Biokunststoffe - ein Beitrag zur nachhaltigen Bioökonomie?

Abstract

Based on findings concerning the case of bioplastics, which we analyzed on the foundation of the political process inherent dynamics approach (PIDA) in seminar on bioeconomy, we ask ourselves the question, if bioplastics can provide a contribution to a sustainable bioeconomy. To answer this question we examine to what extend they are capable of confining the increasing global and complex side-effects of conventional plastics through their lifetime and if they can reconcile economy and ecology grounded on current legal foundations. These questions are analyzed focusing on the Single-use plastics directive (EU-directive 2019/904) and German national legislation as policies. We use relevant aspects of plastics as reference points zooming in on ecology, economy and ethics. In this process complex problems become apparent, which we specify in more detail and then identify approaches towards a solution. As a result the question if it is possible for bioplastics to become a component of a sustainable bioeconomy can not be answered at this point with sufficient certainty and legitimately questioned.