The opportunities and promotional possibilities of bioplastics were the focus of a recent Parliamentarian Evening in Brussels, hosted by the European Bioplastics industry association and the Bavarian Ministry for Agriculture. Some 100 representatives of European institutions and industry attended the event.
In his speech, Harald Kaeb, chairman of European Bioplastics, emphasized the significance of legal framework conditions needed to facilitate market introduction. Referring to the current focus on supporting activities for bioenergy, he encouraged politicians to include also the material use of renewable resources in an integrated bio-economy concept. In the light of comparatively high production costs and global competition, Europe needs to increase its emphasis on exportable and knowledge based technologies and products in the renewable resources sector. Bioplastics are a prime example of how industry can implement the Lisbon Strategy to strengthen European competitiveness, he commented.
Stefano Facco, representing French group Club Bioplastique, reported that France has this year implemented a law under which all single use carrier bags are required to be biodegradable from 2010. This has already created a noticeable impetus for market development. He said French agricultural and local industry will increasingly profit from this legislation, and gave encouragement to follow this example and develop further initiatives to support the market introduction of bioplastics at both EU and member state level.
Clive Rutherford, vice president of the European starch industry association, AAF, said plant starch from Europe must remain internationally competitive to enable such future markets to be served by locally produced agricultural raw materials. European agriculture policies should be formulated accordingly. Starch industry companies are investing large sums in bioplastics technology and represent an important driver behind this development, he affirmed.
In Bavaria, government programmes have successfully supported development and market introduction of biodegradable mulch film, compostable bio waste bags and matresses made from plant oil based materials. In its opening address, the Bavarian Ministry for Agriculture confirmed its continued support of bioplastics both locally and at a European level.
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