How can we include alternative feedstocks in a coherent European framework for biobased plastics?

Today, bioplastics are mostly made of carbohydrate-rich plants, such as corn or sugar cane, so-called food crops or agro-based feedstock. Agro feedstock is currently the most efficient to produce bioplastics, as it requires the least amount of land to grow and produces the highest yields.

The bioplastics industry is also researching the use of non-food crops (second and third generation feedstock), with a view to its further use to produce bioplastics materials. The sustainable sourcing of feedstock is a prerequisite for more sustainable products.

In April 2024, European Bioplastics launched a monthly series of scientific talks focusing on alternative feedstocks for bioplastics to provide an overview on the latest scientific evidence of research and innovation projects funded by the European Commission.

With this workshop we aim at providing insights on the latest results of research and innovation projects that can be scaled up at an industrial level and also food for thoughts for the update of the European policy framework.

Keynote speakers:

• Dr. Joachim Venus, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bio-economy e.V. (ATB), partner of the PERCAL and CAFIPLA projects
• Dr. Tanja Meyer, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, coordinator of the LUCRA project
• Dr. Miriam Lorenzo Navarro, ITENE, coordinator of the MoeBIOS project
• Dr. Rosa Gonzalez, AIMPLAS, coordinator of the BioSupPack project

The keynote presentations will be followed by a panel discussion including representatives of the European Commission, the European bioplastics industry, and research experts.