Led by industry experts, this half-day training session will cover the following topics:
Bioplastics – a diverse family of very different materials
The training course will begin with a comprehensive overview of the range of different bioplastics in the marketplace as well as in development. Important definitions and concepts such as bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, intermediates, drop-ins and additives will be discussed.
Feedstocks Overview
This session will focus on the diversity of feedstocks available for bioplastic manufacture including starting materials from agricultural and forestry production, processing residues, and petroleum components. Sourcing considerations such as impacts on environmental goods and services, land use change, food versus non-food, and crop nutrient management will be discussed.
Recovery Options and Infrastructure
Drawing from the Access Study we will share the different options for recovery of bioplastics as well the different technologies available for end of life of bioplastics and compostable materials.
Selection of bioplastics for your applications
In this technical session, the broad performance attributes of different bioplastics will be covered (for example melting range; elongation to break; gas and moisture barriers) to provide an indication of the range of end-use applications that can be met and the attributes important end users when considering the adoption of bioplastics for use in their products and packaging.
Economics
We will discuss the different economic models companies and technology partners have developed as well as how market conditions impact costs and drivers. Considerations such as scale, innovation, volatility in fossil fuel prices and policy and regulation have an effect on bioplastics adoption.
Certification and Marketing Claims
Certifications and test methods relevant to validating bio-based provenance and/or compostability will reviewed, including materials from ASTM, ISO, FTC, USDA BioPreferred and BPI. This session will highlight the key points that brand owners, converters and suppliers need to know to substantiate claims related to bioplastics in their products and packaging.