„Bioplastic"
UWG § 5
What does it mean?
The term 'bioplastic' is legally imprecise and can mislead consumers, as it can encompass both bio-based plastics (made from renewable raw materials) and biodegradable plastics. From 27 September 2026, the EmpCo Directive tightens the requirements for substantiation of environmental claims pursuant to § 5 UWG. Generic use of the term 'bioplastic' without clear differentiation and evidence is therefore inadmissible. Manufacturers must specify precisely whether the plastic is bio-based (e.g. with DIN CERTCO Biobased) or whether it is industrially compostable (e.g. according to EN 13432), and transparently link the relevant certificates. A misleading statement exists when a product is advertised as 'biodegradable' although it can only be composted under industrial conditions — clear and comprehensible information is also crucial for bioplastics under Section 5 UWG and the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825).
Typical phrasings
- 'Bioplastic bottle'
- 'Made from renewable raw materials'
- 'Biodegradable packaging'
What you can write instead
'Bio-based plastic (75% renewable raw materials, DIN CERTCO Biobased) – not industrially compostable'
Required evidence
- DIN CERTCO Biobased
- EN 13432 (industrial composting)
- ISO 14065 (validation of bio-based content)
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4a UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — generische Umweltaussage ohne anerkannte Nachweise
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer allgemeinen Umweltaussage, wobei der Gewerbetreibende die anerkannte hervorragende Umweltleistung, auf die sich die Aussage bezieht, nicht nachweisen kann."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Présenter une allégation environnementale générique au sujet de laquelle le professionnel n'est pas en mesure de démontrer l'excellente performance environnementale reconnue en rapport avec l'allégation."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Het maken van een generieke milieuclaim zonder dat de handelaar erkende voortreffelijke milieuprestaties kan aantonen die relevant zijn voor de claim."