Join us as we delve into the recent updates and opportunities biomaterials - especially bioplastics - hold for the economy and the environment.
News
European Bioplastic Conference provides hope and actionable insights
‘Bioplastics are here to stay, and they are here to grow.’
Franz Kraus, European Bioplastic Chair
Following the recent UN plastic treaty summit in Busan (South Korea) that failed to secure a deal, the 19th European Bioplastic Conference (EBC24) comes across as a breath of fresh air promising a future where we and nature may, indeed, breathe.
After two days of thoughtful presentations, collective debates and market data analysis, the approximate 350 attendees left with a series of reflections on bioplastics advancements, realistic assessment of environmental impacts and milestones considering the current global industry.
Bio-based Industry network secures £474K to boost bio-based materials regulation
Following in the footsteps of the €2 billion Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), a partnership supporting competitive circular innovations, Innovate UK awarded £474k to the Bio-based and Biodegradable materials REGulatory NETwork (BB-REG-NET) during its launch. The fund was created to support industry, academia, policymakers and regulators in overcoming barriers and accelerating the adoption of sustainable chemical solutions.
For a better understanding of the barriers to bio-based economy in the UK:
Top innovations
Indian scientist boosts local economy by turning toxic seafood waste into bioproducts
Scientist and founder of Natnov Bioscience Dr Siddhartha Pati creates what he calls a ‘blue circular economy’ in Odisha by converting polluting seafood waste into eco-friendly products and local job opportunities. The new-born company transforms over 5,000 metric tonnes of toxic seafood waste annually into bio-based products for the agriculture, pharmaceutical and packaging industries.
Research highlights Eastman solution Aventa as a win for bioplastic development and the environment
A recent study led by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) proves that CDA foams made with Eastman's compostable material Aventa Renew rapidly decompose in the marine environment. Turns out Aventa-based foams lose up to 70% of their overall mass in just 36 weeks of incubation in seawater.
Business
Acme Mills launches a new line of biobased PLA fabrics
Natura, the company's latest collection uses renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane to create PLA materials for several industries including food & beverage, automotive and healthcare. The fabrics are set to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75% compared to the traditional plastics they are designed to replace.
Other recent launches you might find interesting:
- Greenworks Bio Introduced New Product Line to Combat Plastic
- American Packaging Corporation releases high-performance paper-based technology
New England Coffee Co. adopts PurPod100 capsules
The decade-old coffee brand set an example by partnering with PurPod to deliver delicious coffee in nature-friendly packaging. It is replacing its conventional plastic coffee pods with PurPod100, made from cellulose and PLA materials that have earned its green reputation. These are now available at grocery chains like Walmart, Harris Teeter, Kroger and Target.
Community
Wondering how you can contribute to the collective debate?
Be a part of the SEM Ecosystem, an innovative network that drives eco-conscious action.
The community-oriented organisation Save Earth Mission has just launched 'SEM Ecosystem,' a project designed to inspire and facilitate collective action towards climate-positive practices and environmental resilience. SEM connects sustainable initiatives with revenue-generating platforms, providing members with access to educational resources, virtual community and market spaces, e-commerce platforms, global campaigns and more.
Stay tuned for weekly updates on biomaterials so we can collectively turn off the tap on polluting materials!
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