As a result of its cheapness, durability, and range of uses, plastics have become ubiquitous with contemporary life. However, these same characteristics are contributing to a global challenge of plastic pollution, in large part driven by an influx of single-use plastic products, most notably used for packaging and bags. Much of this plastic packaging and bags, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, are not disposed of correctly and pollute and degrade ecosystems.

Where packaging is absolutely necessary, alternatives can be made from bio-based materials that are sourced from renewable sources that can readily decompose. There are a range of types of biobased materials, from mycelium, starch, and even discarded fruit, which can be used as alternatives to conventional fossil-fuel derived plastics.

Local governments can support use of such packaging and goods made from alternative bio-based materials by banning or creating a bio-based plastic content mandate on single-use plastic packaging. Governments can simultaneously support the uptake of alternatives through incentive schemes such as subsidising their production as well as encouraging further research, innovation and development through incubator schemes or eco-design competitions. A good first step in creating the demand for such products is by integrating such criteria within the local public procurement strategy to supply, for example, municipal canteens.

It is important to note that, if local governments plan to support the uptake of this packaging type, they must also educate residents about the correct way to dispose of biobased plastics based on their waste management plan. Bioplastics often cannot be disposed of with normal plastics as they would contaminate their recycling. Moreover, if they plan to incentivise this type of packaging they should adapt the waste management practices accordingly (such as having an aerobic digester where compostable plastics can be disposed of with organic waste).