SETAC organizes course on biodegradation assessment of polymers

As part of its 30th annual meeting (3-7 May 2020) in Dublin, Ireland, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) will organize a training course entitled “TC12 – Regulatory Applicability of Guidelines for Testing Biodegradability of Microplastics and Polymers with an Emphasis on ISO Standards”. The course, which takes place on Sunday, 3 May, between 1:00pm and 5:00pm, is for professionals interested in biodegradation assessment of polymers and microplastics. The participants should have basic knowledge in biodegradation testing and assessment. This training course will bring you up to speed regarding (1) challenges for testing polymers & microplastics biodegradation assessment and (2) regulatory applicability of ISO standards for testing of biodegradation. It will provide an overview as well some in-depth insights into standards and their applicability.

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EU funds project to develop biobased ropes for aquaculture

On January 17, 2020, the European Union (EU) announced a new innovative project called BIOGEARS that will be funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The project focuses on the development of bio-based gear solutions for the creation of an eco-friendly offshore
aquaculture sector. With the aim to address the gap of bio-based ropes for offshore aquaculture, which is currently manufactured with 100 percent non-recyclable plastics, BIOGEARS will create a bio-based value chain under the EU Bioeconomy Strategy framework. Project coordinator, Leire Arantzamendi, expressed her hopes of boosting more eco-friendly mussel and seaweed production stating that BIOGEARS “will generate three rope prototypes with a highly reduced carbon footprint along the value chain.” The project will focus on the Atlantic Basin.

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Mattel aims for a 100 percent use of recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic by 2030

Recently, toy producer Mattel announced to make its products and packaging more sustainable by switching completely to a 100 percent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic by 2030. The company, known for its popular brands such as Barbie or Fisher-Price, will present its first corresponding product in the first half of 2020. The iconic Fisher-Price® Rock-a-Stack® made from sugarcane-based plastics will be packaged in 100% recycled or sustainably sourced material.

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