OVAM | New regulations on trash bag composition: 100% recycling required

As of 1 January 2025, trash bags in Flanders must be made entirely from recycled plastics, with at least half sourced from post-consumer materials. This requirement, set by the Flemish government in the Vlarema regulation, excludes biodegradable bags for organic waste, as well as bags for medical waste, asbestos-containing materials, and construction debris. A certification such as QA-CER must confirm the recycled content. Previously, up to 2% virgin plastic was allowed for color additives, but under the updated QA-CER system, bags using this can no longer be certified as 100% recycled. Additionally, manufacturers sometimes include virgin plastics to maintain product quality, making full compliance difficult. To address this challenge, the Flemish government plans to revise the Vlarema. The proposed adjustment would lower the required recycled content to 90%, which stakeholders have agreed is a more achievable standard.  

Source: https://ovam.vlaanderen.be (in Dutch)