Issue 02/2016

Editorial
dear
readers
The first focus topic in this issue is Marine Pollution / Marine Degradation. We
are all aware of the tremendous pollution of our oceans and waterways by plastic
debris. And I assume we also all agree that the most obvious thing to do is to ensure
no plastics end up in the oceans (or better still, in the environment at all),
whether by preventing littering or improving waste management in general.
It’s a problem that’s been a topic of endless discussion, with enough having
already been said on the subject to fill any number of volumes. In this issue
of bioplastics MAGAZINE we attempt to focus on the issues surrounding the
biodegradability of certain plastics. Do biodegradable plastics offer potential
for a solution – or at least for certain aspects of the problem? As I’m sure
this topic will spark controversy and open up debate, we’re kicking off the
discussion with this issue. Please feel free to send us your comments and
views on the topic.
In the Basics section, we cover the question: “What needs to be considered
when designing a plastic product, in order to facilitate easy recycling at
the end of its useful life?” For a comprehensive overview, we have included
both conventional plastics and bioplastics with their particularities.
If you are curious about what we were excited about in our first issues
ten years ago, just flip to page 45, where we continue the new “blast from
the past” series.
And we’re launching yet another new series of articles under the title
“Brand-Owner’s perspective on bioplastics and how to unleash their full potential”
. See p. 33, where Michhael Knutzen of Coca-Cola shares his thoughts with us.
Have you already downloaded our App for smartphones and tablets? Just go to
Apple-Appstore or the Android Google Playstore and search for bioplastics. During
our anniversary year, all our content can also be downloaded for free. This means that
you can read bioplastics MAGAZINE and follow us on twitter on your mobile devices –
wherever you are.
The call for proposals for the 11 th Global Bioplastics Award (see page 55) is open!
Please send us your suggestions: if you have seen or heard about any eligible services
or products in the market that you really liked, whether your own or someone else’s,
we’ll add these to our long list. The 11 th “Bioplastics Oscar” will be presented during
the 11 th European Bioplastics Conference on November 29 th in Berlin, Germany.
And finally, we’d like to remind you of our 4 th PLA World Congress in Munich,
Germany on May 24 th and 25 th . The programme is now complete and may be found on
page 10.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the many upcoming events, and until then,
enjoy reading bioplastics MAGAZINE.
Sincerely yours
Michael Thielen
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 11
ISSN 1862-5258
Plant based Material for
Eyeglass Lenses | 39
March/April
02 | 2016
Basics
Design for Recyclability | 44
Highlights
Thermoforming / Rigid Packaging | 12
Marine Pollution / Marine Degradation | 16
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