Symposium Bioplastics 5th of June in CineMec Ede
Symposium Bioplastics shows increasing market opportunities
More than 100 delegates from primarily SME’s attended the symposium “Bioplastics: growing opportunities for your company” on June 5th in Ede, Netherlands. This symposium was organised by the Platform Bio-based Business in collaboration with the Dutch branche organisation for compostable plastics (BCPN). At the symposium it was concluded that bioplastics are now experiencing a definite market breakthrough, and, in the Netherlands, are now widely used in such consumer applications as fresh food packaging, waste and carrier bags and disposable cups. Under chairmanship of Platform BBB’s board member Dr. Barbara de Klerk the state of the art of bioplastics was presented. Karin Molenveld of Wageningen UR gave an overview of commercially available bioplastics, their material and processing characteristics as well as typical uses. She also presented ongoing developments to broaden the range of possible applications. Current regulations and pitfalls around compostability and biodegradability was clarified by Remy Jongboom (BCPN) and Bruno de Wilde (OWS, Belgium). Several companies presented their market successes such as poducts based on starches (Novamont) and PLA (polylactic acid; Nature Works). Their products range from biodegradable packaging materials, laminated cups to moulded products such as agricultural products and sun glasses. Joost Carlier of Loc7000 highlighted his experiences with the introduction of PLA drinking cups at the recent “Lowlands festival”.
