Bioplastics News
EU research project BIOnTop explores protein coatings to enhance barrier properties of bio-based films
BIOnTop’s research teams are pursuing various strategies to optimise biopolymers with a specific focus on protein-based coatings. European Bioplastics supports the BIOnTop project as consortium partner. Most sensitive foods are packaged in multi-layer composite films to ensure sufficient flavour, water vapor, and oxygen barriers to maintain products’ quality and increase its shelf life. However, most of these composite materials cannot be recycled. BIOnTop aims to [...]
Using LCA to compare bio-based and fossil-based plastics is not that simple
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 conclusions on certain advantages or [...]
“Certified compostable organic waste bags improve quality of organic waste” experts confirm, contradicting recent misleading media reports on organic waste collection
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 German government has called on [...]
The role of compostable plastics within the circular economy
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 Maria Spyraki gave a comprehensive overview of the [...]
European Parliament report recognizes potential role of bioplastics in the circular economy
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. They also noted the importance of [...]
Member portrait: CJ Europe
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. CJ CheilJedang’s bio business produces globally leading bio products of amino-acids and [...]