European Bioplastics is the industry association representing the entire value chain of the bioplastics industry in Europe. Together with our more than 80 members we develop positions and contribute to legislative processes around the topics of sustainability, waste management, resource efficiency, bioeconomy, circular economy, and climate change.

The bioplastics industry is a young and fast-growing sector. Bioplastics offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, which are increasingly scrutinized due to environmental implications associated with their use, recycling, and disposal. The advantages of bioplastics range from a significantly lower carbon footprint, less dependency on fossil fuels, to suitability for all end-of-life options, including organic, mechanical and chemical recycling.

We are currently looking for a Head of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs to support the association in strengthening the role of biobased, biodegradable plastics within the technical and policy framework driving the EU Circular Economy.

Working in close cooperation with the Head of our office in Brussels, you will report directly to the Managing Director.

Key tasks

  • Manage EUBP’s Working Group Sustainability and Environmental Affairs (WG SEA) and its subsidiary, theme-specific Task Forces;
  • Gather, assess, and distil information on relevant scientific documents;
  • Monitor, assess, and drive forward relevant sustainability and LCA issues related to biobased and biodegradable plastics and polymers;
  • Monitor and assess design for recycling, separate collection, sorting and end-of-life schemes for bioplastics;
  • Monitor and drive forward all issues regarding EUBP’s “seedling”-logo, the sign of conformity to industrial compostability certification;
  • Liaise with members and drive the development of position papers and background documents;
  • Represent EUBP members’ interest in and towards the European Committee for Normalisation (CEN) and on public forums/platforms;
  • Support other departments (Policy, Comms, Events, EU Projects) with background knowledge.

Key skills required

  • A university degree, preferably in natural or environmental science,
  • At least 5 years’ experience in the field of (bio)polymers, (plastic) waste management, LCA and/or sustainability issues, and standardisation
  • Thorough understanding of polymer-specific science;
  • Ability to communicate and negotiate professionally with a wide range of contacts;
  • Self-motivation and capability of working on her/his own initiative;
  • Excellent interpersonal as well as team player skills;
  • Outstanding oral and written English is essential – fluency in other European languages would be an asset.

We offer

  • An open-ended full-time employment contract with flexible time management and occasional home office possibility;
  • Remuneration that adequately reflects both the professional background of the successful candidate as well as the tasks to be performed;
  • A dedicated team (based in Berlin and Brussels) that is always ready to support;
  • Engaged members that know their hot topics and are eager to share more information with different stakeholders in order to accurately inform about bioplastics.

Starting date: asap

Location: Brussels

How to apply: Please send your CV and motivation letter to EUBP’s Managing Director, Hasso von Pogrell, jobs@european-bioplastics.org, with “Head of SEA” in the subject line.

Please note that only shortlisted applications will receive a response.

Deadline to apply: 16 February 2024

More on European Bioplastics:

https://www.european-bioplastics.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-bioplastics/

Download PDF here.