Bioplastics – market of the future at interpack 2005

Special presentation to showcase prospects for biopackaging

Biopolymers are increasingly seen as a highly promising development in the plastics industry. As these polymers take their first steps on the packaging market, the rapidly expanding range of products and their users demonstrate what can already be achieved. Bannered “Innovationparc Bioplastics in Packaging“, a special presentation showcased during the world's No.   1 event for the packaging industry, interpack 2005, in Düsseldorf from 21 to 27 April, will bring visitors up to speed on the latest developments and prospects for these materials. More than 20 companies spread over an exhibition space of some 500 square metres promise to provide a panoramic view of the topic.

Rounding out the information offerings of leading manufacturers and processors of bioplastics will be service providers and the sponsoring organisation, Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (Agency for Renewable Resources – FNR). Background information on the technology will be presented in the form of talks and panel discussions. Topics delved into will include, among other things, the economic and legal conditions surrounding a market launch, quality assurance measures, new waste recycling options as well as sales opportunities and applications. High-calibre political and corporate representatives are expected to attend.

Across the globe, companies are keeping close tabs on advances in the development of materials based on renewable as opposed to fossil resources. The ideal remains nature's closed-loop carbon cycle. While corporate activity in the field was previously concentrated in Europe, Japan and the USA , today a great many companies in Australia , Brazil , Canada , China , India , Korea and Taiwan have also taken up the cause. Expanding production capacity means that new sectors beyond the more established application niches are starting to develop. Packaging, the biggest segment for plastics, has recently recorded dynamic growth.

European consumption of bioplastics is estimated at some 40,000 tonnes for 2003 – twice what is was in 2001. Biodegradable plastic packaging has subsequently found its way into numerous supermarkets across Europe . Particularly in France , the UK , Italy and the Netherlands , leading retail chains are running trials with products of this kind or have already included them in their ranges. A large proportion of this packaging is dedicated to fresh foods, such as fruit and vegetables, or for personal hygiene items.

For a number of reasons, not least among them the unremittingly high oil prices, the future of packaging manufactured from renewable resources is predicted to be bright. What's more, the industry expects political backing for further developments in this forward-looking technology. The amended German Packaging Ordinance now makes special provision for certified biopackaging, i.e. packaging proven to be compostable: For a limited period during the market launch, such products need not be accepted as returns, nor are they subject to recycling quotas. The German Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture recently announced that the national budget allocated to research, development and market launches of renewable materials for 2005 has been virtually doubled to EUR 54 million.

Interpack Press Office