The MoeBIOS project was recently featured in an interview with Packaging Insights. Miriam Lorenzo Navarro, project coordinator and expert from ITENE, shared how MoeBIOS is working to improve the recycling of bioplastics in Europe.
The recycling gap for bioplastics
Right now, only 1–2% of bioplastics used in packaging are recycled. Although these materials are marketed as sustainable alternatives, they often end up in landfills or incineration. That’s because current recycling systems are designed for conventional plastics, not bioplastics.
To address this issue, MoeBIOS is creating a roadmap to boost bioplastics recycling across Europe. The project focuses on building effective, realistic solutions that can be implemented at scale.
What Is MoeBIOS doing differently?
MoeBIOS, a four-year EU-funded initiative coordinated by ITENE, brings together scientists, recyclers, industry experts, and policymakers. Their shared goal is to make bioplastics recycling more efficient and circular.
Instead of using isolated approaches, the project takes a coordinated and systemic view. It develops and tests chemical and biological recycling technologies for non-drop-in bioplastics, such as PLA, PHA, PBS, and PEF. These technologies are tested in pilot plants to ensure they work in real-world industrial conditions.
Insights from the interview
In the Packaging Insights interview, Miriam Lorenzo Navarro explained several key points:
- MoeBIOS targets plastics that are currently hard to recycle.
- The project promotes both chemical and enzymatic treatments.
- It engages over 50 partners to build market-ready recycling value chains.
- The goal is to recover high-quality materials for reuse in packaging, agriculture, and textiles.
Watch the full interview here: https://www.packaginginsights.com/video/eu-project-moebios-tackles-bioplastic-recycling-hurdles.html
Looking ahead
With support from the EU’s Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), MoeBIOS is working toward a future where bioplastics no longer end up as waste. The project is laying the foundation for a sustainable, circular model that can scale across Europe and beyond.
Follow us for updates as we develop smarter, greener ways to manage bioplastics.