News 1st European
News 1st European Bioplastics Conference confirmed huge growth in interest 300 attendees discussed progress in bioplastics Bioplastics are making great progress both in their technical development and market introduction into Europe. This was confirmed by many of the speakers and attendees at the „First European Bioplastics Conference“ on 21 und 22 November 2006 in Brussels. The event, that was attended by about 300 participants from 27 countries was organised by the association European Bioplastics, the representation of the bioplastics industry in Europe. The huge interest confirmed the results of a survey done by European Bioplastics concerning market development in 2006, where many Association members reported a boom-like increase in interest. In his inaugural address, Heinz Zourek, Director- General of DG Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission, emphasised the significance of bioplastics for sustainable development. „Bioplastics contribute to climate protection, save fossil resources and create jobs in future-oriented sectors“, stated Zourek. „We hope that bioplastics can increase their market share in Europe“. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are among the most promising lead markets for innovations in Europe. European Bioplastics‘ Chairman, Harald Kaeb, was delighted about the conference that was accompanied by an exhibition with 25 exhibitors: „This was the largest bioplastics conference ever to take place in Europe“. He announced that the second conference will be held at the end of this year. 10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/07] Vol. 2
News Bioplastics 2006 Conference and Bioplastics Awards Chris Smith (left) hands over the Best Bioplastics Processor Award to Detlef Busch of Treofan (photo: Emap) Category Best Innovation in Bioplastics Best Bioplastics Processor Best Bioplastics Application – Food Packaging Best Bioplastics Application – Non Food Packaging Best Bioplastics Application – Non Packaging Best Bioplastics Marketing Initiative Best Bioplastics Retailer Sponsored by BIOP Biopolymer Technologies Personal Contribution to the Bioplastics Industry Nominees & Winners Metabolix Alcan Packaging Biobag International Biomer Sukano Treofan Autobar Biobag International Groen Creatie Coopbox Europe Alcan Packaging Cereplast Huhtamaki Nestle Innovia Films Alcan Packaging RPC Cresstale Arkema Batelle Ecozema Unitika BioBag International Belu Novamont Treofan Sainsbury’s Albert Heijn Coop Italia Delhaize Dr Catia Bastioli, General Manager, Novamont An audience of 115 people drawn from 25 countries around the world took part in the 8th Bioplastics conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on 6 and 7 December 2006. They heard a series of high level presentations exploring use and potential of bio-sourced plastics in packaging and engineering applications and participated in detailed discussions of some of the issues the potential users face. Key themes to emerge from the Bioplastics 2006 conference included the increasingly apparent global shortages of PLA bioplastics materials, the ongoing concern over genetic modification and its role in the bioplastics sector, and the growing interest outside the US in bioplastics for durable applications. The World‘s first Bioplastics Awards The conference dinner on the evening of the first day of Bioplastics 2006 played host to the world’s first Bioplastics Awards. Launched to recognise innovation in this fast moving sector, awards were presented by European Plastics News editor Chris Smith. UK retail group Sainsbury’s picked up the prestigious award for Best Bioplastics Retailer 2006, a category sponsored by German bioplastics producer BIOP Bioploymer Technologies, for its recently announced move to bioplastics for 500 product lines. German film producer Treofan collected the Best Bioplastics Processor 2006 award for the development and capabilities of its Biophan PLA film business. Biobag International won the Best Bioplastics Marketing Initiative for its brand building programme. And Novamont general manager Catia Bastioli collected a special award for Personal Contribution to the Bioplastics Industry for her work inside and outside of Novamont in developing knowledge, standards and infrastructure around biopolymers. bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/07] Vol. 2 11
