Berlin, 22 september 2011. How can the bioplastics industry contribute to the european union&rsquos "2020 goals" this and other key questions were debated at the product exhibition and conference "plastics and the bioeconomy &ndash the evolution of plastics" organised by the association european bioplastics. The event was held in brussels from 21 to 22 september 2011 under the patronage of mr. Lambert van nistelrooij, mep.already today, bioplastics play a significant role within europe&rsquos bioeconomy.
They are manifold and efficient materials ready for the market and they accelerate the development on the plastics market towards a society based on more sustainability.both, the exhibition on 21 september and the conference on 22 september emphasized the benefits which bioplastics offer for europe as well as the potential they still hold renewable resources are used saving fossil ones, ghgemissions are reduced and new additional ways of recovery applied. These are significant aspects for europe&rsquos transition towards a biobased economy.in his opening address of the conference lambert van nistelrooij argued in favour of a stronger support of bioplastics by european policy makers. "bioplastics offer great opportunities for smart and sustainable growth in the eu. There are already numerous proposals for supportive measures with regard to bioplastics.
It is vital that eu policy focuses on implementing them in the short and midterm."in his lecture, marc verbruggen, ceo and president of natureworks, followed up mr. Van nistelrooij&rsquos suggestions and emphasized the fact that europe is potentially a very interesting market for all kinds of bioplastic applications.
However, the eu should be careful not to be shaken off by international competition when it comes to production locations but must take action in time.more than 100 participants in the fullypacked conference hall followed the presentations with great interest. They included, amongst others, contributions by the ministry of economic affairs, agriculture and innovation of the netherlands, and by maive rute, director of the general directorate research and innovation of the european commission.andy sweetman, chairman of european bioplastics, was delighted at the popularity of the event "the fully booked event clearly proves that bioplastics are an important topic at eu level.
We are happy to have successfully encourage greater awareness for our industry, its products and their benefits."speakersdirk carrez, managing director, clever consult vincent crasnier, director environment, danone groupe francesco degli innocenti, vicedirector research and development, novamont robert heger, director speciality plastics, basf ministry of economic affairs, agriculture and innovation of the netherlands maive rute, director dg research and innovation, european commission andy sweetman, chairman, european bioplastics cees van dongen, director sustainable packaging, cocacola lambert van nistelrooij, member of the european parliament marc verbruggen, ceo and president, natureworks
