The pollution of oceans and landscapes by plastic waste is increasing dramatically worldwide. The avoidance of conventional plastic is therefore becoming increasingly urgent. Scientists and companies from all over the world have now joined forces in the European Bioplastics Research Network to find alternative solutions with the support of policymakers.
The online conference „Past and Current H2020 Projects Joined in Bioplastics Research” kicked off on 24 June 2020. Around 100 international researchers, company representatives and political decision-makers from Europe came together at the initiative of the EU-funded research project Bio-Plastics Europe virtually at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. They discussed how the use of bio-based and biodegradable plastics can be promoted.
„Bioplastics will help to reduce carbon consumption. To achieve this, we need better coordination of research funding and legislation as well as a more consistent exchange between the projects that have already been completed and those that are currently underway.“ Christian Schulz, EU Project Manager at European Bioplastics e. V.
Guidelines for bio-based plastics
Also Dr Andrew Farmer, Head of Industry, Waste and Water Programme at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), emphasised the importance of influencing politics. His institute reaches those responsible in the EU through events and targeted communication measures. „The development of Guidelines for bio-based plastics requires a clear commitment: What problems are being addressed with these materials? What tools are needed to support or control production, use and/or end-of-life management?“
The results of the recently completed PolyBioSkin and BIO4SELF projects therefore attracted a lot of attention. „It was interesting for us to hear how many bio-based and biodegradable products were developed within the two projects,“ said Dr Jelena Barbir, initiator of the event. This ranged from fibre-based, non-textile materials for household electronics or automotive engineering, for example, to applications in the hygiene, cosmetics and medical sectors.
Including the entire value chain
However, there is still a need for research into sustainability and recycling, and subsequent projects should also be adapted. „Include the entire value chain in your considerations and planning if you want to introduce bio-based innovations,“ said Dr. Guy Buyle, EU Research Manager at the Belgian research centre Centexbel, which focuses on the processing of plastics, among other things.
The ongoing projects were then presented, including the Bio-Plastics Europe project, which focuses on sustainable strategies and solutions for bio-based materials. These are intended to EU plastics strategy including circular economy effectively. The aim is to promote the exchange of knowledge between stakeholders, researchers and political decision-makers.
Bioplastics research network aims to reduce plastic waste
With Ecoxy research on bio-based epoxy resins and fibre reinforcements for the production of sustainable thermoset composites and their recyclability. The Sealive team develops biobased plastic solutions as practicable Alternative to single-use plastics, to reduce plastic waste and pollution on land and in the oceans.
„There is a need for further research into the selection of sustainable raw materials in all projects. The development of environmentally friendly additives and recycling options also need to be developed and scrutinised. There is still enough for us all to do.“ Dr Jelena Barbir, Initiator of the online conference.
How important the Networking between the projects was also explained by the EU representatives. „Research and development work on the topic of bio-based plastics should promote the safe production and circular economy of materials and products along the entire value chain,“ said Dr Silvia Maltagliati, Policy Officer for Bioeconomy at the European Commission. To support this process, the EU research and innovation programme Horizon Europe established as the successor to Horizon 2020 from 2021. „Among other things, we will be funding research into the bioeconomy,“ said Maltagliati, encouraging people to apply with new topics: „The first calls for proposals for the period from 2021 to 2027 will start at the beginning of next year.“
The next international event of the Bioplastics Research Network will take place online on 4 November 2020. Topic: Raw materials for bio-based and biodegradable plastics.
Source: Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
