Plastics are magical materials, and they will be even more important in the future than they are today. But they lead to microplastics in the environment, especially noticeable as marine littering. The European Commission is now proposing, among other things, a ban on certain single-use plastic products, including plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers, and sticks for balloons, which will all have to be made exclusively from more sustainable materials instead. The Commission’s legislative proposal must then be negotiated with the member states and the European Parliament. And here substantial changes should still be made because so far industry and politics continued to fail in this area.

Is cheaper always better when it comes to generics? What about when it comes to innovative medical uses of them?

In mid-November, the European Commission tabled the long-awaited review of its Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan. European Biotechnology spoke with Waldemar Kütt, Head of Unit Bioeconomy Strategy, about the development the bioeconomy has made since its launch in 2012 by the European Commission and the instruments needed to attract investments, make it circular, and create a stable policy environment for companies and investors.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a powerful blueprint for coordinating global efforts to end poverty through economic growth, reducing inequality, and providing better education, health, job opportunities, and environmental protection.