“Plastics play an essential role in modern society. However, their value chain is currently unsustainable, contributing to the generation of climate changing emissions and increasing waste and pollution. Reducing such impacts while retaining plastics’ usefulness requires a shift towards a more circular and sustainable plastics system”, states the European Environment Agency (EEA) in a [...]
Sugarcane plants growing at field The Dutch company Corbion is a manufacturer of lactic acid and lactic acid derivatives, emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals, vitamins, and algae ingredients. Part of the company’s key sustainability initiatives is the responsible sourcing initiative. It aims to create a sustainable supply chain for its agricultural raw [...]
Novamont starts construction of a demo plant for the production of FDCA Novamont has announced a 10 million-euro investment programme, as part of the expansion and diversification of its production plant in Terni (Italy), for the construction of a demonstration plant dedicated to a new monomer of vegetable origin derived from sugars (2.5 furandicarboxylic [...]
Shoes by Timberland Timberland increases the use of renewable materials in its shoes In 2018, a total of 69% of all Timberland footwear shipped in 2018 contained major components (e.g., uppers, linings, and outsoles) with at least 10% recycled, organic or renewable (ROR) content, up slightly from 67% the previous year. Renewable materials [...]
Nova-Institut, an independent research institute based in Germany, has carried out a sustainability study of bio-based raw materials for the chemical industry. The assessment analyses the strengths and weaknesses of sugar plants, starch plants, virgin wood as well as waste and residues for the production of bio-based chemicals. According to the results, first-generation fermentable sugar [...]
In each issue of the Bioplastics Bulletin, we present five facts about a member of European Bioplastics. This month, Mrs Maria Heinze, Project Manager R&D at POLIFILM shares some information on a leading manufacturer of extrusion and protective films. Sustainability is teamwork – also at POLIFILM (Photo credit: Thilo Schoch photo+videographer) 5 [...]
Revised EU Waste Package enters into force: On 14th June 2018 the waste legislative texts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. The new directives will enter into force on 4 July 2018. The revised waste package includes the Waste Framework Directive, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, Landfill Directive, and [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
The Netherlands to ban oxo-degradable plastics: After France and Spain implemented actions in 2017 to limit the production, distribution, sale, provision and utilization of packaging or bags made from oxo-degradable plastics – conventional plastics that falsely claim to biodegrade – the Netherlands now, too, announced plans for a complete ban of oxo-degradable plastics. "A [...]
