Use of wood flour and wood fibre in plastic products

Question for written answer E-001764/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Katri Kulmuni (Renew)

On 11 July 2023, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/1442 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. In the Regulation, wood fibres were removed from the list of approved materials; i.e. wood flour and fibre are prohibited in plastic products used for food. Nevertheless, it was possible to apply for special authorisation from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on a case-by-case basis.

Small enterprises have fewer resources to have the same sort of tests carried out and purchase consultancy services compared to large companies, especially if there are no grants available for this. Moreover, small enterprises might have seen it as a challenge drafting applications and acquiring adequate evidence as a basis for risk assessments, given the bureaucratic burden they face. Furthermore, an unsatisfactory application might well have resulted in the matter being put on hold, in the nature of a penalty, with no progress being made. This can have fatal consequences for small enterprises.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the problems: for example, how the Regulation referred to may affect smaller enterprises?
• 2.Will the effects of the Regulation be monitored, and is the Commission prepared to amend it, if need be?
• 3.Additionally, will it be possible to revamp the special authorisation process, with the EFSA offering advice and helping companies to complete the applications instead of freezing the process because of possible flaws?

Submitted: 19.9.2024