover these price spikes.

Project Name: “Green Opportunity”

Project Number: 2021-2-BG01-KA210-YOU-000049427

Project Start Date: January 4, 2024

Project End Date: June 30, 2025

Project Duration: 15 months

 

Project Genesis and Partnerships

This project is a collaborative effort among esteemed partners: the Branch Association Polymers and Get Involved Association from Bulgaria, Udruga za savjetovanje MORE COACHING from Croatia, and Liofyllo Social Cooperative Enterprise from Greece.

 

Goals and Objectives

The “Green Opportunities – Re-design the Future” project seeks to showcase the environmental benefits of adopting circular economy principles. By redefining paradigms of production and consumption, the project aims to integrate natural ecosystems into daily life, businesses, and communities while reducing waste. Through the creation of engaging animated videos and a comprehensive toolkit for the circular economy, the project aspires to inspire young people to take action, promoting a transition away from the linear economy model of “take-make-dispose.”

 

Target Groups

The project is aimed at a diverse range of stakeholders committed to sustainability:

– Community leaders, volunteers, youth workers, trainers, and teachers

– Young people eager to support environmental initiatives

– NGOs promoting non-formal and informal learning

– Young individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those facing socio-economic challenges

– Civic organizations and local authorities advocating for environmental policies

 

Activities and Expected Outcomes

The project will unfold through a series of impactful activities in the partner countries:

 

Kick-off transnational project meeting (Greece):

Establishing a foundation for effective project management, task planning, communication strategies, risk management, and quality evaluation.

 

Exchange of good practices workshops (Sofia, Bulgaria):

Facilitating the sharing of ideas and good practices to promote circular economy principles. Participants will enhance their skills in engaging and empowering young people toward sustainability.

 

Workshop and River Cleanup (Zagreb, Croatia):

Learning sessions focused on preserving rivers and oceans from plastic pollution. Participants will experience tangible results through cleanup efforts.

 

Local multiplier events:

Organizing events in partner countries to raise awareness about circular economy principles and disseminate project outcomes among NGOs and civil society organizations.

 

Preparation of tangible deliverables – Educational Videos on Circular Economy:

Producing 10 educational videos on the circular economy designed to engage and educate a broad audience on social media platforms.

 

Final transnational project meeting (Bulgaria):

Evaluating project implementation, dissemination activities, and preparing the necessary documentation for the final report.

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.