On the occasion of the International Plastic Bag Free Day at the beginning of July, German-based research institute Fraunhofer UMSICHT published a position paper on plastic bags that looks at the pros and cons of the use of plastic bags compared to other alternatives such as paper or cotton bags from a scientific perspective, [...]
Castelldefels, Spain, 17 July 2017 – The EU-funded PolyBioSkin project commenced work on the development of biopolymers for high-demand skin-contact applications. At the end of June 2017, the project consortium, comprising of 12 partners, including European Bioplastics (EUBP), met in Castelldefels in Spain for the kick-off meeting hosted by project coordinator IRIS to discuss [...]
While there is no specific bioeconomy legislation, funding for bioeconomy research and innovation is a key policy tool for promoting the bioeconomy. EU funding mechanisms include notably the HORIZON 2020 framework programme, the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI). Some 5.6% (EUR 4208 million) of the [...]
DuPont wins 2017 European Company of the Year Award for bio-based materials: DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) has been awarded the 2017 European Company of the Year Award for bio-based materials, reflecting the company’s position “at the vanguard of innovation, developing cutting-edge, bio-based materials that improve customers' lives and meet market needs for high-performing, sustainable [...]
The EU bioeconomy makes up an important part of the total economy in the EU. In 2014, it employed around 18.6 million people and generated approximately EUR 2.2 trillion. This means that the bioeconomy represents around 9% of all sectors of the economy with regards to employment as well as to turnover. These are [...]
Bio-based plastics can be mechanically recycled just like conventional plastics and biodegradable plastics are not a solution to the plastic soup in the oceans. These are two key findings in the report ‘Biobased and biodegradable plastics – Facts and Figures’, released by Wageningen Food & Biobased Research. The report takes stock of scientific knowledge on [...]
In each issue of the Bioplastics Bulletin, we present 5 facts about a member of European Bioplastics. In this issue Dr Stanislaw Haftka, Sales Director of BIO-FED, shares some information on the bioplastics producer based in Cologne, Germany. Dr Stanislaw Haftka, Sales Director, BIO-FED 5 facts about BIO-FED, Cologne, Germany BIO-FED is based [...]
Spain announced plans to ban the sale of lightweight oxo-degradable bags from 2018 onwards under a new law drafted by the Spanish agriculture and environment ministry. The law implements an EU directive to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. The draft also includes a minimum price on plastic bags above 15 microns [...]
In each issue of the Bioplastics Bulletin, we present 5 facts about a member of European Bioplastics. In this issue, José Antonio Costa, Managing Director of AIMPLAS, shares some information about the non-profit research association located in Valencia, Spain. 5 facts about AIMPLAS, Valencia, Spain José Antonio Costa, Managing Director, AIMPLAS AIMPLAS [...]
Biodegradable mulch films have been available on the market for more than 15 years, backed by solid scientific and technical knowledge, and meeting a high level of acceptance among European farmers growing fruits and vegetables. They play an essential role in modern agriculture as they deliver positive agronomical effects such as increasing yield, improving [...]