European policy has defined \u201enatural polymers\u201c in a way that has caused much concern and debate among scientists and industry, and has created a barrier to innovation. The authors of this report have carried out a comprehensive scientific evaluation of how the scientific literature defines \u201enatural polymers\u201c, and the result is: The European policy definition is partly in clear contrast to the scientific definitions.<\/p>\n
\u201eOccurring in nature\u201c is the basis for every definition of \u201enatural polymers\u201c in the scientific literature and in policy. All scientific definitions include biotechnological processes for the production of natural polymers. Not a single definition mentions the place of polymerisation as a criterion \u2013 in clear contrast to European policy. Industrial practice confirms this finding: A long list of widely accepted natural polymers includes biotechnologically processed polymers and the place of polymerisation is not a criterion.<\/p>\n