Foreword

In the bioeconomy, particularly the biobased products sector, we are plagued by misunderstanding of terminology. There is, perhaps, no bigger culprit than “bioplastic”, which is a possible shorthand for two very different things - biobased plastic and biodegradable plastic – which can lead to confusion when this term is used. This is a cause for concern, as it means the layman will struggle to discern between biobased plastic and biodegradable plastic. These two properties are very distinct, and by no means interchangeable, as the term “bioplastic” would imply. To this end, the Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association have published an online resource entitled “The truth about bioplastics” with the intention of dispelling public misconceptions about the terminology. The website also discusses the differences between “compostable” and “degradable”, which are also often confused by members of the public. The need for this resource highlights an important point about communication from those who work in the bioeconomy: we must be clearer in the way we communicate for the public to really begin to become invested in the bioeconomy’s aims of creating........

Other News this Month Includes:

Policy

• Netherlands to ban "oxo-degradable" plastics
• Europe passes circular economy package
• Foundation of UK Plastics Pact​

Markets

• Survey into GreenPremium prices
• BASF joins RSB
• Ecovia partners with Seppic to develop health & beauty polymers​

Research & Development

• Paper biomass used in Lithium-Sulphur batteries
• BBI JU looking to build map of European bioeconomy projects
• Method for biobased acrylic acid developed
• Microbial synthesis of toluene
• Assessment of viable CCS technologies for biorefineries
• Genetic modification boosts yeast growth on xylose
• Braskem expands R&D operations​

Polymers

• The "truth" about bioplastics
• Biobased FDME polymer shows superior performance in bottles
• "Biomass-balanced" polystyrene packaging
• BioLogiQ announces 3 new biobased polymer grades
• ecoflex and ecovio to be available again​

Chemicals

• Commercial release of Elevance's biobased emolliant
• D3MAX technology to debut at Ace Ethanol​

Consumer Products

• LEGO's fresh commitment to sustainable packaging
• Biobased 3D-printed mouthguards
• Bio-On launches biodegradable cosmetic sun protection ingredients
• Iceland shifts away from plastic packaging to paperboard​

Patents

Events

Price Information