Natural Plastics

The Dutch government is investing in creating a bio-based economy and hopes to be known as 'the land of green chemistry' by 2050. A variety of industry leaders met in the Dutch town of Wageningen earlier this year to discuss innovations in bioplastics.

Bioplastics leaders from across Europe gathered in Wageningen for a symposium organised by the Biobased Performance Materials (BPM) programme, where government and industry outlined plans to make the Netherlands one of the largest bio-based economies in the world.

In the opening speech, chairman Jan Noordegraaf from Synbra outlined the Dutch government's plans for sustainable development, which involve biomass production, the implementation of biomass import chains, and production of green chemicals and materials.

By 2050, the Netherlands wants to be one of the top three producers of smart materials in the world, he said.

"The Netherlands are on the threshold of a new golden age," said Noordegraaf, adding that the country has the ideal conditions to build a bio-based economy. The Netherlands has excellent knowledge bases in its universities and chemical companies, as well as various R&D programmes, including BPM itself and BE-Basic, he said. BE-Basic is an international public-private partnership, funded by the Dutch Government.

The Netherlands has ample farming land and is a major grower of sugar beat which, according to Noordegraaf, is "almost unbeatable" in terms of bioplastic feedstock.

The industry will also benefit from a variety of funding he added.

By 2015, €445m will be available for joint research. Industry has already pledged to contribute more than €100m, with 30% coming from SMEs.

The BPM itself, which kicked off in March 2010, will also contribute a large amount of funding to help the Netherlands become a top producer of bio materials. BPM has €4m from industry in its investment fund, as well as another €4m from the ministry of economic affairs.

Karin Weustink from the ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, said during her speech at the conference that the Dutch government also wants to push this initiative forward by reducing bureaucracy.

"We will make finance easier, for example by replacing subsidies with credit agreements and getting direct foreign investments," she said. "It is also important to support SMEs so there will be loan guarantees, for example."

At the symposium several industry leaders highlighted different bio material projects  that are taking place in the country.

For example, Royal Cosun, a consortium of Dutch sugar beet growers, announced plans to commercialise a composite based on carrot waste.

Curran, a cellulose material extracted from carrot waste and developed by Scottish science company Cellucomp, can be combined with a variety of resins to create biocomposite materials.

"Although we are still doing research into the material's properties, advantages we have seen so far include stiffness, strength, toughness and light weight," said Royal Cosun spokesperson Bart van Ingen. At the conference Van Ingen showed two successful applications; a fishing rod and a longboard.

Another speaker, Ed de Jong, spoke about Avantium's work in PEF materials, which it makes using YXY technology, a catalytic chemical process that converts carbohydrates into bio-based polymers, including an alternative to terephthalic acid.

According to de Jong, the YXY technology creates a material that delievers superior functional properties to conventional PET in terms of lightweighting potential and barrier and thermal properties. Avantium quotes a study done by the Copernicus Institute at Utrecht University, which shows that PEF has a 50-60% lower carbon footprint than oil-based PET.

Just prior to the conference Avantium signed an agreement to use its technology to produce its PEF bottles for Danone.

Other innovations discussed at the event included Forbo Flooring, which is looking at expanding the use of biobased materials in its linoleum product range, and Audi, which talked about the Scirocco Bioconcept. The car uses as many sustainable processes and materials as possible, including flax-fibre composites in the doors.

Source: http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com

The significance of bioplastics as a central component of the European bioeconomy strategy is undisputed. This was the core message of the plenary talks by Alfredo Aguilar Romanillos, European Commission, Clemens Neumann, Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Germany, and John Williams, NNFCC, during the 7th European Bioplastics Conference on 6 and 7 November in Berlin.

More than 400 participants caught up on the latest developments and progress in the bioplastics industry.
Numerous questions connected to the growth of the bioplastics industry were discussed during the 7th European Bioplastics Conference – such as: How is the growing supply of bioplastics affecting public awareness? Which market segments will grow in particular and what impacts will this growth have? What are the potential side-effects of adding bioplastics to existing recycling streams? In particular the latter was a hot topic at the conference. “Give us a sufficient amount of any plastic – be it PLA or any other bioplastic – and we can sort it and recycle it”. This was the main message of the recycling industry to the bioplastics industry during a podium discussion moderated by Thomas Probst of the Federal Association of Secondary
Raw Materials and Disposal.

The „7th Annual Global Bioplastics Award“ ceremony by bioplastics MAGAZINE was another highlight of this year’s conference. 2012, saw two winners take the award. Both companies come from the automotive industry and achieved the same score. TAKATA AG received the „Bioplastics Award 2012“ for its demonstrator of a steering wheel/airbag system that shows both, the potential and the limits of bioplastic applications. The IfBB (University of Hannover) was awarded with its rear spoiler of the „Bioconcept Car“ racing car. The flax fibre enriched component with biobased epoxy resin is only one of many components to come that shall be produced successively from bioplastics.

European Bioplastics addressed the significant topic of „environmental communication for bioplastics“ in a half-day workshop the day prior to the conference (5 November). Representatives of the bioplastics industry, the communications industry, and experts of environmental initiatives as well as public institutions discussed various cases concerning the essential issue, “Where does greenwashing start?”. “The workshop discussion reflected a very open atmosphere and we are pleased that we were able to welcome a diverse range of participants – amongst them representatives of Deutsche Umwelthilfe (German Environment Aid) and Greenpeace,“ said Andy Sweetman, Chairman of European Bioplastics. „Regular exchanges on important topics such as environmental communication are essential, particularly in the case of a vibrant growth area such as the bioplastics industry“. European Bioplastics intends to continue its promotion of best practice communication in the area of bioplastics with a series of workshops during the next year.

Now in its seventh year, the European Bioplastics Conference, with around 400 participants and 240 companies from around the world, has once again shown itself to be the leading information platform globally. Participants this year came from the following regions: approx. 85 percent of participants came from Europe, 10 percent visited from Asia, and the majority of the remaining 5 percent came from North and South America.

Images from the conference and the workshop are available at the following link: http://en.european-bioplastics.org/press/press-pictures/eventsactivities-2/

The conference proceedings (CD) will shortly be available for purchase here: http://en.european-bioplastics.org/conference2012/

Source: http://en.european-bioplastics.org/press/press-releases/

Greenwashing, false or misleading communication of environmental product properties, is a widespread problem in the marketplace. European Bioplastics, the association for the European bioplastics' industry, has considered this subject, and, in order to further good communication along the complete bioplastics value chain, has published its ‘Environmental Communications Guide for Bioplastics’.

The guide gives an overview of general guidelines for environmental communication and specific recommendations for bioplastics.

Download your free copy of the ECG here:
(English language, pdf,  3,6 MB)

A short summary of the key findings is also available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Swedish. Click on the respective icon to download the file (pdf, 1,3 MB).

World leaders must do more to respond to the threat of climate change, and the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil should prioritize action against the drivers of global warming, according to an Appeal issued today by the high-level Climate Change Task Force.

The Climate Change Task Force (CCTF), is convened by President Mikhail Gorbachev, and comprises scientists, economists, former heads of state, Nobel prize laureates as well as climate and sustainable development experts from developed and developing countries.

“Effective action to avert the destabilization of the climate is, in fact, a pre-condition for successful progress towards sustainable world development, which will be the focus of Rio+20,” the Task Force says in its three-page Appeal for Urgent Action on Climate Change. “We must position climate change in the wider context of sustainable economic and social development and identify and act on its underlying causes, which are rooted in our present values and consequent social and economic choices and actions.”

President Gorbachev says: “The Climate Change Task Force is appealing to the heads of state and decision-makers at the Rio+20 conference to ensure that the climate change challenge is put clearly onto the agenda and that a strong political commitment is made to take action against this threat.”

The Appeal has been endorsed by more than 30 influential figures from many fields, including European Union Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard, environmentalist David Suzuki, former Netherlands Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, Ashok Khosla, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Konrad Otto-Zimmermann, Secretary General of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, Dmitri Zenghelis, Chief Economist at Cisco Climate Change Practice and London School of Economics Visiting Senior Fellow, and Sir David King, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Prime Minister.

Alexander Likhotal, President of Green Cross International, which hosts the Task Force, says on-going negotiations on the final outcome document proposed for Rio+20 are paying too little attention to climate change.

“The United Nations is highlighting the urgent need for action, stating that little or no progress has been made on climate change, desertification, drought, fish stocks and dozens of internationally agreed goals and objectives to support sustainable management of the environment and improve human wellbeing,” adds Mr Likhotal. “But leadership means not just recognition of the problem, but about offering a solution to resolve the problem.”

The Appeal is being followed by the 18 June release in Rio of the Task Force’s first joint statement on “Action to Face the Urgent Realities of Climate Change.”

As climate change and environmental degradation pose growing threats to humanity, President Gorbachev has convened the high-level Climate Change Task Force to stimulate an urgent and profound international response to the challenges, and to build the critical mass and political will needed for deep rooted societal change capable of containing and reversing the effects of these threats.

Related content:
•Download the Appeal for Urgent Action on Climate Change.
           oEnglish
           oPortuguese
           oSpanish
•Climate Change Task Force website
•Video interviews with Task Force members
•Event notice for 18 June launch in Rio of the “Action to Face the Urgent Realities of Climate Change” statement.

National governments in Europe need to do more to ensure that R&D innovation in the biotech industry is translated into new businesses, new products and additional jobs according to a new report launched today by Ernst & Young and EuropaBio, “What Europe has to offer biotechnology companies: unraveling the tax, financial and regulatory framework”. The reportfound significant variation in the regulatory and policy environment for biotechnology companies across Europe, which has a significant impact on success and policies across the region. The differences range from basic policies and regulations which encourage financing for start-ups, to the ability to encourage entrepreneurs and attract competent managers.

The report was launched today by EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, at the European Parliament during the EuropaBio Benefits of Biotechnology event hosted by Member of the European Parliament Francoise Grossetete. Attended by more than 120 people, and opened by Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli, the event focused on the contribution of biotechnology to society’s challenges such as feeding and healing an ageing population, environmental sustainability, economic growth and maintaining Europe as a center of scientific excellence.

Stephan Kuhn, Ernst & Young EMEIA Tax Leader, said: “A consistent tax and regulatory environment for biotech SMEs across Europe is essential if the industry is to have sustainable growth and remain competitive compared with other regions. This report shows some governments have recognized the importance of policies and programs that foster a strong community of SMEs in biotechnology, such as R&D tax credits or low corporation tax for example, whereas others have not. National governments, together with the EU, need to make sure that the policies are in place to make funding more accessible to SMEs involved in biotechnology”.

The reportsurveyed 16 countries across Europe on the tax, financial and regulatory incentives their governments provide to investors, entrepreneurs and researchers in the bioeconomy, and the challenges facing SMEs. The report compares the tax concessions on offer in each country, financing opportunities for SMEs, and the benefits that can flow from a decision to establish a start-up in a particular location.

Thomas Saylor, EuropaBio Chair of the SME Platform, stated: “This report represents an important contribution to the policy debate over measures that can significantly benefit biotech SMEs in Europe and ensure that Europeans benefit from the biological sciences. There is growing recognition by the European Commission and policy makers throughout Europe of the importance of biotech SMEs to Europe’s future prosperity. As such, the report can play a major role in establishing an agenda for policymakers seeking to ensure an attractive environment for investors and biotech entrepreneurs.”

Source: www.europabio.org

European Bioplastics, the association of the bioplastics industry in Europe, announces the 7th European Bioplastics Conference to take place on 6/7 November 2012 at he Maritim proArte Hotel in Berlin.

„More investments, more commodity products, and an increasing interest for the industry - the steadily growing market visibility puts bioplastics onto the agenda of brand owners, consumers and decision-makers,“ comments European Bioplastics Chairman Andy Sweetman. “Bioplastics are clearly moving from niche to mainstream.”

The 7th European Bioplastics Conference is the pre-eminent international industry event in Europe offering a unique information platform for industry trends and innovations in material and application development.

Participants can expect a newly diversified conference format as well as an improved mix of expert presentations meeting their individual needs and interests.

Excellent networking opportunities and a comprehensive product exhibition: building on last year’s success of the record exhibition, the 7th Conference is set to offer even more exhibition space, exclusiveness and networking areas.

In 2011, over 420 experts from around the globe came together at the 6th conference and impressively showcased the conference’s tremendous effectiveness in networking and information exchange.

Source:  http://www.ceepackaging.com

On 22 and 23 November, European Bioplastics unites the global bioplastics industry to showcase and assess the latest trends and products as well as the development of the European market. The 6th European Bioplastics Conference will take place at the Maritim proArte Hotel in Berlin.

How will the bioplastics industry continue to drive the evolution of plastics? What exciting new developments will enter and influence the market? The 6th European Bioplastics Conference will update all interested stakeholders on these questions. Once more the hosting association European Bioplastics relies on the proven combination of an expert conference and an adjoint product exhibition.

One of the keynotes this year will be held by Maurits van Tol, Vice-President Bio-based Chemicals and Polymers at DSM, who focusses on the opportunities of biobased polymers worldwide. Amongst others Dow (USA), Rhein Chemie (Germany) and Avantium (Netherlands) will talk about investments, research projects and new developed materials.

Another highlight of this year’s conference is the Annual Global Bioplastics Award which will be presented by the Bioplastics Magazine. Applicants are invited to nominate their products, services or developments. More details and the entry form can be downloaded from www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/award.

“We are confident to satisfy every participants’ demand for exchanging and gaining information at the 6th European Bioplastics Conference. There will be ample opportunities to initiate cooperations and to network”, says Andy Sweetman, Chairman of European Bioplastics.

“We aim to set a new attendance record with 400+ participants in 2011”, adds Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics. More information about the event as well as the registration process is available at the conference website en.european-bioplastics.org/conference2011.

Source:  http://www.nnfcc.co.uk

This year's 8th Annual Report and Survey of Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing identifies twenty one new product development areas where biomanufacturers are demading better products and more innovation.

The study evaluates and quantifies the new technology needs from over 350 global biomanufacturers across 31 countries. In addition, the report surveyed 180 suppliers to identify what is currently being developed to meet the industry's most urgent requirements. According to suppliers, innovation has never been more well funded, and broad in scope.

Interestingly the report found that European, US, and Asian biomanufacturers each have different demands for new technologies. In Western Europe demands are for better purification technologies, while in the US manufacturers want sensors and probes and Asian manufacturers want better analytical developments.

According to the reports authors budgets are growing in all areas measured, but the great majority are continuing to actively implement cost-cutting initiatives. In addition, a broad range of new products are being demanded from industry vendors to solve productivity problems, especially in single use and chromatography areas.

To read the report in full please click here. Please note that the NNFCC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Source: http://www.nnfcc.co.uk

DaniMer Scientific, a national corporation focusing on the development of sustainably produced, renewable and biodegradable resources, is presenting at the 2011 Bioplastek Forum in New York City.

DaniMer Scientific President Blake Lindsey will be part of a breakout session panel on packaging applications, discussing biopolymers and the value delivered to clients.

As part of the presentation, he will unveil the first of a complete family of hot melt adhesives based on biodegradable polymers. These bio-resin adhesives are manufactured using renewable materials rather than the petroleum derived materials that are used to make traditional hot melt adhesives. The new DaniMer adhesives are designed to operate in existing hot melt applicators including hand-guns and automatic applicators.

“It is a very exciting time in the world of bioplastics,” said Lindsey. “DaniMer is honored to be a part of such an innovative and forward-thinking group to discuss our technology and the advances we’re making in bioplastics and hot melt adhesives.”

The inaugural BioPlastek Forum on Bioplastics Today and Tomorrow, features more than 40 top-level industry, brand owner/OEM, processor, academic and government leaders, presenting analyses of where the industry is today and its future potential.

“We are constantly working to improve our technology and develop new resins to help our clients achieve their goals, while supporting global efforts to use sustainable resources,” added Lindsey. “Our biodegradable plastics offer improved product performance and can be used in a variety of applications from packaging to labels, bottles and lids.”

DaniMer Scientific believes people’s lives can be improved and the environment can be better protected by utilizing renewable resources to manufacture articles that are intended for short-term use. One of the company’s goals is to reduce dependence on petroleum, enabling people and communities to benefit from environmentally friendly products.

For more information about the forum, please visit: http://bioplastek.com

Source:  http://www.danimer.com

Braskem, the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, will participate in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP-16) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held from November 29 to December 10, 2010 in Cancun, Mexico. The initiative reinforces the company’s positioning of maintaining a presence in various production chains, always with a view to promoting sustainable development. 
At the meeting, Braskem will raise new topics for discussion that could give the leaders in attendance an opportunity to learn about unique views as well as emphasize Brazil’s vanguard position. One of Braskem's key objectives is to reinforce the importance of renewable raw materials in production processes, presenting as an example its recently released green plastic, which is made from sugarcane. In September, Braskem inaugurated the world’s first plant producing green ethylene on an industrial scale. More recently, it also announced the conclusion of the conceptual phase of its project to build a new green propylene plant, which should begin operations in 2013. The technology for making sustainable resins will be presented at the conference as a key solution for creating a low-carbon economy on a global scale.
In addition, since it a representative of the chemicals industry at COP16, Braskem will be responsible for presenting and mediating a debate on the industry's contributions to climate change, which be given on December 7 at the Brazil Pavilion.
"Braskem believes that topics such as climate change and new technologies promoting sustainability must be adequately supported. That's why we are participating in COP16 to present our experience and give all the support needed to foster this debate," said Jorge Soto, Braskem's sustainable development officer.
Green Solutions@COP16
In parallel to COP16, Green Solutions@COP16 will also be taking place, which is organized by the Mexican government and sponsored by several companies. The meeting will be held on December 5-9 and was created to promote the exchange of ideas on climate change among leaders in the private sector, with a focus on investing in and developing new technologies.