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Dear members,
We are pleased to share the March issue of the European Bioplastics Bulletin with you, containing the latest news and insights from the bioplastics industry. Some contents are for members only, and you can access them via the members area on our website (login: Members / Bio2018plastics).
If you have any questions, comments, or interesting news or topics to share, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Enjoy the read!
Kind regards from the European Bioplastics team
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EUBP’s policy recommendations to integrate bioplastics in the EU Plastics Strategy
The EU Plastics Strategy is an ambitious step towards making the European plastics system more resource-efficient and drive the change from a linear to a circular system. Bioplastics provide crucial impulses for innovation and the development of a sustainable, circular plastics economy by using alternative feedstocks and offering a wider scope of end-of-life options for plastic products. Both advantages have been generally recognised in the Commission’s Communication. However, the proposal fails to suggest concrete legislative measures to capitalise on these benefits. EUBP has put together a paper outlining a set of potential legislative measures and actions that will allow for bioplastics to unfold their full potential and contributions to an evolving plastics economy.
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Peace of mind for families (and the environment)
Concerns about harmful chemicals, health and environmental effects lead more and more parents and toymakers alike to switch to high-quality, sustainable, and safe toys made from bio-based instead from petroleum-based materials. Next to a growing number of new start-ups developing bioplastics toys, big players such as Lego and Hasbro are also investing heavily in the search to phase out fossil-based materials in their products. Exploring options to make toys from sustainable bio-based plastics gives toymakers the opportunity to size up improved performance characteristics, and, at the same time, a chance to demonstrate their commitment to innovation and to ensuring their users will inherit a healthy planet.
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Biodegradable mulch films discussed in workshop hosted by MEP Bogovič
On 21 March 2018, Member of the European Parliament Franc Bogovič (EPP) hosted a breakfast debate on 'Biodegradable mulch films: Reducing environmental impact of plastics in agriculture‘. The aim of the workshop was to provide the EU institutions with scientific information about the technology of biodegradable plastics, in particular their benefits in agricultural applications such as plastic mulch films, and to discuss if and how biodegradable mulch films are a beneficial alternative to conventional plastic mulches.
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Can you teach an old cell new tricks?
Find out as molecular biologist at DuPont Tate & Lyle, Mathew Halter, explains. The joint venture of DuPont and Tate & Lyle has developed a proprietary process that uses plant-based instead of petroleum-based feedstocks to produce 1,3-propanediol. Today, the company provides solutions for a wide variety of markets and applications through its bio-based high-performance polymers. DuPont Tate & Lyle recently announced an expansion to their manufacturing facility in Loudon, Tennessee, to increase annual production of bio-based 1,3-propanediol by 35 million pounds by mid-2019.
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Electrolux builds the world’s first bioplastic concept fridge
Without a doubt, this is the coolest (pun intended) news about an application for bioplastics. Electrolux, the leading group of global household product brands, unveiled the world’s first concept fridge made of bioplastics. All visible parts of the refrigerator prototype are made of bioplastics. The material used in the refrigerator is derived from renewable resources, such as corn or sugarcane, and is provided by our member NatureWorks, a world-leading supplier of biopolymers. The bioplastic for the refrigerator has 80% lower CO2 equivalent emissions compared to the conventional plastic used in current fridges.
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Barcelona’s historic district starts organic waste collection with compostable biowaste bags
In February 2018, the district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, located in a historic part of Barcelona, introduced a door-to-door separate waste collection system as part of the Zero Waste Strategy of the municipality. The project aims to minimise the quantity of waste sent to landfill and, more importantly, to involve citizens in order to make them aware of the fate of waste and the environmental and social consequences of a lack of separate waste collection. For the separate collection of biowaste, the municipality will be distributing compostable biowaste bags during the first year.
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News in brief
- The Netherlands to ban oxo-degradable plastics
- 100% renewable and compostable tea bags
- Bio-on launches PHA solution for the controlled-release of fertilizers
- Total Corbion PLA announces successful start-up of pilot plant in Rayong
- Retail chain SPAR introduces bio-based reusable shopping bags
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Call for Papers – 13th European Bioplastics Conference
European Bioplastics (EUBP) now invites proposals for the 13th European Bioplastics Conference taking place on 4/5 December 2018 at the Titanic Chaussee Hotel in Berlin, Germany. This year’s conference will focus on advanced innovations in bioplastics as well as on environmental aspects and opportunities for growth. Experts are invited to submit proposals for presentations and poster presentations.
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News and updates for our members
The next Members Meeting will take place on 27 June 2018 at the premises of EUBP (Marienstr. 19-20, Berlin). The Product Groups Bio-based & Biodegradables will meet on the day before, 26 June 2018, and a social evening will be held on that day for those of you who will attend both days or arrive early. More information will follow soon.
More news and updates can be found in our online members area, including detailed information on the latest development in our network, minutes and documents from our Product and Working Groups, updates on past and upcoming Members Meetings, and information on new members that have recently joined the European Bioplastics association.
To find out more, simply click on the link below and log in to the website members area (login: Members / Bio2018plastics).
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European Bioplastics
Marienstr. 19-20
10117 Berlin
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