Bioplastics on the rise: 7th European Bioplastics Conference

More than 400 participants caught up on the latest developments and progress in the bioplastics industry at the 7th European Bioplastics Conference on 6 and 7 November in Berlin.

The conference explored numerous questions relating to the growth of the bioplastics industry, 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?

The bioplastics discussion panel.

The 7th Annual Global Bioplastics Award was presented to two winners this year, with two companies from the automotive industry achieving the same score. Takata AG received the award for its demonstrator of a steering wheel/airbag system that shows both the potential and limits of bioplastics applications. The IfBB (University of Hannover) received the award for its tailgate on the Bioconcept Car racing car.

A half-day workshop that preceded the conference addressed the topic of environmental communication for bioplastics. Representatives of the bioplastics and communications industries, as well as experts on environmental initiatives discussed the question “where does greenwashing start?”

A full house at the Bioplastics Conference.

“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 Environmental Aid) and Greenpeace,” said Andy Sweetman, chair 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.”