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Dear members,  

We are pleased to share with you the monthly press clipping February 2022. If you have any questions, comments, or interesting news or topics to share, please do not hesitate to contact us.  


Enjoy the read!

Kind regards from the European Bioplastics team

European Bioplastics News
 
NatureWorks and IMA Step-Up Testing of Compostable Coffee Pod  
 (Plastics Technology) 23/02-2022
Collaborators global bioplastics manufacturer NatureWorks and Italy-based IMA, a world leader in the design and ...
K-Cup compatible compostable coffee pods based on NatureWorks low-carbon PLA biopolymers. The joint strategic partnership accelerates on


Life Cycle Assessment study demonstrates the potential of Avantium’s FDCA and PEF technology to curb global warming  
 (Sustainable Packaging News) 21/02-2022
Avantium N.V., a leading technology company in renewable chemistry, has published Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data for its bottles made ...
) data for its bottles made from PEF (polyethylene furanoate): a plant-based, fully recyclable plastic material with superior performance.


In Situ Chemical Modification of Thermoplastic Starch with Poly(L-lactide) and Poly(butylene succinate) for an Effectively Miscible Ternary Blend  
 (MDPI) 21/02-2022
Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is in situ ring-opening polymerized with L-lactide (L-LA) and directly condensed with a poly(butylene succinate ...
2.1. Materials Commercial PLA (IngeoBiopolymer 2003D) and PBS (BioPBS™-FZ91PM) resins were purchased from NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, MN,


PLA does not endanger PET recycling  
 (Xea.nl) 15/02-2022
External source Biobased plastics, such as PLA, and an increase in recycling, are key to achieve a circular economy, and decouple from ...
impact of PLA on the PET recycling stream, the Dutch University of Wageningen conducted a study in collaboration with TotalEnergies Corbion.


NatureWorks selects Sulzer PLA bioplastics production technology  
 (Market Report Company) 15/02-2022
MOSCOW (MRC) -- Sulzer is delivering customized production technology to NatureWorks’ latest biopolymer manufacturing facility, which will ...
new facility will increase NatureWorks’ overall production capacity of lactic acid, lactides and advanced Ingeo PLA biopolymers. Made from


Biodegradable Polymer Reduces Ocean Plastic Pollution  
 (World Industrial Reporter) 14/02-2022
Kaneka is ramping up production of a new biodegradable polymer which it says could help make plastic debris at sea a thing of the past, ...
Kaneka is ramping up production of a new biodegradable polymer which it says could help make plastic debris at sea a thing of the past,


Bioplastics Family Gets Increasing Play in Luxury Cosmetics Applications  
 (Plastics Technology) 11/02-2022
Finland’s Sulapac eco-startup founded by two female biochemists specializing in biomaterials has been steadily making inroads with ...
Bioplastics Family Gets Increasing Play in Luxury Cosmetics Applications


Swell idea: Bioplastic surf boards gain traction  
 (Biofuels Digest) 8/02-2022
In France, a company is using 3D printing and biobased materials to bring the surf community a more sustainable experience . Wyve, based ...
, the boards are only available in Europe. The PLA is sourced from Total Corbion PLA, which has manufacturing sites in Netherlands and Spain


Neste’s Market and Innovation Outlook for creating a renewable and circular future is now published  
 (Informed Infrastructure) 3/02-2022
Neste has today published its new Market and Innovation Outlook report, The Change Book , which compiles Neste’s expert views based on ...
production by 2035, we are also introducing renewable and recycled raw materials such as waste plastic as refinery raw materials. We have


About Bioplastics
 
Scientist: EU focus on recycled plastics raises food safety concerns  
 (www.euractiv.com) 24/02-2022
The European Commission is working on a revision of the regulation on recycled plastics for food packaging, which according to Jane Muncke, raises concerns about food safety.


Basis for next-gen bioprocesses  
 (ScienceDaily) 23/02-2022
Date: February 23, 2022 Source: Technical University of Munich (TUM) Summary: Succinic acid is an important precursor ...
and cosmetic products and also serves as a component in biodegradable plastics. It is currently derived mainly from petroleum-based


Scientists engineer “green” solvent bioplastic production with antimicrobial potential  
 (Packaging Insights) 23/02-2022
23 Feb 2022 ---- Brazil and Portugal-based scientists have developed an environmentally sustainable process to produce biodegradable ...
scientists have developed an environmentally sustainable process to produce biodegradable plastic using pigment extracted from yeast by “


Morrisons supermarket cracks down on packaging as milk cartons axed from stores  
 (Daily Express) 23/02-2022
MORRISONS supermarket is changing its milk products for an improved vegan alternative that will save approximately 100 tonnes of plastic.
direction with packing (Image: Getty) The new plant-based cartons are not entirely plastic free as they contain a thin layer of polythene


Is Boxed Water Actually Better? Here’s What You Should Know  
 (Green Matters) 22/02-2022
In recent years, you've most likely seen at least one aspiring influencer in your feed post a photo of themselves holding a box of water. ...
's company!) use a cardboard box and plastic cap, with plastic made from plant-based resources. The manufacturers convert sugarcane, corn,


Is chemical recycling making progress?  
 (Packaging Europe) 22/02-2022
A recent report from ecoprog has identified more than 90 chemical recycling projects focused on plastics worldwide, with around 20 plants currently operational - mostly for research and development purposes. What progress has the chemical recycling industry made so far?


Borealis Finland launches collaborative research and development programme SPIRIT to drive industry change  
 (Polymerupdate.com) 22/02-2022
Borealis Finland launches collaborative research and development programme SPIRIT to drive industry change Petrochemical industry | 22 Feb ...
electrification as well as the use of hydrogen and renewable energy sources. “Plastic is one of the most versatile materials available, and


Unpacking the future of food packaging  
 (Monash University - LENS) 22/02-2022
Packaging plays a vital role in the food industry, but it hasn't kept pace with the continuous innovations made in technology. Biopolymer- ...
consumer demand for renewable and sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has driven the innovation of biopolymer-based


The cost of algae-based biofuel is still too high  
 (Popular Science) 22/02-2022
How far can a few drops of algae oil go?
solutions to sustainability challenges from fuel to plastics,” the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy stated in a press


Origin Materials announces $750 million sustainable materials facility in Ascension Parish  
 (BIC Magazine) 21/02-2022
Gov. John Bel Edwards and Origin Materials, a carbon-negative materials company committed to leading the global transition to sustainable ...
, Nestlé Waters and PepsiCo in its creation of recyclable, plant-based PET plastic consumer products, as well as Ford Motor Company and


Honeywell and TotalEnergies Sign Agreement for Advanced Plastic Recycling  
 (Omnexus - SpecialChem) 21/02-2022
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Honeywell and TotalEnergies announces a strategic agreement to promote the development of advanced ...
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Honeywell and TotalEnergies announces a strategic agreement to promote the development of advanced


HealthMedicinentral  
 (HealthMedicinentral) 21/02-2022
Superhero substance used in new bone implants to combat infection
), a commonly used implant material. PLA is a biodegradable plastic, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, tapioca, or sugar


LG Chem, Korea University collaborate to develop eco-friendly materials technology  
 (indianchemicalnews.com) 21/02-2022
Research will focus on securing eco-friendly source technologies such as plastic materials capable of natural decomposition in the ocean by ...
plan on promoting joint research on ▲ biodegradable plastic materials ▲ high-efficiency waste plastic recycling process ▲ next-generation


Working Towards High-Performance, Sustainable Polyurethanes  
 (Paint & Coatings Industry Magazine) 21/02-2022
Clean up polyurethane production with renewable monomers that deliver an enhanced property profile. The feedstocks traditionally used for ...
of options. Roquette offers two plant-derived, renewable feedstocks that allow polymer chemists to develop polyurethanes that are not only


Recycled plastic bottle research outlines significant environmental benefits  
 (Engineering and Technology Magazine) 21/02-2022
Work to increase the amount of recycled material that can be used in plastic drinks bottles could have “significant long-term environmental ...
into fertiliser using a pioneering circular system, effectively enabling the bioplastics to be chemically recycled back into fertilisers and


Bioactive Films Based on Starch from White, Red, and Black Rice to Food Application  
 (MDPI) 21/02-2022
Packages from renewable sources have been the focus of many studies, due to the consumer needs for high-quality food, environmental concern ...
] Krochta, J.M.; Mulder-Johnston, C. Edible and biodegradable polymer films: Challenges and opportunities. Food Technol. 1997, 51, 61–74. [


Meet the Man Who’s Making Barbie a Hollywood Star  
 (Time Magazine) 20/02-2022
(To receive weekly emails of conversations with the world’s top CEOs and business decisionmakers, click here .) Ynon Kreiz envisions ...
that you get the definition correctly, 100% percent recyclable or bio-based plastics materials in both product and packaging by 2030. Other


LG Chem sets sustainability as core priority  
 (The Korea Times) 20/02-2022
LG Chem has made sustainability its core priority and is working to improve its fundamentals in all business areas. In order to secure ...
such as eco-friendly post-consumer recycled (PCR) and biodegradable plastic materials. In July 2019, it succeeded in commercial production


MIT’s New Sustainable Plastic Can Be 3D Printed  
 (Apartment Therapy) 18/02-2022
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Credit: The Kitchn A team of ...
, just created a new type of plant-based plastic that is just as lightweight as traditional plastic but is stronger and harder than typical


Scientists Develop an Environmentally Sustainable Process to Produce Biodegradable Plastic  
 (AZoM.com) 18/02-2022
Scientists based in Brazil and Portugal have developed an environmentally sustainable process to produce biodegradable plastic using ...
tons of plastic manufactured every year worldwide, according to European Bioplastics, which represents the interests of some 70 member


High recycling rate of PET bottles questioned in new study  
 (www.euractiv.com) 17/02-2022
PET bottles used as packaging for soft drinks and mineral waters are often touted as the greenest type of plastic, with one of the highest recycling rates in the industry. But those claims are new being challenged by new research.


Municipal waste generation up to 505 kg per person  
 (ec.europa.eu) 17/02-2022
In 2020, the amount of municipal waste generated per person in the EU amounted to 505 kg, 4 kg per person more than in 2019 and 38 kg more than in 1995. In total, the EU generated 225.7 million tonnes of municipal waste in 2020, a 1% increase compared to 2019 (+1.8 million tonnes) and +14% compared


Best practice for bio-waste collection as a prerequisite for high-quality compost  
 (journals.sagepub.com) 17/02-2022
Due to its high content of humic substances, compost from bio-waste improves the structure and fertility of soils serving also as a sink for CO2. But compost is also contaminated with numerous compounds, for example, plastics, glass particles, etc., mostly due to incorrect sorting by the waste produ


The Worldwide Biodegradable Films Industry is Expected to Reach $1.4 Billion by 2026 - ResearchAndMarkets.com  
 (Le Lezard) 16/02-2022
That of Conventional Plastic Films Opportunities Steadily Growing Global Bioplastic Industry Growing Demand for Biodegradable Films in


The Casio PRO TREK PRW-61Y Uses Materials Derived from Corn & Seeds  
 (Trend Hunter) 16/02-2022
61Y is a standout timepiece design that makes the most of biomass plastics sourced from renewable organic substances. This watch for outdoor


Plantain-Reinforced Biopolymers  
 (AZoM.com) 16/02-2022
Manufacturing biopolymers from agricultural and industrial wastes is a growing area of research in materials sciences. Exploring the ...
escuelentus . Using Starch as a Bio-polymer Material Due to their ability to form viable bio-based polymers, organic macromolecules such


‘Somewhere between a pine tree and the Parthenon’: Neri Oxman’s vision for the future of cities  
 (DNYUZ) 16/02-2022
Architects, urban designers, and developers often refer to the built environment, a term of art intended to explain all the buildings and ...
our show at SFMOMA, we are finally exposing the architectural-scale biopolymer pavilion to the elements for the first time ever, measuring


Foaming with scCO2 and Impregnation with Cinnamaldehyde of PLA Nanocomposites for Food Packaging  
 (MDPI) 16/02-2022
Microcellular nanocomposite foams functionalized with cinnamaldehyde (Ci) were obtained through two-step supercritical foaming and ...
Preparation Polylactic acid (PLA) 2003D (specific gravity ¼ 1.24; MFR g/10 min (210 °C, 2.16 kg)) was purchased from Natureworks® Co., (


Designing for Torwash  
 (Dutch Design Daily) 16/02-2022
Torwash is the name of the technology developed by TNO. With a new application of this technology, you can completely dissolve and break ...
, you can also fully recycle biodegradable plastics. In particular PLA (polylactic acid), the most commonly used bioplastic made from plants


New protein-based bioplastics exhibit biodegradable and biocompatible properties  
 (AZoLifeSciences) 15/02-2022
Every year, almost eight million tons of plastic wind up in the oceans, posing a major threat to the ecosystem and human health. ...
All of the novel protein-based bioplastics are totally degraded by the natural enzyme elastase. This new, harmless bioplastic, which can be


Plastic, chemical pollution beyond planet’s safe limit: study  
 (Macau Business) 15/02-2022
The torrent of man-made chemical and plastic waste worldwide has massively exceeded limits safe for humanity or the planet, and production ...
tonnes since 2000. Today, the total weight of plastic on Earth is now four times the biomass of all living animals, according to recent


New Lotus Leaf-inspired Self-cleaning Bioplastic for Packaging  
 (Omnexus - SpecialChem) 14/02-2022
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Cost Efficiency Creativity with Plastics Nanotechnologies Inspired by the always ...
line, Ghasemlou said. Naturally Biodegradable Bioplastic While biodegradable plastics are a growing market, not all bioplastics are equal.


Coca-Cola strengthens reusable bottle strategy with new target for low-carbon circularity  
 (Packaging Insights) 14/02-2022
14 Feb 2022 --- Coca-Cola has announced a target to sell 25% of all beverages globally across its portfolio of brands in refillable or ...
-Cola recently launched label-free PET bottle s in South Korea and unveiled a plant-based PET bottle prototype for commercial testing.


Dutch researchers join forces to boost PHAs market introduction  
 (Industry & Energy) 11/02-2022
Dutch researchers join forces to boost PHAs market introduction
introduction of PHAs. PHAs is a family of plastics that are both bio-based and biodegradable. They have developed a roadmap that shows


Your food may soon come wrapped in self-cleaning, biodegradable plastic inspired by the lotus  
 (ZME Science Blog) 10/02-2022
The material was inspired by the lotus leaf.
containers would be most suited for this bioplastic. Most compostable or biodegradable plastics today need to undergo industrial processes


Harvard team unveils biodegradable, anti-microbial food packaging material  
 (Packaging Europe) 10/02-2022
A team of scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Harvard University claims to have developed a 'smart' food packaging material that is biodegradable and and kills microbes that are harmful to humans - all while extending the shelf-life of fresh fruit by two to three days.


The missing link in plastics circularity  
 (Packaging Europe) 10/02-2022
Researchers from Manchester University in the UK are currently developing a technology that uses tracking molecules for identifying, quantifying and validating recycled content in plastics and plastic packaging. We spoke with the team to find out more.


Development of World's First 100% Natural Biomass-Based Biodegradable Thermoplastic Material  
 (Renewable Energy Magazine) 8/02-2022
"Thermoplastic resin" is the precise technical term for plastic, which is defined as a synthetic material that can be molded into any shape ...
problems. Therefore, plastic pollution is worsening each year. Biodegradable plastics are composed of either petroleum or biomass such as


Natural additives improve biodegradable plastics  
 (Gamers Grade) 3/02-2022
The times in which we live have often been described as “The Plastic Age” for obvious reasons. The invention and widespread adoption of ...
by spider silk could help solve our plastic problem Citation : Natural additives improve biodegradable plastics (2022, February 3)


Policy Issues
 
Carbon removals: the secret to reaching net zero emissions  
 (www.euractiv.com) 24/02-2022
Europe needs to drastically cut its emissions to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, but there is another tool in the battle against global warming that could help: carbon removals.


Open letter on Hazardous Chemicals and Food Safety - recycled plastic in food packaging (updated rules)  
 (Zero Waste Europe) 24/02-2022
ZWE and 27 other civil society organisations across Europe have sent an open letter to the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, stating their concerns about some of the proposals in the draft new Regulation concerning the placing on the market of plastic materials and articles with recycled/secondary plastic content intended for use in contact with food.


What the EU can do to support the grocery retail sector in reducing packaging and plastic pollution  
 (rethinkplasticalliance.eu) 24/02-2022
There are a number of different measures to combat plastic pollution within the European Union and Member States, certain of which are currently in the process of being reviewed and updated.1 However ever-growing usage of different plastic products and polymers2 – including a myriad of single-use, n


India set for single-use plastic items ban: What won't be allowed, how this will help environment  
 (Firstpost) 23/02-2022
The Central Pollution Control Board has asked all states to implement the ban from 1 July. Items such as ear buds, flags, candy and ice- ...
. The state government banned the use and sale of plastic cutlery, made of non-biodegradable plastic, having one-time use. Himachal Pradesh


Canada and Quebec to grant $35M to innovative manufacturers  
 (Canadian Manufacturing) 22/02-2022
packaging systems and production lines. The centre will use wood fibre and bioplastics in the short term to create new types of packaging.


One Ocean Summit: States pledge €4 billion to fight plastic pollution at sea  
 (www.euractiv.com) 17/02-2022
A total of €4 billion will be allocated to combat plastic pollution, according to the so-called "Brest Commitments" adopted at the end of the One Ocean Summit Friday (11 February), where they also agreed to create a global coalition to preserve high seas biodiversity. EURACTIV France reports.


Oil firms’ climate claims are greenwashing, study concludes  
 (www.euractiv.com) 17/02-2022
Accusations of greenwashing against major oil companies that claim to be in transition to clean energy are well-founded, according to the most comprehensive study to date. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.


Petition calls for UK version of single use plastics directive  
 (Food Packaging Forum RSS Feed) 17/02-2022
More than 110,000 UK citizens sign petition asking government to create UK version of EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive and effectively ...
directive prior to Brexit The post Petition calls for UK version of single use plastics directive first appeared on Food Packaging Forum.


Seaweed surge: EU accelerates algae nutrition and packaging with new market platform  
 (Packaging Insights) 14/02-2022
14 Feb 2022 --- The European Commission (EC) is launching a stakeholder platform to promote algae use for nutrition and packaging. Called ...
potential as an essential ingredient in biodegradable materials that could replace traditional plastics as legislation tightens worldwide.


Greenpeace chief to lead German climate diplomacy  
 (Euractiv) 11/02-2022
The chief of Greenpeace International, Jennifer Morgan, has been tapped to lead in the German government on international climate policy.


Academic: 'Mandatory EU labelling is the only way to fight proliferation of ecolabels'  
 (Euractiv) 11/02-2022
The European Commission's upcoming sustainable product initiative should seek to clean the market for ecolabels and impose an EU-wide standard based on lifecycle assessment, says Professor Finkbeiner. However, "I doubt that the EU Commission will be brave enough to put out a mandatory label," he told EURACTIV in an interview.


Germany considering lawsuit against EU taxonomy  
 (Euractiv) 11/02-2022
Germany’s vice-chancellor Robert Habeck said on Monday (7 January) that Berlin would examine a contentious proposal by the European Commission to include nuclear power and fossil gas in the EU’s sustainable finance taxonomy before considering a potential lawsuit.


Public calls on government to ban on polluting single-use plastics - FMCG Magazine  
 (FMCG Magazine) 10/02-2022
More than 100,000 people have called on the government to ban the most polluting single-use plastic items, such as plastic cutlery, plates ...
willing’. Importantly, 61% also said that bio-based, compostable and biodegradable plastics should also be banned – something that the


Ban on single-use plastics yields significant results  
 (Budapest Times) 9/02-2022
The ban on single-use plastic products introduced in Hungary last year has yielded significant results, the daily Magyar Nemzet said on ...
Retailers have adjusted to the changes well, switching from plastic bags to bio-degradable materials, with many paper and catering companies


ClientEarth seeks court challenge over bioenergy inclusion in EU taxonomy  
 (Bioenergy Insight) 8/02-2022
Environmental law organisation ClientEarth has filed an internal review request to the European Commission for “unlawfully labelling ...
this year. It classifies bioenergy, bio-based plastics and chemicals used to make plastics as activities that “contribute substantially to


Tonnes of COVID healthcare waste exposes waste management failures  
 (Euractiv) 8/02-2022
A report from World Health Organisation (WHO) found that COVID-19 response resulted in 'tens of thousands of tonnes' of additional medical waste, calling for better management of health care waste at all levels - from hospitals to landfills.


EU to tackle 'green claims' with unified product lifecycle methodology  
 (Euractiv) 8/02-2022
The European Commission is preparing to table a proposal on 30 March that will force companies to substantiate their environmental claims, using an EU-wide methodology that has been in the making for nearly ten years.


France's Green MEPs pledge to change Parliament's position on EU taxonomy  
 (Euractiv) 8/02-2022
The Greens in the European Parliament are trying to mobilise other parliamentarians to reject the Commission's delegated act on the green taxonomy that gives nuclear and gas a "green" label. EURACTIV France reports.


EU's energy taxation policy contradicts climate goals, auditors say  
 (Euractiv) 8/02-2022
Energy taxation, carbon pricing policies and fossil fuel subsidies must be aligned more closely if the European Union wants to reach its 2030 climate targets, EU auditors said in a new report published on Monday (31 January).


FPA: Foodservice packaging sector ‘not ready’ for plastic tax  
 (Resource) 4/02-2022
Following a members’ survey, the Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) has warned that the sector is ‘not ready’ for the Plastics ...
conventional and bio-based or compostable plastics. Addressing the Government, BBIA asserted that compostable and bio-based plastics should


Campaigners begin legal fight against EU green investment rules - documents  
 (Euronews) 4/02-2022
By Simon Jessop and Kate Abnett BRUSSELS/LONDON – Climate campaigners have started the process of a legal challenge against the ...
environmental law. ClientEarth also challenged the EU’s green label for bio-based plastics and certain chemicals, on the grounds that the


Government failing on strategic commitments to compostable material  
 (Resource) 3/02-2022
The Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) has written to the UK Government calling on it to align policy with strategy ...
, and to reduce the use of plastics, substituting them in certain applications with bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics’. The


EU Standardisation Strategy – what to expect - ECOS  
 (European Environmental Citizens Organisation For Standardisation) 1/02-2022
Setting robust standards is vital for the EU to meet its climate goals. Commission-mandated standards are a tool to ensure compliance with ...
mainly by industry players. The technical definitions for biodegradable or compostable plastics are a clear example, with vital implications