Issue 05/2023

Cover Story
30 Years of driving the
evolution of bioplastics
European Bioplastics celebrates anniversary
According to legend, it all started in 1993 with the
Interessengemeinschaft Biologisch Abbaubare
Werkstoffe e.V. (IBAW: Interest Group Biodegradable
Materials). Based initially in Rosenheim, Germany,
the association moved to Berlin and opened its first
official office in 2000.
In 2006, the association took a big turn and broadened
its scope to also include durable biobased plastics next to
biodegradable plastics. This transformation is reflected in the
name change: European Bioplastics e.V. (EUBP). “We will now
concentrate on assisting the market introduction of bioplastics
in Europe”, explained Harald Kaeb, Chairman of the association
at the time. An important part of the new activities was to build
a network of stakeholders from the bioplastics industry in
European Union member states. To fulfil its aspirations, in the
same year, European Bioplastics created CEBON, a network
of bioplastics organisations across Europe. To accompany this
shift, the association organised for the first time the European
Bioplastics Conference, in Brussels, which eventually became
the annual leading business and discussion forum for the whole
bioplastics industry. “We are looking forward to welcoming the
readers of Renewable Carbon Plastics at the upcoming edition
of the EBC this December in Berlin”, says Denise Valdix, Head
of Events at European Bioplastics. (See box).
In 2010, the association published the very first annual
Bioplastics Market Data report, a report that would soon become
a reference for the bioplastics industry. From EU policymakers
and other stakeholders, to researchers and media, there is little
literature on bioplastics that doesn’t refer to this data.
Shortly after, the association celebrated its 20-year
anniversary, in 2013. That same year, François de Bie became
Chair of the Board, and the main focus was put on intensifying
advocacy efforts in Brussels. To achieve these goals, EUBP
created the Regulatory Affairs Working Group in 2016, which is
now counting more than 100 participants.
The last decade has certainly been the decade of change.
In 2017, EUBP became a member of EUBA, the European
Bioeconomy Alliance, to strengthen its position in the EU
Institutions and build synergies with the various stakeholders
of the bioeconomy. It is also that same year that EUBP started
its engagement in several EU-funded research projects, where
the association mainly provides support with communication,
dissemination, and production of deliverables.
Coming back to the present year. Earlier in 2023, EUBP opened
its second office, marking the beginning of a new adventure.
The association now has a physical foot in the Brussels Bubble,
with the second office located a mere 10-minute walk away
from the EU Institutions.
In the last 30 years, EUBP’s work has been instrumental in the
growth of the bioplastics market. The association has a strong
membership base of 90 companies from across the bioplastics
value chain. This gives EUBP a unique voice and allows it to
represent the interests of the industry effectively. Its dedicated
team of experts enables the association to provide its members
with valuable insights and support.
In addition to the milestones listed above, EUBP
has also been active over the years in a number
of other areas, including:
• Developing standards for bioplastics
and most notably EN 13432
• Owning and protecting the correct use
of the Seedling ® logo
• Promoting research and development in
the bioplastics sector
• Working with policymakers to create a supportive
regulatory environment for bioplastics
• Raising awareness of the benefits of bioplastics
among consumers and businesses
Renewable Carbon Plastics wishes a happy birthday. AT/MT
www.european-bioplastics.org
Info:
If you are interested in learning more about EUBP
or bioplastics in general, get your tickets for
EBC 23, 12-13 December in Berlin. More info at:
www.european-bioplastics.org/events/ebc
Francois de Bie (Chairman of the Board 2013-2022)
and Denise Valdix
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE | Renewable Carbon Plastics [05/23] Vol. 18