Directive on the reduction of single-use plastic products remains vague on sustainable alternatives

The European Commission presented an ambitious new Directive to tackle marine litter by introducing a number of measures including reduction and restriction of selected single-use plastic products, such as disposable balloon sticks, straws, cutlery, plates, cups and food containers. “The proposal is a meaningful addition to existing legislation and strategies, unfortunately, however, it remains vague regarding sustainable alternatives”, states François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP).

EUBA urges to discuss bio-based feedstock in the context of the EU Plastics Strategy

In response to the EU Plastics Strategy published by the European Commission earlier this year, the European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA) presented a discussion paper to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to urge the institutions to underpin the Commission's approach with concrete actions on how to realise the potential of bio-based plastics to contribute to driving innovation and sustainable development of the plastics industry.

Full stereocomplex PLA technology now commercially available from Total Corbion PLA

 Total Corbion PLA, global technology leader in poly lactic acid (PLA), announced the launch of a novel technology that can create full stereocomplex PLA in a broad range of industrial applications. The proprietary technology enables PLA applications to withstand temperatures close to 200°C.

Development of bio-based and biodegradable skin-contact products well under way

European Bioplastics hosted the meeting of the PolyBioSkin project consortium in Berlin. All consortium partners attended the meeting to update one another on the progress within the project’s work packages, coordinate the research agenda for the coming months, and elaborated on their intentions to use the project results in an exploitation workshop.

Member portrait: Kompuestos

In each issue of the Bioplastics Bulletin, we present five facts about a member of European Bioplastics. This month, Ignacio Duch, President of Kompuestos, shares some information on one of the leading international suppliers of masterbatches, coloring systems and customized additives, as well as high performance plastic masterbatches and compounds.

News in brief

• DIN CERTCO offers certification for biodegradable mulch films
• Online petition for compostable bio-waste bags launched in Austria
• €400m budget for 2018 LIFE Call for projects
• Glass fibre reinforced PLA wins Innovation Award “Bio-based Material of the Year 2018”

Register for the 13th European Bioplastics Conference

Registration is now open for the leading annual bioplastics event in Europe, the 13^th European Bioplastics Conference, taking place on 4/5 December 2018 at the Titanic Chaussee Hotel in Berlin, Germany. Register before 30 June 2018 to save up to EUR 300 with the early bird rate! This year’s event 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. The deadline to submit an abstract for this Call for Papers is 31 July 2018.