Constance Ißbrücker, Head of Environmental Affairs at European Bioplastics e.V. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has evolved to be the preferred tool to assess the environmental sustainability of certain products and materials. Recently it has also been used with great enthusiasm to compare bio-based with fossil-based plastics. It seems to be an easy instrument to draw [...]
Contrary to popular belief, certified, industrial compostable organic waste bags neither bear harm for soil or human health, nor do they contribute to the problem of microplastics, as experts underline. On the contrary, they convey chances for a higher quality and quantity of collected organic waste. Read in the following a guest commentary by the Verbund kompostierbare Produkte e.V. (Association for Compostable Products / “Verbund”). For many years now, the [...]
On 3 March 2021, the EUBP webinar “Organic recycling within the circular economy: the role of compostable plastics” explored the contribution of biodegradable and compostable plastics to help the EU to meet its organic waste recovery targets by the end of 2023. In order to establish a truly circular economy, the EU needs to capture this untapped potential by collecting and organically recycling this waste into high value compost for soil enrichment. In her welcome statement, our host MEP [...]
On 8 February, the European Parliament adopted its Own Initiative Report on the Circular Economy which recognised the role of bioplastics for the future. Amongst other issues highlighted, the MEPs emphasised the potential role of bio-based and biodegradable and compostable plastics in the circular economy whilst noting that bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics alone will not provide a solution to the environmental concerns related to plastics. [...]
Member portrait: CJ Europe In each issue of the Bioplastics Newsletter, we present some facts about a member of European Bioplastics. This month, Eung Joo Kim, Biochemicals Business Team Leader at CJ Europe, shares some interesting insights on his company. 5 facts about CJ Europe, Germany CJ CheilJedang, starting as sugar manufacturer in 1953, has led the Korean food Industry and has grown into a global food and bio company. [...]
Neste's renewable products reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10 million tons in 2020 In the course of 2020, Neste’s renewable products helped customers in several geographic markets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10.0 million tons altogether. This amount equals the annual carbon footprint of 1.5 million average EU citizens (source: World Bank) or [...]
Algae represent a largely untapped resource in Europe The European Commission is preparing a comprehensive, cross-sectorial EU algae initiative, aimed at increasing the sustainable production, consumption, and use of algae-based products. Because of its small carbon and environmental footprint, the increased use of algae will help achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal. [...]
In each issue of the Bioplastics Newsletter, we present some facts about a member of European Bioplastics. This month, Ed De Jong, VP Development at Avantium, shares some interesting insights on his company. 5 facts about Avantium, Netherlands Avantium is a chemical technology company, headquartered in Amsterdam, employing approximately 230 people, with extensive R&D [...]
Corbion to expand lactic acid production capacity in North America Recently, Corbion announced that it is planning to expand its lactic acid capacity at its manufacturing facility in Blair, Nebraska by around 40%. Lactic acid can be used for the production of polylactic acid (PLA). The demand for PLA on the markets remains high, [...]
Yum China launches plastic reduction and sustainable packaging initiatives Yum, the operator of fast-food chain KFC and restaurant brand Pizza Hut announced new environmentally friendly packaging initiatives that are expected to reduce its amount of non-degradable plastics by approximately 8,000 tonnes annually starting this year. Some of the initiatives include replacing existing plastic packaging [...]
