Polymateria Limited is a UK-based company specializing in innovative biodegradable and compostable plastic technologies, focused on addressing the global plastic pollution crisis through scientific advancement. Founded and first registered on the EU Transparency Register on June 23, 2017, Polymateria’s central mission is to design plastics that biodegrade safely and effectively when they escape into the natural environment. Unlike many reactive and populist initiatives, Polymateria adopts a scientific and systems-based approach to the circular economy. The company supports reducing single-use plastics and improving recycling systems but primarily operates in the “Redesign” phase—altering plastics at manufacture to promote biodegradation through proprietary biotransformation technology. This technology enables plastics to safely degrade in the environment post-use if not recycled, leaving behind eco-friendly remnants.
Polymateria targets major EU policy files such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation, Circular Economy Action Plan, and the framework on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics. Their aim is to influence legislation and policy frameworks that enable broader adoption of sustainable plastic alternatives aligned with EU sustainability goals. The company’s EU lobbying strategy includes engaging in dialogue with EU commissioners and policymakers to present innovations and advocate for scientifically grounded plastic waste solutions.
Since registration, Polymateria has declared two lobbyists on the EU Transparency Register and maintains a low full-time equivalent (FTE) lobbyist count of 0.35, evidencing a focused but limited lobbying operation. The firm has conducted at least one high-level meeting via video call in April 2022 with the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, discussing circular economy transition and biodegradable plastics. Financially, their declared lobbying expenses range between €50,000 and €99,999 for the financial year April 2023 to March 2024. They have engaged intermediaries such as Edelman Global Advisory and Fieldfisher Belgium LLP for their lobbying activities, incurring additional costs.
Polymateria operates its EU activities from its London-based office at White City Campus. Networking affiliations and membership declarations are not reported or declared in the Transparency Register, indicating either none or limited formal alliances. The firm’s efforts primarily revolve around its own interests in advancing biodegradable plastic technologies and related regulatory frameworks.
