COMPERF4EU · Optimising Biowaste Composting Plant Performance for a Circular and Safe Bioeconomy Across Europe

The co-composting of biodegradable and compostable packaging (BCP) with biowaste faces systemic challenges such as fragmented legislation, low operational uptake, and limited cross-sector coordination. Although BCP production compliant with EN 13432 and the revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is increasing, these materials are rarely composted. Technical limitations and inconsistent legal frameworks often lead to their removal alongside conventional plastics during pre-treatment, undermining their environmental benefits and causing confusion among waste operators and the public. To overcome these barriers, COMPERF4EU analyses national biowaste and BCP policies and treatment systems, and benchmarks composting plant performance in 10 selected EU and non-EU countries. Through literature reviews, plant-level data, and stakeholder consultations, the project identifies best-performing facilities using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure BCP-biowaste co-treatment achieves full biodegradation, minimises emissions, and produces sustainable compost.The results will support the development of a Composting Info Tool featuring EU country-level data and best practices, technical adaptation guidelines to enable the safe, circular, and efficient integration of compostable packaging into industrial composting systems, and a policy roadmap to harmonise composting practices across Europe. By bridging the gap between product design, waste management, and policy, the project supports innovation aligned with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy goals. The consortium includes six partners from five EU countries: academic institutions (Wageningen Research, Fundació ENT), the European Compost Network (ECN), national composting associations (VLACO/BE, CIC/IT), and the Compostable by Design Platform (CbDP), collaborating across 11 interconnected work packages.