300 participants from industry, policy, research, and media gathered in Berlin on 29-30 November at the 11th European Bioplastics Conference
In his opening address, Francois de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP) remarked on Europe's leadership in the development and commercialisation of renewable, bio-based products.
“This year's conference is yet again witness to the many technological innovations and the outstanding progress of the bioplastics industry in 'rethinking plastics' in a sustainable, circular, and resource efficient way,” he said.
“We welcome the commitment of EU legislators to move away from the linear economic model towards a circular economy that uses resources more efficiently and that links to a stronger bioeconomy.
“Their support is a crucial signal to our industry and investors in the bioeconomy at a time of continued low oil prices and subsidies of the fossil fuel industry," he said.
The 2016 annual market data update was delivered by Kristy-Barbara Lange, deputy MD of EUBP.
“The positive trend of the past ten years continues,” Lange said.
“According to our latest market data, the global bioplastics production capacity is predicted to grow by 50 per cent in the next five years,” she said.
This development was confirmed in several presentations by large brands, such as Renault, Henkel, Tetra Pak, and Kimberly-Clark, outlining their commitments and initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint and the role of bioplastics in achieving these ambitious goals.
The Netherlands Standardization Institute NEN launched their new certification scheme for bio-based products based on the European standard EN 16785-1, and the first two certificates were issued to Corbion, a leading producer of high performance PLA, and Kraton, a leading biorefiner of pine chemicals, during the conference.
Award-winning wrapper
Rodenburg, Taghleef, and Mars were awarded the 11th Annual Bioplastics Award, for the development of bio-based wrappers for the Snickers chocolate bars.
The innovative material for the wrapper is made from starch derived from potato cutting waste and PLA.
The project is the result of the collaboration between three companies, including Dutch bioplastics producer Rodenburg, who developed the material, Taghleef, who manufactured the film, and Mondi, who printed the packaging.
