The Future of Bio-Based and Degradable Plastics: Markets & Applications

A BPF Seminar

Wednesday 2nd June 2010

		Bio-based and degradable plastics are attracting increasing interest from the public, media and downstream users and are increasingly being specified for industrial and consumer applications. Due to their wide range of properties and perceived positive environmental impact, they are increasingly being used in packaging, agriculture, medicine, automotive, and many other areas. Presentations and case-studies from leading experts will provide delegates with a true understanding of the current market situation and potential for growth whilst providing an appreciation of their true impact and potential use. The day will culminate with a consideration of the issues these materials can present when entering the waste stream.
CLICK HERE to download the registration form.

Seminar Programme

SESSION 1: Markets

10.30   Market Overview: Bio-based and Degradable Plastics - Graham Whitchurch, Solutions4Plastic

• An overview of the current market place
• European trends in product applications
• Market demand-current and future trends

10.55   Adequacy of Feedstock Supply - John Williams, National Non food Crops Centre (NNFCC)

• The future for the practical production of bio-based and degradable plastics

11.15   Bioplastics: Assessing their Environmental Effects, Barriers & Opportunites - Kathy Illingworth, Valpak Consulting

• Overview of the Project
• Interim Findings

11.35   Report Review: Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Oxo-degradable Plastics Across their Life Cycle - Drs. Andrew McLaughlin & Jane Clarke, Loughborough University

• Project Review
• Headline Findings
     

11.55   Update to Defra's Guidance on Green Claims - Bob Ryder, DEFRA

• Making responsible environmental claims

12.10   PANEL DISCUSSION  

12.30   NETWORKING LUNCH 

SESSION 2: Applications

13.15    Sustainable Packaging: Areas for Application - Iain Ferguson, Co-op

• What is sustainable packaging?
• Communicating with customers - the pitfalls of incorrect disposal

13.40    Developements in Polymer-Based Bio-Materials for Customised Medical Implants: Custom IMD - Dr Steve Rowlands, Smithers Rapra

• Overview of the Custom IMD project, which aims to develop novel biomaterials for use in customised medical implants.
• Development of bioresorbable polymers for use in medical implants.
• Development of a biomedical polyurethane for spinal nucleus implant applications.

14.05    Agrimulch Films - The Perfect Solution for Oxobiodegradable Additives - Gary Ogden, Wells Plastics

• The chemistry of oxobiodegredation additives and their use in agricultural mulch films
• Control of film breakdown
• Mineralisation of Film

14.30    TEA / COFFEE

14.45    The Performance of Oxo-biodegradable Plastics in Landfill - Andy Koutsandreas, EPI Europe

• How landfills work
• Results of independent tests
• Behaviour of oxo-biodegradable plastics in the landfill environment
     

15.10    Compostable Bags for Organic Waste Collection - Henk Vooijs, Novamont

• This case-study will look into the role certified compostable bags can play in improving the efficacy and flexibility of local authority organic waste collection schemes
    

15.35   PANEL DISCUSSION

16.00   Round up & Close 

Venue

British Plastics Federation 6 Bath Place Rivington Street London, EC2A 3JE Telephone:  02074575000 Fax: 02074575045 For more detailed directions please CLICK HERE To download a map CLICK HERE

Cost of Seminar

F.T STUDENT/ACADEMIC  —    £120.00 + VAT BPF MEMBERS                    —     £175.00 + VAT AFFILIATE MEMBERS         —     £200.00 + VAT NON BPF MEMBERS          —     £250.00 + VAT

CLICK HERE to download the registration form

To register for the seminar please CLICK HERE to download the registration form, alternatively contact Doreen Greenaway of the BPF Events Team on 0207 457 5000 or email events@bpf.co.uk