EBC25 Speakers

Anita Barni

Innovation and Sustainability Manager

Anita Barni

Anita Barni is Innovation and Sustainability Director at ICAP-SIRA Chemicals and Polymers SpA (Italy), where she leads efforts to advance the company’s portfolio in line with circularity and regulatory requirements. She has a strong background in polymer chemistry a degree in Industrial Chemistry and with a master’s in chemical Synthesis as well as certification as a Sustainability Manager. At ICAP-SIRA, she leads product development, focusing particularly on biobased, biodegradable, and flame-retardant polymers, along with other specialty materials for the adhesives, textile, and coatings industries.

Benoît Berny

Product Innovation Manager, Lactips

Benoît Berny

Having the expertise of product development in bioplastics and natural polymers, Benoît Berny is a material engineer, and his fields of expertise are innovation, packaging and large scale markets. Working at Lactips since 2020, Benoît is the conductor of our product ranges and leads the development of several projects thanks to his knowledge about our natural ingredient and industrial technology.

Vikram Bhanushali

Director Indian Compostable Polymer Association

Vikram Bhanushali

Marieke Brouwer

Scientist Sustainable Products & Systems, Wageningen University & Research (Wageningen Food & Biobased Research)

Marieke Brouwer

Marieke Brouwer is a researcher at Wageningen University & Research with over 12 years of experience in assessing sustainable products and systems. She researches the sustainability of the entire product and packaging system from design to end-of-life. She has written multiple publications on the effect of improvements in these systems. She is also working on new methodologies to quantify important – currently overlooked – sustainability aspects, such as the accumulation of microplastics. Drawing on her expertise in product design and systems assessment, Marieke works to help organisations enhance the sustainability of their products and systems. She firmly believes that true sustainability can only be achieved by considering the entire system and ensuring full commitment and alignment among all actors in the value chain.

Alejandro Caravaca Morella

Bayer Veg R&D Head of Sustainability, Bayer CropScience

Alejandro Caravaca Morella

Alejandro Caravaca Morella is the Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture Responsible of Vegetales R&D Sites at Bayer Cropscience. Alejandro works to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture by fostering a culture of sustainability across R&D sites and by supporting the development of innovative and transformative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Michael Carus

CEO, nova-Institute

Michael Carus

Michael Carus, nova-Institute and Renewable Carbon Initiative (DE), is a physicist and one of Europe’s leading experts, market researchers and policy advisors on the renewable carbon economy – including biobased, CO2-based and recycling. In late 1994, together with five other scientists, he founded the private and independent nova-Institute for Ecology and Innovation. From the beginning, Carus has been involved in the company as an owner and one of the two managing directors. Today, nova-Institute employs nearly 50 scientists from a wide range of disciplines, covering markets, technologies, sustainability, communication and policy. In 2020, Carus founded the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI), which today has 80 members from the chemicals and materials industries. Carus is one of the two executive managers of the RCI.

Mirko Cucina

Senior Researcher, National Research Council of Italy

Mirko Cucina

Mirko Cucina received his MSc in Environmental Biotechnology (2012) and PhD in Environmental Sciences (2016) from the University of Perugia, Italy. After post-doc research positions at the University of Perugia and the University of Milan, he joined the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) – Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Systems in the Mediterranean (ISAFOM), where he serves as a Senior Researcher. His research focuses on circular bioeconomy strategies for energy recovery and the production of biofertilizers and soil amendments from organic waste and by-products. One of his main research topics is the degradation of biodegradable bioplastics in the organic waste stream. He has authored extensive publications, participated in national and European projects, serves on the editorial board of Discover Environment, and holds the Italian National Scientific Qualification as Full Professor in Agricultural Chemistry (2023).

François de Bie

Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Biotech

François de Bie

François de Bie is CCO at Emirates Biotech since 2024 and has extensive experience in business development and marketing within the plastics industry. As a former Senior Marketing and Business Development Director at TotalEnergies Corbion from 2011 to 2023, he played a crucial role in positioning the company as the second-largest player in the PLA biopolymers industry. He was President of the European Bioplastics Association from 2013 to 2022, creating visibility and acceptance of biopolymers amongst legislators and the public. From 1996 to 2010 he held various marketing and leadership positions at GE Plastics and Sabic, driving profitable growth and innovation. François enjoys running, cycling, reading and has a passion for classic cars. He holds a master’s degree in engineering from the Eindhoven University of Technology. His expertise, can-do attitude and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving Emirates Biotech’s market strategy and developing the regional market for PLA biopolymers.

Jonathan Edmunds

Sustainability Director, Woodly Oy

Jonathan Edmunds

Jonathan Edmunds is the Sustainability Director at Woodly, a pioneering cellulose bioplastic manufacturer shaping the future of sustainable packaging. With over 14 years of experience in the packaging and recycling industry, he combines deep technical knowledge with commercial and environmental insight to drive progress in sustainability, recyclability, and circular innovation. Previously at DS Smith, Jonathan developed the Recyclability Evaluation Service (RES) and authored influential white papers including “The Golden Opportunity for UK Recycling” and “Wasted Paper: A Pathway to Better Recycling.” He holds a Master’s in Sustainability and Environmental Policy from Cardiff University and is an experienced speaker and advocate for responsible resource use and systemic change.

Jonathan Edmunds

Sustainability Director, Woodly Oy

Jonathan Edmunds

Francesco Ferrero

Researcher, University of Turin

Francesco Ferrero

Francesco Ferrero is Researcher Type A at the Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences (DISAFA) of the University of Turin. In 2017 he completed an internship at the Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) and in 2018 he completed an internship at the William H Miner Agricultural Research Institute – Lallemand Animal Nutrition Forage Center of Excellence (Chazy, New York, USA). In 2020 he obtained the PhD at the University of Turin. Studies are carried out on forage farming systems and forage quality in relation to conservation processes, with particular attention to the influences on the efficiency of processes and their sustainability. He is a scientific coordinator or participant of European or national research projects. The scientific activity is documented by more than 140 printed publications, of which 23 in international peer-reviewed journal.

Alessandra Funcia

Head of Marketing, Sukano

Alessandra Funcia

Alessandra Funcia serves as the Head of Marketing and Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Sukano. She brings over 25 years of multifaceted experience in global and regional leadership roles across multinational corporations. Her career is rooted in the color and additive masterbatch industry, combining deep technical knowledge with commercial acumen and strategic marketing insight. At Sukano, Alessandra steers the development and execution of the company’s sustainability agenda and strategic direction, overseeing sales and communications with a particular emphasis on specialty resin applications, polyester packaging, recyclability, and biodegradable plastics. As a trained chemist with dual MBAs, Alessandra’s approach is grounded in science-based decision-making. She champions data-driven strategies to prioritize initiatives and foster meaningful, real-world impact, within the industry and beyond. Outside the professional sphere, Alessandra is a dedicated yoga practitioner, an enthusiastic handball player and supporter, a nature aficionado, and an active advocate for local communities.

Benedikt T. Hiller

Research Fellow & Doctoral Candidate, Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp) at Hof University

Benedikt T. Hiller

Alex Hogan

CEO, Vioneo

Alex Hogan

Alex Hogan is the CEO of Vioneo and an accomplished entrepreneurial leader with a proven track record of delivering exceptional shareholder returns by driving business growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions. As CEO, Alex spearheads the development of a €1.5 billion enterprise dedicated to producing 300,000 tonnes of sustainable polymers annually. In addition to leading the executive team, he is responsible for shaping Vioneo’s marketing strategy, fostering strong customer relationships, and driving the company’s feedstock strategy. Before joining Vioneo, Alex held several key leadership roles at INEOS, most notably serving as Business Director within the Olefins and Polymers division. His extensive experience in the polymers industry and visionary leadership continue to position Vioneo as a pioneer in sustainable materials innovation.

Marco Jansen

Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer, Avantium

Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen joined Avantium in September 2024 to lead the commercialization of FDCA and PEF, the plant-based, circular polymer branded as releaf. He is also responsible for executing the company’s licensing strategy and driving public affairs. Marco has extensive experience from senior roles in sales, market development, sustainability, and advocacy at Braskem, where he served as Business Director Biopolymers EMEA and Director of Sustainability & Advocacy Europe & Asia. Prior to Braskem, he worked at Arkema Group, a leader in specialty materials.

Matias Kerkhofs

Business Development Manager, Borealis

Matias Kerkhofs

Matias lives in Belgium with his wife and two children. He holds master’s degrees in engineering and economics. After spending a decade as a petrochemical trader — including five years in London — he saw the light and decided to help drive the transition toward a circular petrochemical industry from within. He returned to Belgium to join Borealis, where he works in sustainability, covering the full value chain from purchasing renewable feedstocks for Borealis’ production plants to the sale of base chemicals to their customers. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him on the water for kitesurfing or out cycling with friends on his road or mountain bike.

Kerim Kılınç

Project Management Supervisor, Polyteks Tekstil Sanayi Araştırma ve Eğitim AŞ

Kerim Kılınç

Dr. Kerim Kılınç is a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer with a PhD in Polymer Materials from Bursa Uludağ University. He has more than eight years of experience as Project Management Supervisor at the R&D Center of Polyteks, one of the leading synthetic yarn producers in Türkiye. His expertise includes melt spinning processes, biopolymers, synthetic yarns, functional polyester yarns and sustainable fiber development. His doctoral research focused on the production and analysis of multifilament yarns from polybutylene succinate (PBS) biopolymer, comparing their processability and properties with conventional petroleum-based counterparts. He has presented his works at several international conferences and actively contributes to industry–academia collaborations and European R&D projects.

Alisar Kiwan

Process Biologist, B-Plas

Alisar Kiwan

Dr. Agata Olszewska-Widdrat leads the Bioconversion research group at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam (Germany). After completing her PhD in Molecular Biotechnology at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, she performed her research at ATB, combining different fermentation techniques to study microbial production of platform chemicals. Her main research interest lies in developing new biotechnological techniques to improve the sustainable pilot scale production of monomers, such as, lactic or succinic acid that are playing crucial role in the transition from fossil based to bio-based fabrication.

Franz Kraus

Head of International Public Affairs, Novamont

Franz Kraus

Franz Kraus joined Novamont in December 2021 as Head of International Public Affairs. He is responsible for driving public and governmental affairs engagement in European and international markets, to open new opportunities for compostable solutions, and to promote policy for biobased and compostable building blocks for a new circular bio economy. He has over twenty years of experience working in Public Affairs, both in the public sector (European Parliament) as well as the private sector (Kraft Foods/Mondelez). He holds a master’s degree in History and English Literature from the University of Regensburg.

Bas Krins

Innovation Director, Senbis Polymer Innovations

Bas Krins

Bas Krins is Innovation Director of Senbis Polymer Innovations BV, located in Emmen, The Netherlands. He has an extensive research career in melt processing of polymers. First at Akzo Nobel, later at Acordis and Diolen. After the bankruptcy of Diolen in 2008 he was one of the founders of an independent commercial research institute, Applied Polymer Innovations BV (API). This company was later renamed to Senbis Polymer Innovations (Senbis). Senbis offers a unique combination of lab facilities and an extensive pilot plant. Together with a team of specialists this institute has a track record with respect to the development of applications based on biopolymers, especially in cases where biodegradability is an advantage for environmental reasons. Bas Krins supervised many projects with respect to the development of spin-off activities of API and Senbis.

Antje Lieske

Head of Department, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research

Antje Lieske

Dr. Antje Lieske studied Chemistry at the Humboldt University of Berlin. Subsequently, she obtained her PhD at the TU Berlin for a thesis on polymeric surfactants. Since 1997 she has been working at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research in Potsdam. In 2006 she was appointed head of the department “Polymer Synthesis”. Her research focuses on the development of sustainable polymeric materials and on process development for polymer syntheses and chemical recycling. In 2024, she was awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the development of a flexible PLA-based material that mimics the properties of polyolefins, providing a sustainable packaging alternative already being commercialized with an industrial partner.

Christian Lott

Co-Director, HYDRA Marine Sciences

Christian Lott

Christian Lott is co-director of HYDRA Marine Sciences and a marine biologist with extensive experience in ecology, biogeochemistry, and in-situ research, having contributed to more than 150 research projects worldwide. He co-founded a marine research station in Italy in 1995 and during his Ph.D. studies on animal–microbe symbioses, he was guest researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany, and at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. With decades of experience and direct insight into aquatic ecosystems, he and his team investigate and advise on biodegradable polymers and plastics in the environment. They collaborate with industry and academic partners, and on publicly funded projects. Christian’s team established HYDRA Labs in Southern Germany, offering laboratory, mesocosm, and field-scale testing of biodegradable polymers in soil, freshwater, and marine environments for both research and certification purposes

Nacho Montesinos

Chemical Recycling Researcher, AIMPLAS - Plastics Technology Centre

Nacho Montesinos

Nacho Montesinos is a graduate in Chemistry from the University of Valencia and holder of a Master’s Degree in Fine Chemistry and Polymers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). His Master’s thesis was conducted at Lubrizol (Sant Cugat), focusing on the development and characterization of acrylic coatings as moisture barriers for food packaging applications. Since 2023, he has been working as a Technician in the Chemical Recycling Department at AIMPLAS. His work centers on R&D projects involving the depolymerization, pyrolysis, gasification, solvolysis, and purification of complex plastic waste streams. He has extensive experience in the analysis of polymeric materials, process development for recovering high-value outputs, and evaluating recycled products for reintegration into new formulations. His research contributes to advancing safe-by-design approaches and substituting hazardous additives with more sustainable, low-toxicity alternatives. He actively participates in national and European projects aimed at promoting circular economy models and supporting SMEs in their transition to safer and more sustainable chemical practices.

Afsaneh Nabifar

Co-chair, Compostable by Design Platform

Afsaneh Nabifar

Afsaneh has been leading the Advocacy and Sustainability topics for Biopolymers at BASF globally for 3 years. During the last 12 years at BASF, she has held several positions in R&D, Market, and business development for various businesses within BASF that supply material to the packaging industry. In addition to her involvement in several plastic and paper packaging associations like EUROPEN, CEFLEX, and 4evergreen, Afsaneh is a Board member of the European Bioplastic Association (EUBP) and the British Bio-based and Biodegradable Industry Association (BBIA).  She is Chair of the Board at the Compostable by Design Platform (CbDP) which is a cross-value chain platform to increase the circularity of compostable packaging.

Ramani Narayan

University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University

Ramani Narayan

Dr. Ramani is a University Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University where he mentored over 50 graduate students, authored 300+ publications, and holds 32 patents with over 28,000 citations. His research has driven the commercialization of PLA and starch-based foam technologies. As founding chair of ASTM International’s committee on Environmentally Degradable Plastics and Biobased Products, he led the development of key standards (D6400, D6868, D6866) and serves as a U.S. expert to ISO. He has advised the U.S. National Academies on ocean plastic waste and contributes to international sustainability policy.

Agata Olszewska-Widdrat

Researcher/Group Leader Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB)

Agata Olszewska-Widdrat

Julie Pieters

EU Policy Affairs Manager, European Bioplastics (EUBP)

Julie Pieters

Julie Pieters is the EU Policy Affairs Manager at European Bioplastics, with a strong background in law and diplomacy. She holds a master’s degree in law from the Free University of Brussels and an LLM in European Law from Panthéon-Assas (Paris). In her current role at European Bioplastics, Julie engages with policymakers, stakeholders, and industry leaders to ensure that biobased and biodegradable plastic solutions are integrated into European regulatory frameworks.

Jöran Reske

Head of Alternative Packaging, Interzero

Jöran Reske

Jöran coordinates bioplastics projects and environmental management at Interzero Recycling Alliance GmbH, a PRO from Cologne, Germany. For more than 25 years, his activities have been focused on research and dialogue between recovery plant operators, municipalities, trade and the bioplastics industry concerning compostable packaging. Recycling of bioplastics entered the agenda about 10 years ago and recently dialogues increased considerably, relating to the PPWR requirements. Based on long lasting involvement in standardisation, certification and environmental issues, a.o. through roles within European Bioplastics and ISO, CEN and DIN working groups, his work is aiming at interlocking Interzero’s activities in sorting and recycling of traditional packaging with pragmatic and robust approaches for the recycling of bioplastics.

Lorenza Romanese

Secretary General, European Bioplastics (EUBP)

Lorenza Romanese

Lorenza Romanese (Italian) is the Secretary General of European Bioplastics (EUBP), representing the bioplastics industry in Europe and leading the association’s policy and advocacy work towards a sustainable bioeconomy. Before joining EUBP, she served as Managing Director of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), where she developed and implemented EU-level strategies for an emerging green sector. Earlier in her career, she worked in energy and agricultural policy with OMV AG and the European Confederation of Independent Winegrowers (CEVI). Lorenza holds a Master’s degree in European Studies from the University of Florence and a Bachelor’s in International and Diplomatic Sciences from the University of Gorizia.

Pia Skoczinski

Senior Expert, nova-Institute

Pia Skoczinski

Pia Skoczinski is trained as a biologist, has several years of research experience in optimisation of microbial cell factories, enzyme engineering and enzyme-catalysed polymerisation. After a one-year postdoctoral research in Macromolecular and Polymer chemistry, she joined the nova-Institute in 2018 in the Technology and Markets department. Here, she is a Senior Expert for bio-based building blocks and polymers, industrial biotechnology and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU).

Mariagiovanna Vetere

Vice President Sustainability and Public Affairs, NatureWorks

Mariagiovanna Vetere

Mariagiovanna Vetere joined NatureWorks in February 2013 and is responsible for EU Public Affairs. Previously she worked for more than 10 years as an Internal Audit and International Affairs Manager at COREPLA and was responsible for relations with European and Italian policy makers. Prior to that, Mariagiovanna Vetere worked for the international consulting company KPMG focussing on Business Process Reengineering. She holds a master’s degree in economics.

Andrea Vittadello

Packaging and Sustainability Project Manager | Mérieux NutriSciences

Andrea Vittadello

Andrea coordinates the group of Project Managers at Mérieux NutriSciences’ Packaging Science Center and is himself Project Manager for the “Sustainability” area. He has been part of this laboratory since 2002 and became involved in biodegradability studies almost immediately. He is a member of the European Bioplastics Technical Committee and the BPI. He is also currently a member of CEN and ISO working groups on compostability/biodegradability, recyclability, and food contact, as well as part of the ad hoc CEN working group on the requirements for the PPWR.

Hasso von Pogrell

Managing Director, European Bioplastics

Hasso von Pogrell

Hasso von Pogrell has been Managing Director of EUBP since March 2009. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1964, he spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Portugal and the United States. He studied Economics at the University of Cologne where he graduated in 1994 and began his carrier as a lobbyist in 1995, when he joined the German Industry Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies, where he was responsible for public relations and economics. After a two-year stint as General Manager at the Federal Association of the German Medium and Large Retail Enterprises, he returned to the industry sector again. As Head of Department for Foreign Affairs at the Association of the German Construction Industry and Assistant Director of the European International Contractors (EIC), he served the construction industry for seven years from 2000 to 2007, before steering the affairs of the German Sawmill Association as its Managing Director between 2007 and 2009.

Rowan Williams

President, Australasian Bioplastics Association

Rowan Williams

Rowan is Director, Global Advocacy and Sustainability, Biopolymers, Asia Pacific at BASF Australia Limited. He joined BASF in 2005 as Business Director for the plastics portfolio and, in 2012, commenced the role he is currently doing. In this position, he has been developing solutions across the region for the source segregation of food waste, creating new formats for compostable packaging, and commercialising the use of soil-biodegradable mulch film for horticulture and broadacre cropping. Rowan has gained more than 40 years of practical management experience in the Asia Pacific region across the agricultural, packaging, plastics, mining, and general manufacturing industries. Rowan is the current President of the Australasian Bioplastics Association, the peak industry body for the bioplastics sector across Australia and New Zealand, with global affiliations in Europe, the US, and Asia. He has held this voluntary position since 2010 and has also served as a board member of the Australian Organics Recycling Association, the peak industry body for the recycled organics industry.

Susan Zhu

Global Marketing Director, Zhongke Guosheng (Hangzhou) Technology

Susan Zhu

Susan Zhu is a passionate and driven market expert with years of experience in the furan biobased material industry, a versatile and resilient business leader with a strong combination of business, commercial and technical skills. She has been working in the identification, evaluation, and development of furan biobased new business opportunities and partnerships across different markets and regions. She currently works for Zhongke Guosheng (short for GS Biomats). The company’s key mission is to contribute to the transition to a circular and biobased economy, and to create value and impact for the society and the environment.

Patrick Zimmermann

Managing Director FKuR

Patrick Zimmermann

Patrick Zimmermann graduated from the University of Applied Science in Aachen with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. His specialty subjects were Energy and Environmental Technology with a focus on waste treatment and waste management of dangerous and nuclear substances. In addition, he was granted a diploma in Engineering and Economics from the University of Applied Science in Hamburg specializing in Risk Management. Patrick Zimmermann is member of the executive board of the FKuR Group. In the past 20 years he has been deeply involved in the global business development and marketing of FKuR´s product & distribution portfolio. He was responsible for the establishment of FKuR´s activities in the USA as part of the global marketing strategy.

Philippe Dewolfs

Technology Manager, TÜV Austria OKcert

Philippe Dewolfs

With an engineering and computer science background, Philippe Dewolfs has always worked in the field of conformity assessment. In the road and rail sector at the beginning of his career, then, since the end of the 1990s, in the certification of bioplastics. He currently leads the bioplastics certification department in TÜV AUSTRIA, which acquired this activity from Vinçotte at the end of 2017. TÜV AUSTRIA is a leading certification organisation with more than 5000 active certificates in this field. He is a member of several national and international working and standardisation groups and is regularly consulted to share his experience.