Laboratory to test biodegradable packaging will be created in Belarus

The issue of the need to switch to biodegradable packaging in Belarus is becoming more acute. Every year, about 280 thousand tons of polymer waste is generated in the country. Thus, since 2020, an action plan has been implemented aimed at gradually reducing the use of polymer packaging with its replacement with environmentally friendly packaging. Among such activities is the creation of a national system for assessing biodegradable materials and packaging according to international rules and regulations. The first step on this path is the creation of a laboratory for testing biodegradable packaging at the Institute of Housing and Communal Services of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. This laboratory will be a specialized base for research on biodegradable components newly developed in the country, for the manufacture of packaging and other products, including those coming from abroad.

The transition to biodegradable compostable packaging will reduce the volume of polymer waste generation by 10-11%, which will contribute to the achievement by the Republic of Belarus of Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13 and other SDGs.

More detailed information about the laboratory can be found at the link.