MPs accept natural polymers as a plastic replacement

MPs at a Parliamentary event accepted natural polymers — with participation from Xampla — as credible alternatives to single‑use plastics. Speakers said UK regulations do not yet fully recognise these nature‑based materials.

MPs, peers and civil servants heard presentations at a Parliamentary event led by the Natural Polymers Group with participation from Xampla. Attendees accepted natural polymers as credible, mainstream alternatives to single‑use plastics. The group brought together seven innovators, including Notpla, MarinaTex, plantsea and Xampla, that develop biodegradable packaging alternatives. Speakers cited UN data on more than 400 million tonnes of annual plastic waste and warned that plastic pollution could rise substantially by 2060. Key points: - The event was led by the Natural Polymers Group and included participation from Xampla. - Seven innovators in the coalition develop natural, biodegradable packaging alternatives; members named include Notpla, MarinaTex and plantsea. - Speakers referenced UN data that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year and that plastic pollution could increase by 2060. - Natural polymers are produced in nature without chemical modification and are excluded from the Single‑Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and the REACH definition of "plastic." - Industry representatives described natural polymers as biodegradable, compostable and scalable, and said some UK regulations do not yet recognise their distinct properties. - Speakers said UK-developed natural polymer technology could become a £4.2bn industry supporting 35,000 high‑skilled jobs if government policy catches up, and the article notes Xampla's solution has already been adopted in some Asian markets. Summary: Parliamentary acceptance at the event signals growing recognition of nature‑based materials as possible replacements for single‑use plastics. Speakers emphasised environmental benefits and potential economic opportunities while noting regulatory recognition is still incomplete. How and when policy will change is undetermined at this time.