Renewable Polymers TWG

Open to NNFCC members, the group has identified a distinct need to tailor its business around the four areas of activity, each having specific issues relating to the integration of renewable polymers; Feedstock, monomers and intermediates, Polymers and industrial products, Packaging and Waste and recycling.

It brings together representatives from all sectors of the supply chain to develop a committed and dynamic network, in order to realise the economic and environmental benefits of growing and processing crops in the UK to meet market requirements for quality, traceability, security, sustainability and cost.

The network represents the fundamental science base, agriculture, manufacturers, processors, end users and government. It acts as a recognised focal point to facilitate technology, identify barriers to further market development and propose strategies to overcome these hurdles.

Meetings

The following meetings of the Renewable Polymers Thematic Working Group have taken place to date:

1. Inaugural Meeting, 5 April 2006, York.
   More than 50 people attended, representing the key players in the packaging, manufacturing and specialist sectors.  The Group identified the value of emphasising the positive characteristics of biopolymers in a wide range of product types, and discussed aspects of sustainability, compostability and biodegradability.  The Group recommended that the benefits and economics of biopolymers from the whole supply chain perspective, including waste management, should be considered.
2. Addressing Compostability Issues, 2-3 May 2007, York.
   Experts in this arena updated the Group on current issues in compostability and renewable packaging materials. Members of the UK Compostable Packaging Group were welcomed to the Group.
3. Renewable Polymers, 2 November 2007, York.
   An update across the sector. Session in parallel with the NNFCC Annual Conference Green Supply Chain '07.
4. Biodegradable Films, 14 May 2008, London.
   Focusing on new developments in the materials and processing areas to meet the ever increasing demands from the marketplace.
5. Fifth Meeting, 22 September 2008.
   An update across the sector.
6. Sixth Meeting, 23d April 2009.
   An update across the sector.

Terms of Reference

The Renewable Polymers Thematic Working Group (TWG) has identified a distinct need to tailor its business around the following four areas of activity, each having specific issues relating to the integration of renewable polymers;

• Feedstock, monomers and intermediates
• Polymers and industrial products
• Packaging
• Waste and recycling

1.1 Aspiration

• Through collective action, fully realise the economic and environmental benefits of renewable polymer technology by facilitating a greater uptake of UK-sourced  materials into the marketplace
• A committed and dynamic network, representing all elements of the renewable polymer supply chain from the science base, agriculture, manufacturers to end users and waste processors

1.2 Methodology

The NNFCC will initiate, develop and coordinate a Network of key stakeholders drawn from all elements of the renewable polymer supply chain. The Network will be administered by the NNFCC and an appropriate management structure, drawn from Network members, will be implemented to ensure efficient delivery of Network objectives. Membership of the Network will be free to NNFCC members.

1.3 Selected Activities

• Collate and analyse the state of development of renewable polymer technology. Provide a clear, consistent and authoritative position of renewable polymer status, needs and obstacles
• Realise synergies between the agricultural, academic, industrial and governmental sectors.
• Formulate strategies to overcome barriers in existing supply chains
• Raise renewable polymers within sustainable procurement strategies of Government and the private sector
• Identify opportunities/barriers in existing or impending government legislation
• Assist in the development and promotion of eco-labelling standards for renewable polymers. Identify optimum disposal, recycle or recovery options for spent renewable polymers
• Catalyse the development of robust economic and environmental models to quantitatively demonstrate the benefits of renewable polymers