DO WE CONSIDER CAMM A PLASTIC?
From 'Plastic' Eggs to Innovative Materials: Navigating the Complexities of Environmental Legislation and the Pursuit of Sustainability
The European Union's Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD) represents a landmark effort in the fight against plastic pollution, marking a pivotal shift towards a future less burdened by plastic waste. Lauded for its ambitious goals, the SUPD testifies to the EU's commitment to environmental sustainability. The challenge however: the SUPD's broad definition of plastic encompasses sustainable materials that have nothing to do with plastic waste and on the contrary – when faced with a barrier – lose out on the opportunity to create positive environmental impact.
EGG + SALT + INGREDIENTS + HEAT = PLASTIC
To show the absurdity of the situation: The SUPD's definition of plastic is so broad that it could potentially cover everyday items like a fried egg or the vanilla extract in your ice cream. This peculiar scenario arises from the directive's classification of 'plastic' as any material consisting of a polymer which may be synthetically altered, for example, by heat, and which acts as a main structural component of final products. By this measure, the protein-based polymer in an egg, when salted, mixed with ingredients, and heated, could fall under the umbrella of 'plastic', despite the fact that it leaves no trace of microplastics in its wake.
This conundrum presents itself not just as a matter of regulatory semantics but as a significant challenge in our collective quest to combat global plastic pollution. It brings forth a crucial question: Where do we draw the line? When does an item cease to be a harmless part of our daily lives and become a contributor to the ever-growing plastic problem?
WE NEED TO CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF MATERIALS
The issue at hand is emblematic of a larger narrative in environmental regulation - the delicate balance between the necessity of stringent measures and the practicalities of their implementation. Regulation is important to create an equal level playing field in favor of more sustainable business practices. However, it is equally important to approach these regulations with a lens of practicality and impact. Surely, common sense tells us that a fried egg does not belong under the SUPD. So what can a framework be to balance unnecessary barriers? We believe – the perspective of the actual impact of materials, not if they should be considered as plastic or not. Materials that are hazardous to the environment need to be banned, materials that are not, should be supported.
AND THIS IS WHY CAMM IS NOT A PLASTIC
While CAMM mirrors plastic in look and function and is a polymer, it sets a new standard for environmental care as it
Is toxin and microplastic-free
Leaves no harmful residues when leaving the product or recycling cycle
Is home compostable (faster than wood in the forest)
And an enabler for recycling
Moreover, CAMM is working on becoming a carbon storage solution starting 2025, e.g., made from wheat or sugar cane residue streams. It already includes minerals and cellulose-based ingredients making CAMM a material close to nature. Fully built-out CAMM will be holistically sustainable from raw material to end-of-life.
IT’S ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE
Regulations, while crucial, can only offer a framework and must be crafted carefully to avoid unintended consequences. It's clear that businesses, with their agility and innovative capacity, can often move more swiftly than regulatory bodies, utilizing their flexibility.
However, the necessity for regulation stems from the current lack of fair play in environmental protection. Regulations are still essential to level the playing field, ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to sustainable practices. They are not just a constraint but a guide, helping to steer the collective efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Achieving true sustainability requires a delicate balance. Effective regulation must support and encourage innovation without stifling it, fostering an environment where sustainable solutions can thrive and make a meaningful impact.