Bioplastics industry calls for greater support

European Bioplastics Association secretary general Harald Kaeb told FoodProducyionDaily.com that authorities should provide greater backing to biobased segments such as food packaging as part of an integrated eco-strategy. Current stimulus is skewed in favour of other green sectors, he said.

“It is clear that bioplastics is not treated with the same prominence as biofuels and renewable energy,”​ he said. “The industry is calling for a more integrated approach.”​

While bioplastics is currently a niche sector – with a market share of less than one per cent – it is ready to expand further as indicated by consistent levels of high growth over recent years. Greater top level support would also give a strong signal to both large plastics users and consumers that the segment is economically and well as environmentally sustainable in the long term, say bioplastic supporters.

“What is missing are incentives from an effective stimulus programme to boost the market,”​ added Kaeb. “Then companies would be better placed to finance their innovations and the necessary expansion in capacity.”​

The bioplastics industry is not expecting subsidies from European or national bodies. A more realistic and sustainable support package could include such measures as tax credits and low cost loans to bioplastic companies to stimulate growth, he said.

“We would like to see the European Union set clear targets for bioplastic take up that would give a clear indication to member states about what they need to do in terms of policy,”​ said Kaeb.

Growth​

A recent survey by Bioplastics Europe showed the majority of companies had experienced growth even during the recession – in some cases by as much as five per cent.

Some 47 per cent of companies recorded growth in turnover, while almost a third managed to at least draw level, with only 10 per cent posting losses, said the group.

“This is a clear indication of the strength of green innovation and the companies driving it forward.”​ said board chairman Andy Sweetman.