François de Bie

Dubai-based joint venture plans first PLA plant in UAE

Launch of recycled PLA grades / Partners sought to boost collection and sorting of post-use PLA

Release of whitepaper on end-of-life options for PLA bioplastics / Call to recyclers for collaboration

Joanna Dupont-Inglis new head of public affairs

European science academies join forces to study plastics chain / EUBP sees bioplastics criticisms as mainly emotional

New board members elected / François de Bie remains chairman

Global production forecast to grow by 20% to 2022 / Transition to circular economy drives demand / Brand owners increasing usage of bio-based materials / Study by EUBP and nova-Institut

Use of plastics in agriculture increasing worldwide / Reaction to shortage of land area and water / Biodegradable mulch films included in EU fertilisers regulation for first time / Biopolymers and recycling associations have conflicting opinions

European Bioplastics: François de Bie remains chairman of the board

EU commission presents its “Plastics Strategy” roadmap / Adoption this year / European Parliament opts for stricter waste legislation / 80% of packaging waste to be recycled by 2030

European Parliament seeks more ambitious targets for waste sorting and recycling / Bioplastics producers pleased with proposals

European bioplastics organisations establish Bioplastics Organisations Network Europe / New lobby group under European Bioplastics umbrella

National Assembly passes energy transition bill / Ban on plastic single-use carrier bags and tableware / Legislation also promotes building insulation / Plastics industry critical

EU Parliament plenary session approves circular economy resolution / Binding rules for waste disposal and recycling / Bioplastics producers welcome package design proposal

Global market expected to reach 6.7m t by 2018 / Growth driven by biobased, non-biodegradable plastics / Asian market share rising / New study by European Bioplastics

Follow-up: European Bioplastics and Assobioplastiche welcome European Council's amendment to Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive

Politics of biodegradable plastics misleading? / Compostability only deemed necessary for fruit nets and root balls / Drop-in solutions for better ecological efficiency / Production remains expensive

Sponsorship of “perpetual plastic project” to demonstrate recycling of PLA bioplastics / Biobased economy promoted