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Dear members,  

We are pleased to share with you the monthly press clipping March 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
 
Versalis to raise stake in Novamont  
 (indianchemicalnews.com) 30/03-2022
Company will increase stake from 25% to 35% in Novamont
Catia Bastioli, CEO of Novamont, commented: “Novamont is a pioneer and leader in the biochemicals and bioplastics sector, having contributed


Sustainable Packaging Investment Accelerates  
 (CrunchBase News) 29/03-2022
Most consumers enjoy the convenience of the packaged goods we pile into real and virtual shopping carts. But for anyone with a conscience, ...
recent choosing the SPAC route to market. Danimer Scientific , a maker of bioplastics used in disposable container coatings, packaging and


BASF launches Verdessence biopolymer trademark  
 (Cosmetics Business) 29/03-2022
BASF has also unveiled new addition Verdessence Tara as part of this new portfolio
consolidating its existing biopolymer portfolio for personal care under a new trademark: Verdessence. This repositioning, said BASF, places


Compostable packaging gains ground through small farmers but industry giants remain passive  
 (Packaging Insights) 25/03-2022
25 Mar 2022 --- TIPA has flagged the movement by small-scale farmers in pioneering environmentally sustainable packaging solutions for the ...
packages the sausages in a patented compostable container that meets the European Bioplastics EN 13432 standard. The company has sold 2


European Bioplastics appoints New Head of EU Affairs in Brussels  
 (Recyclingportal) 24/03-2022
European Bioplastics appoints New Head of EU Affairs in Brussels


Matti Lehmus appointed as President and CEO of Neste as of 1 May 2022  
 (News Cision) 23/03-2022
Stock Exchange Release, Insider Information, 23 March 2022 at 8.00 a.m. (EET)
waste, residues and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials. We are the


Neorec project to develop recycling solutions for tyres and old mattresses  
 (Yarns and Fibers (YnFx)) 23/03-2022
Plastics technology centre Aimplas, based in Valencia, Spain, is developing innovative chemical and mechanical recycling solutions to ...
technologies being developed at Aimplas is to isolate and select microorganisms that anaerobically biodegrade biopolymers quicker than


ECO profile of Luminy ® PLA now available to product designers  
 (Sustainable Packaging News) 22/03-2022
To support product designers TotalEnergies Corbion has enabled Sphera’s Product Sustainability (formerly GaBi) database users to access the ...
product designers TotalEnergies Corbion has enabled Sphera’s Product Sustainability (formerly GaBi) database users to access the Luminy® PLA


FIP in Lyon: NETSTAL demonstrates biodegradable packaging on all-electric high-performance machine  
 (Plastech.biz) 21/03-2022
At FIP in Lyon (April 5 to 8), NETSTAL will present an innovative thin-wall packaging application. On the fully electric ELION 1200-510, ...
in two cavities. NETSTAL uses KANEKA Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet™, a 100% plant-derived biopolymer, for this sustainable application.


Global Biodegradable Plastics Market to Reach $36.31 Billion by 2028  
 (WWZW - Lifestyle) 18/03-2022
Biodegradation is process that can convert a material partially or completely into CO2, water, and biomass through the reaction of ...
-ON, Cardia Bioplastics Limited, Cereplast Inc, Danimer Scientific, Dow, Eastman Chemical Company, FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Mitsubishi Chemical


ABB Technology automates NatureWorks’ Thai bioplastics plant amid expected demand surge  
 (Packaging Insights) 17/03-2022
17 Mar 2022 --- ABB Technology (ABB) is automating NatureWorks ’ greenfield bioplastics plant in Thailand to meet the growing global ...
production process from fermentation to polymerization. European Bioplastics estimates global bioplastics production will more than triple


The differences in biodegradable plastics  
 (Sustainable Plastics) 17/03-2022
With so many end-of-life solutions for plastics, it has grown harder for design engineers and the public to fully understand the ...
components in landfills or natural environments. However, according to a European Bioplastics study in 2020, only about one per cent of


ABB to automate bioplastics plant  
 (Hydrocarbon Processing) 15/03-2022
ABB to automate bioplastics plant
contract by NatureWorks to automate their new, greenfield plant in Thailand, converting sugar cane to the polylactic acid biopolymer, Ingeo.


Bio-Fed signs distribution agreement with KBK in Japan  
 (Sustainable Plastics) 15/03-2022
KBK authorised to sell M·Vera in Japan
brand name M·Vera. In recent years, the company has added ISCC Plus and REDcert sustainable certified M·Vera compounds made from biomass-


John Crane partners with NatureWorks for new PLA plant  
 (Xea.nl) 10/03-2022
John Crane's polymer melt filtration system will help to produce NatureWorks' Ingeo⢠PLA biopolymer, a process that transforms greenhouse ...
new facility will increase NatureWorks' production capacity of lactic acid, lactides, and advanced Ingeo polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers,


LVMH Beauty joins Avantium’s PEFerence consortium to pioneer bioplastic cosmetics packaging  
 (Packaging Insights) 10/03-2022
10 Mar 2022 --- LVMH Beauty (LVMH) is joining Avantium’s PEFerence consortium to develop plant-based, recyclable PEF (polyethylene ...
on the environment in which we live.” European Bioplastics estimates global bioplastics production will more than triple over the next


BIO-FED exhibits for the first time at FIP 2022 in Lyon  
 (Plastech.biz) 9/03-2022
The Cologne-based company BIO-FED, a branch of AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH and a company of the Feddersen Group, will be exhibiting from 5 to 8 April ...
we have the right answer to the current as well as to future bioplastics legislations," explains Dr. Stanislaw Haftka, Sales Director at BIO


ExxonMobil Completes First Commercial Sale of Certified Circular Polymers  
 (omnexus.specialchem.com) 9/03-2022
ExxonMobil has completed its first commercial sale of certified circular polymers, using its Exxtend™ technology for advanced recycling of plastic waste. The purchaser, Berry Global will use the circular polymers to manufacture containers for high-performance food-grade packaging on a mass balance approach.


Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material to install Sulzer PLA technology  
 (Market Report Company) 9/03-2022
MOSCOW (MRC) -- Sulzer has been awarded by Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material to supply technology and key equipment for its ...
Torsten Wintergerste, Division President of Sulzer Chemtech. "Our PLA technologies are currently used in most PLA facilities worldwide. We


Sustainable-plastics – PET-bottle-chip 05-03-2022  
 (Polyestertime) 5/03-2022
Sustainable-plastics – PET-bottle-chip -Microbes that eat seaweed were used to create sustainable plastics Researchers are developing ...
used to make bioplastic.” -First Stretch Film Approved for Use in Potentially Explosive Areas Film maker DuoPlast and BASF collaborate on


Sulzer’s bioplastics technology selected for new PLA plant in China  
 (Chemical Engineering) 4/03-2022
Sulzer Chemtech Ltd. (Winterthur, Switzerland) has been awarded by Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material to supply technology and key ...
facility will allow us to enter the fast-growing bioplastic market. We consider Sulzer an extremely valuable partner in this project. The


Rethinking polymers: The challenges of commercializing biobased materials  
 (Packaging Europe) 4/03-2022
There are several newer classes of polymer that have the potential to challenge traditional fossil-based materials and reduce the carbon impact of plastic packaging. But commercializing these can be a process of many years and there are a number of barriers to overcome.


Biobased engineering plastic "DURABIO™" used in ballpoint pens  
 (bioplastics magazine) 3/03-2022
available for novelty items). Durabio is a biobased engineering plastic made from the renewable plant-derived raw material "isosorbide," a


Plant-Derived Actives, Extractions Help Drive Cosmetic Innovations  
 (HAPPI Magazine) 2/03-2022
Raw material suppliers highlight their innovations at FCE Cosmetique.
. It is formulated with Cosmos-approved texturizing biopolymer, Hydagen Clean developed by BASF , which is billed as a natural alternative


LVMH Beauty joins Avantium’s PEFerence consortium  
 (bioplastics magazine) 2/03-2022
polyesters with the novel, sustainable polymer PEF. PEF is a plant-based, highly recyclable plastic, with superior performance properties


About Bioplastics
 
Soda and beer companies are ditching plastic 6-pack rings  
 (The Press Democrat) 30/03-2022
The plastic rings ubiquitous with six-packs of beer and soda are gradually becoming a thing of the past as more companies switch to greener ...
. Coca-Cola produced 900 prototype bottles made almost entirely of plant-based plastic, excluding the cap and the label, and PepsiCo has


How to compost—and why it’s good for the environment  
 (National Geographic) 30/03-2022
Here’s the science behind recycling your food scraps at home and how it reduces emissions from landfills.
facility. However, not all bioplastics can be processed by commercial composters because some bioplastics contain toxic chemical additives


Avient's New PCR-based TPE for Food-contact Applications  
 (Omnexus - SpecialChem) 30/03-2022
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Rubber Replacement Avient adds a new reSound™ REC thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) formulation for ...
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Rubber Replacement Avient adds a new reSound™ REC thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) formulation


Duopharma Biotech's ESG roadmap targets carbon neutrality by 2030, net zero carbon emissions by 2050  
 (New Straits Times) 30/03-2022
The company said for the environment pillar within the ESG strategy, it had targeted climate performance as a key focus area, aiming to ...
carbon emissions by 2050 and replace 50 per cent of single use plastics with biodegradable plastics within its operations by 2026. "We have


How plastic pollution is choking the planet, and what’s being done about it  
 (Global News) 30/03-2022
some opportunity for this bio-based material to replace single-use plastics,” says Acharya, who is under no illusions that bioplastics will


Self-Repair and Other Properties of Pectin Biopolymers  
 (AZoM.com) 30/03-2022
Researchers from Harvard Medical School, the University of Heidelberg, and the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have investigated water- ...
, statistical analysis was performed in the study. The prepared pectin biopolymer films displayed near-complete water-induced self-repair.


How do Elastomers Improve the Properties of Bio-Polymers?  
 (AZoM.com) 30/03-2022
Researchers from China have reported the development of robust bio-based hybrid aerogels using green synthesis methods which possess ...
in recent years as materials for aerogel synthesis. Variants of biopolymer-based aerogels studied recently include cellulose aerogels,


Israel’s Technion Researchers develop conductive biopolymers using proteins  
 (The Telegraph) 30/03-2022
The journal - Advanced Materials - has reported on the success of Technion – Israel Institute of Technology researchers in creating ...
damage in the production phase as well as during use. The new polymer is fully biodegradable in less than 48 hours, as opposed to synthetic


Extraordinary Invention! Could Mark Herrema's Air Carbon Change the Plastics Game?  
 (Player FM) 30/03-2022
As Scientific American points out, "carbon is the giver of life - your skin and hair, blood and bone, muscle and sinews all depend on ...
, the company behind Air Carbon . He’s hoping this bio-based material will revolutionise the plastics industry. And Nike agrees... Find


Ineos’ packaging film finds favor with Chinese banana farmers for shelf life extension  
 (Packaging Insights) 29/03-2022
29 Mar 2022 --- Styrenics company Ineos Styrolution has developed a food-grade packaging film branded K-Resin DK11, which it claims is the ...
scientists have developed an environmentally sustainable process to produce biodegradable plastic using pigment extracted from yeast by “


Tarleton Presents Method to Remove Microplastics from Wastewater using Plant Extracts  
 (Omnexus - SpecialChem) 29/03-2022
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Tarleton State University researchers led by Dr. Rajani Srinivasan have demonstrated that ...
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Tarleton State University researchers led by Dr. Rajani Srinivasan have demonstrated that


Microplastics have been found in human blood for the first time ever  
 (Boing Boing) 29/03-2022
In the closing bit on George Carlin's legendary Jammin' in New York special, the sagely comic offered his take on the non-biodegradable ...
comic offered his take on the non-biodegradable nature of plastic. Carlin theorized that if plastic is genuinely indestructible, the earth


Bio-based commodity chemicals in the spotlight  
 (Orbichem - Green Chemicals Blog) 29/03-2022
Will rising crude oil price again accelerate the investments for the commercialisation of bio-based chemicals especially for drop-in ...
the isobutanol pathway in order to be able to manufacture 100% bio-based PET. Genomatica announced this month that it has partnered with


Certified OK Biodegradable Marine  
 (bioplastics magazine) 29/03-2022
concerns regarding petrochemical-based plastics Helian is stepping up its efforts to supply both biobased and biodegradable materials and


Haydale to Develop High Barrier Packaging Films Using Functionalized Nanomaterials  
 (Omnexus - SpecialChem) 28/03-2022
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Nanotechnologies Haydale has been awarded funding of £168,573 to develop high barrier monolayer ...
TAGS: Sustainability and Bioplastics Nanotechnologies Haydale has been awarded funding of £168,573 to develop high barrier monolayer


Methodologies to Assess the Biodegradability of Bio-Based Polymers—Current Knowledge and Existing Gaps  
 (MDPI) 27/03-2022
Our society lives in a time of transition where traditional petroleum-based polymers/plastics are being replaced by more sustainable ...
, PA, USA, 2020. European Bioplastics. What are Bioplastics? Available online: https://www.european-bioplastics.org/bioplastics/ (accessed


Chinese scientists discover marine fungus that can degrade plastic  
 (China.org.cn) 26/03-2022
Researchers from the Institute of Oceanology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have found a marine fungus species that can efficiently ...
and degradation efficiency of the fungus. Polyester polyurethane and biodegradable plastics can be degraded to fragments within two weeks by


A European project develops a pioneering technology to biodegrade plastics with enzymes and to recycle aircrafts  
 (biospheresrl.com) 25/03-2022


Promising Developments in Bio-Based Products as Alternatives to Conventional Plastics to Enable Circular Economy in Ukraine  
 (MDPI) 25/03-2022
Transforming the plastic industry toward producing more sustainable alternatives than conventional plastics, as an essential enabler of the ...
, 7–8, 100027. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] EU. EU Plastics Strategy. Available online: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/plastics-


McDonald’s Makes a Very Starbucks Move (You’ll Love It)  
 (The News & Observer) 24/03-2022
By Daniel Kline TheStreet The fast-food giant has its own idea on how to handle one giant problem. Fast food creates a lot of waste. That ...
idea, but it's a challenging feat to execute. McDonald's may have a better idea. McDonald's has begun testing a recyclable cup made from


Dsolve: working to prevent plastic litter in the marine environment  
 (The Barents Observer) 23/03-2022
Plastic waste is high on the environmental agenda. Unfortunately, much of the marine litter in Norwegian waters originates from the fishing ...
Norwegian kroner. What if it were possible to find biodegradable alternatives to the plastics currently in use, thus reducing or eliminating


Advancing bioeconomy monitorings: A case for considering bioplastics  
 (sciencedirect.com) 21/03-2022
Substituting fossil-based with bio-based products is a promising approach for addressing environmental problems, but assessing potential trade-offs is…


Power to the polymers: Researchers devise sugar-based plastic with food-grade potential  
 (Packaging Insights) 18/03-2022
18 Mar 2022 --- University of Birmingham, UK and Duke University, US, researchers have discovered “exceptional” strength and toughness in ...
concern. “Isosorbide is a renewable feedstock alternative to petroleum derivatives for commercial polymer production. It is derived from


IIT Roorkee team develops eco-friendly plant-based plastic that degrades in a week  
 (Careers360) 17/03-2022
IIT Roorkee researchers have developed an eco-friendly biodegradable plastic by using plant-based material which is fully biodegradable ...
have developed an eco-friendly biodegradable plastic by using plant-based material which is fully biodegradable within a week. NEW DELHI:


Towards a Circular Economy of Plastics: An Evaluation of the Systematic Transition to a New Generation of Bioplastics  
 (MDPI) 17/03-2022
Plastics have become an essential part of the modern world thanks to their appealing physical and chemical properties as well as their low ...
. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] European Bioplastics. Available online: https://www.european-bioplastics.org (accessed on 12 September 2021).


SABIC partners with Kraton on certified renewable copolymers with carbon-cutting potential  
 (Packaging Insights) 14/03-2022
14 Mar 2022 --- Kraton Corporation, a global producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood ...
recycling of used plastic, certified renewables products from bio-based feedstock and closed-loop initiatives to recycle plastic back into


Starch/Polyaniline Biopolymer Film as Potential Intelligent Food Packaging with Colourimetric Ammonia Sensor  
 (MDPI) 11/03-2022
The use of petroleum-based plastics in food packaging leads to various environmental impacts, while spoilage of food and misinterpretation ...
[31,32]. In a nutshell, starch-polymer matrix, which is biodegradable, is expected to resolve polymer pollution and to conserve fossil-fuel


A Review on Biological Synthesis of the Biodegradable Polymers Polyhydroxyalkanoates and the Development of Multiple Applications  
 (MDPI) 11/03-2022
Polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHAs, belong to a class of biopolyesters where the biodegradable PHA polymer is accumulated by microorganisms as ...
biodegradable (can be broken down naturally through biological processes) (European Bioplastics, 2016). PHA’s potentially offer more end of


Edible, biodegradable, anti-microbial plastic boasts higher tensile strength than petroleum-based plastic  
 (Phys.org) 9/03-2022
Disposal of food packaging is a major cause of environmental pollution worldwide. More than 350 million metric tons of plastic are produced ...
the marketplace, it could significantly reduce the use of plastic made from non-biodegradable polymers and hence the amount of solid waste,"


Research review paperCan anaerobic digestion be a suitable end-of-life scenario for biodegradable plastics? A critical review of the current situation, hurdles, and challenges  
 (Science Direct) 8/03-2022
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107916Get rights and content
anaerobic digestion be a suitable end-of-life scenario for biodegradable plastics? A critical review of the current situation, hurdles, and


From potatoes to chips, and from bags to bags…  
 (Politico EU) 8/03-2022
Major food companies pledge to address recyclability of flexible plastic packaging.
will instead use 100 percent recycled or renewable content made from previously-used plastic, while the renewable content will come from by-


Advancements in Biodegradable Active Films for Food Packaging: Effects of Nano/Microcapsule Incorporation  
 (MDPI) 6/03-2022
Food packaging plays a fundamental role in the modern food industry as a main process to preserve the quality of food products from ...
. Market. Eur. Bioplastics E.V. Available online: https://www.european-bioplastics.org/market/ (accessed on 19 July 2021). Hawthorne, L.M.;


Major brand owners commit to increasing investment in circular economy for flexibles  
 (Packaging Europe) 4/03-2022
Mars, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, PepsiCo and Unilever have today committed to increasing investments with the reported aim of accelerating the transition toward a circular economy for flexible packaging across Europe.


Design of biobased supply chains on a life cycle basis: A bi-objective optimization model and a case study of biobased polyethylene terephthalate (PET)  
 (Science Direct) 3/03-2022
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2022.01.003Get rights and content
supply chains on a life cycle basis: A bi-objective optimization model and a case study of biobased polyethylene terephthalate (PET)


Tesco tackles food and plastic waste with plant-based protection for fresh produce  
 (Packaging Insights) 3/03-2022
03 Mar 2022 --- Tesco is trialing a plant-based food protection branded Apeel to extend shelf life for fruit and vegetables. This ...
Tesco tackles food and plastic waste with plant-based protection for fresh produce


Plastic pollution promises: UN members agree to legally binding treaty, but are implementation problems ahead?  
 (Packaging Insights) 3/03-2022
03 Mar 2022 --- UN member states have unanimously agreed to develop a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution at this week’s UN ...
an opportunity to reduce dependency on petrochemical plastics. Bio-based boost Meanwhile, bio-based packaging suppliers are welcoming the


Policy Issues
 
Council adopts 8th environmental action programme | EU Council Press | PubAffairs Bruxelles  
 (pubaffairsbruxelles.eu) 31/03-2022


Levied beyond the limit? UK Plastic Packaging Tax contains critical oversights, warns Food and Drink Federation  
 (Packaging Insights) 21/03-2022
21 Mar 2022 --- The UK Plastic Packaging Tax is set for enforcement next week, but packaging manufacturers and industry bodies are fearing ...
guidelines and exempted biodegradable plastics items like cutlery from its national ban, prompting environmental NGOs like ClientEarth to


EU recycling chief: product policy should embrace circular economy  
 (www.euractiv.com) 21/03-2022
With the European Commission due to present its Sustainable Products Action Plan on 30 March, Emmanuel Katrakis takes stock of the EU's push for a more circular economy in an interview with EURACTIV France.


Widespread support in EU Parliament for 45% renewable energy target  
 (www.euractiv.com) 21/03-2022
In reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there is growing support across the European Parliament to increase the EU’s 2030 renewable energy target and break away from Russian fossil fuels, lawmakers from across the political spectrum told EURACTIV.


The Russian war in Ukraine and the Green Deal  
 (www.euractiv.com) 21/03-2022
In the light of the change of paradigm brought by the Russian war in Ukraine, there is no reason to halt or denounce the Green Deal, but it makes a lot of sense to significantly amend it, writes Radan Kanev.


The Green deal is dead, long live the Green deal  
 (www.euractiv.com) 21/03-2022
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has already prompted changes in European energy policy. That needs to be reflected in a revised Green deal, writes Alena Mastantuono.


Sustainability Outlook European Union - February 2022  
 (The National Law Review) 9/03-2022
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
as transitional activities. NGOs challenge Taxonomy criteria for biomass, bio-based plastics and chemicals. Environmental NGO ClientEarth


EU lawmakers to accelerate adoption of circular economy package  
 (www.euractiv.com) 4/03-2022
Legislative proposals on the circular economy are expected by the end of March, according to a two-day joint conference organised by the French EU Council, the EU Commission and the Economic and Social Committee (EESC). EURACTIV France reports.


Europe needs to strengthen adaptative measures - new UN climate report  
 (www.euractiv.com) 4/03-2022
It is no longer enough for countries, including those in Europe, to lower emissions in the face of global warming, according to the UN's International Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which also recommended strengthening adaptive measures. EURACTIV France reports.


Green Deal: EU invests over €110 million in LIFE projects  
 (Recyclingportal) 2/03-2022


Plastic packaging innovations receive £30 million boost from UKRI  
 (UK Research and Innovation) 2/03-2022
The Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging (SSPP) Challenge has today announced £30 million in funding for 18 groundbreaking collaborative ...
take back scheme. Xampla’s use of a plant-based protein concept aims to address the rise in plastic sachet use linked to the growing trend


Leading UK Marine Scientists Welcome the Move Towards a Global Plastics Pact Ahead of Major United Nations Meeting  
 (ECO Magazine) 1/03-2022
Plastic pollution is universally accepted as having dire effects on the world’s marine life and ecosystems, in addition to presenting risks ...
to Solution: a global assessment of marine litter and plastic pollution Authors: UNEP [2] Explore - Global Plastic Navigator (wwf.de) [3]