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. The Commission says that algae represent a largely untapped resource in Europe. It can be used to produce food, feed, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics, fertilizers and biofuels. 

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Tool to Calculate Benchmark Data for Sustainable Production of Plastics 

Benchmark data calculated and compiled at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) can provide a measurement—at the supply chain level—of how much energy is required for an amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the production of a variety of plastics in the United States. Researchers developing renewable plastics and exploring new processes for plastics upcycling and recycling technologies will now be able to easily baseline their efforts to current manufacturing practices to understand if their efforts will save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

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British Plastics Federation and UK Research launch sustainability courses 

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are collaborating to support the UK’s plastics supply chain in creating more sustainable and easy-to-recycle packaging. As part of the initiative, two training courses have been developed for people throughout the plastics packaging supply chain, including brands, designers, manufacturers, retailers and even students, about how to use plastics more sustainably. 

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