Alignment with BB-REG-NET's Recommendations

Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc ("Symphony", AIM: SYM), a global leader in smarter, safer, and sustainable plastic and rubber technologies, welcomes the publication of the BB-REG-NET Circular Bioeconomy Working Group's report, "Addressing Persistent Plastic Pollution: The Case for Biodegradable Solutions" (October 2025).

The report, commissioned in response to UK Government concerns about plastic waste and microplastic pollution, provides evidence that certified biodegradable plastics can significantly mitigate the long-term environmental impacts of conventional plastics.

The report specifically highlights that:

• Biodegradable plastics are engineered to undergo complete microbial biodegradation, ultimately converting into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, rather than persisting as microplastics.
• Certified biodegradable plastics have undergone rigorous biodegradation and ecotoxicological testing, ensuring their safety and environmental compatibility.
• Continuous use of ordinary plastic mulch films can lead to significant microplastic accumulation in the soil.
• While biodegradable plastics are not a panacea for microplastic pollution, they offer a fundamentally different and more positive trajectory than conventional plastics.
• For a fair comparison to be made, both biodegradable and conventional plastics should be subject to the same scrutiny.

Symphony's d2w and NbR technologies are designed and independently tested to meet and exceed these criteria. d2w technology enables polyethylene and polypropylene products to biodegrade in the open environment, leaving no microplastic residues, while NbR (Natural Biodegradable Resin) additionally offers a reduction in the fossil-derived content of the plastic and delivers beneficial minerals to the soil.

Symphony agrees with the report's key recommendations, which are fully aligned with Symphony's longstanding advocacy for science-based regulation, independent testing, and transparent certification. Symphony welcomes closer collaboration between policymakers, regulators, and industry, which will allow them to actively benefit from the considerable knowledge and research data generated by companies such as Symphony, working in this area for many years.

Symphony also supports the development of application-specific biodegradation standards. For example, EN17033 is not suitable for all applications, as the test excludes the effect of UV light and heat to which a mulch film is exposed when lying on the surface of the field. ASTM D6954 does not exclude those important factors.

If agricultural mulch films and/or tree-guards are made with Symphony's d2w biodegradable technology, (See https://www.biodeg.org/agricultural-plastic-products-2/ ) the formulation can be adjusted to the timescale required for a particular application or particular climatic conditions. They are also less expensive than the biobased alternatives. The NbR version is even less expensive, and will add beneficial minerals to the soil. d2w and NbR films are also really useful for packaging applications, because they are designed to biodegrade if they get into the environment as litter.

Whilst biodegradable plastic is essential in agriculture, Symphony does not believe that plastic has any role to play in the composting process. See https://www.biodeg.org/subjects-of-interest/composting/

Symphony does not agree that "conventional plastics with additives fragment into microplastics when exposed to oxygen." Symphony's d2w and NbR plastics do not do this. They convert into biodegradable materials which are then bioassimilated by bacteria and fungi in the environment, including the marine environment, See https://www.biodeg.org/subjects-of-interest/agriculture-and-horticulture/the-marine-environment/

Michael Laurier, CEO of Symphony Environmental, commented:

"We are delighted that the BB-REG-NET report provides clear evidence supporting the environmental benefits of biodegradable technologies that meet robust international standards. This will help the UK Government and other policymakers to recognise that proven biodegradable solutions, such as Symphony's d2w and NbR, are essential for reducing persistent plastic pollution and microplastics in the environment.

Biodegradable technologies-when properly certified and managed-are a positive force for the environment. By enabling plastics to biodegrade naturally (organic recycling), these technologies help remove harmful plastic fragments, including microplastics, from ecosystems.

Symphony remains committed to working with regulators, industry partners, and stakeholders to advance sustainable material solutions globally."