Tailor-made resins BIOPLASTICS SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY APPLICATION PLA Blends Green PE Compounds Cellulose Compounds Bio-PA Compounds Bio-TPE Compounds Natural Fibre Compounds
Editorial dear readers A lot has happened since our last issue, and there’s a lot to talk about. First, I’m proud to say that we were extremely pleased, and even overwhelmed by the massive interest in our 1st PHA platform World Congress. More than 165 interested attendees met in Cologne to listen to thought-provoking presentations from the most important stakeholders in the PHA space. In between there was ample opportunity for discussion and networking (see pp. 10 for more details). As if that weren’t enough, I then also visited Newlight Technologies at their new premises in Huntington Beach, California (see pp 12). Another highlight on my calendar was the ITR Innovation takes Root event of NatureWorks in San Diego, California (pp 16). And then we had to finish this issue. This time, one of the highlight topics is fibres / textiles / nonwovens. It’s an area that is generating increasing interest, not only because of the unique performance that some of the bioplastic-fibre products offer, but also with a view to the problem of the enormous volume of microfibres shed daily by textiles in washing machines, which eventually end up in our waterways and the oceans. Could marine degradable textile fibres be a part of a solution? The other highlight topic is elastomers, which is slightly more compact this time, yet well worth a read. In the basics section, we discuss the question of where the shoe pinches when it comes to accepting compostable plastic products in industrial composting facilities. I visited a composting plant in California and spoke to stakeholders in Germany. See my “food for thought” or “food for further discussion” article on pp 43. And of course, heading into the last quarter of the year, it’s again time to start looking forward to the annual European Bioplastics Conference, which will be hosted this year for the 13th time by European Bioplastics. I hope to see some of you there on Dec. 4 and 5 in Berlin, Germany. At the event, we will also be announcing the winner of the 13th Global Bioplastics Award. See the five finalists on pp 20. Looking ahead into next year, I’d also like to draw your attention to our 3rd bio!PAC conference in Düsseldorf, Germany next May. The call for papers is open (see. p 15) Until then, please enjoy the rest of what warm and beautiful summery weather remains as the days shorten and fall approaches - and have a great time reading this latest issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE. Sincerely yours Michael Thielen EcoComunicazione.it WWW.MATERBI.COM adv mela se tore_bioplasticmagazine_05.06.2017_210x297_ese.indd 1 05/05/17 11:39 r1_05.2017 bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 13 ISSN 1862-5258 ... is read in 92 countries Highlights Fibres, Textiles | 24 Elastomers | 38 Basics Industrial Composting | 43 Sep / Oct 05 | 2018 Cover Story ICBP Bio Resin: Making a Difference | 23 Amir bin Abul Hasan Ashari Managing Director, ICBP Follow us on twitter! www.twitter.com/bioplasticsmag Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/bioplasticsmagazine bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/18] Vol. 13 3
