IK: Position paper about the potential of bioplastics presented

Over the last years bioplastics have aroused much interest in politics and the public, especially under environmental aspects. In its new position paper “Bioplastics Products – Chances and Potentials” the IK Industrieverband Kunststoffverpackungen e.V. (www.kunststoffverpackungen.de) answers frequent questions in connection with bioplastics. With respect to intensive discussions also in the neighbouring countries and the association’s international commitment the brochure is published in German, English and French.

“Bioplastics” represents a new term, however no novelty, as the very first plastic materials were already developed in the 19th century on the basis of renewable raw materials. Lately the public discussion focussed on two main aspects: The criteria of biodegradability / compostability of plastics packaging and how to use more renewable raw materials in the production of plastics (“plastics from the fields”).

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The IK position paper informs about potentially increasing business fields for bioplastics, particularly from the point of view of the plastics converters. Moreover the publication outlines the positions of the association regarding current political and public discussions about bioplastics, as for example raw material reserves, climate protection, agriculture support in the EU or littering.

There is a short definition of the terms “bioplastics” and “biodegradability”, main application fields are presented and the aspect bioplastics and environment is treated.

The IK counters unrealistic expectations in connection with products made of bioplastics. Supporting bioplastics and bioplastics products should not lead to a discrimination of traditional plastics materials.

The position paper “Bioplastics Products – Chances and Opportunities” (26 pages DIN A 4) is available free of charge and can be ordered at IK Industrieverband Kunststoffverpackungen e.V., Bad Homburg, Fax. +49 6172 / 92 66 69, e-mail: info@kunststoffverpackungen.de

The IK and the IK Working Group Bioplastics, founded in 1997, both pursue the aim to offer the plastics converting industry guidance towards the new business field and to furnish information about the political and economic frame conditions. The IK represents an industry consisting of around 700 producers of plastics packaging and films with a workforce of 60,000. The level of representation by the IK – based on turnover – is between 60 and 85 percent in each sector; a high level in comparison with other industrial associations. Plastics make up the largest single segment of the German packaging market with a share of around 43%.

IK - Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen e.V., Bad Homburg

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