What are the characteristics that marine-friendly biopolymers should have to become a potential solution to prevent and eliminate pollution in the oceans and waters, responding to European Union Mission Ocean’s objectives?
In the last years, the European Commission has been funding several projects and initiatives to investigate under which conditions bio-based and biodegradable plastics can contribute to reduce pollution in our ecosystems. Nevertheless, the timescale for biodegradation of unintentional released bioplastics is not short enough in marine environment and doesn’t sufficiently respond to market needs (performance, durability, etc.). In parallel, additional challenges should be considered (e.g. risk assessment, sustainability of bio-based feedstock, programmed biodegradation, standardisation in different environments, ecotoxicity, environmental persistence, entanglement and ghost fishing).
In the search for solutions to these challenges, researchers and stakeholders will be involved in an online round table on 23 June 2023, to discuss what are the characteristics and challenges that should be addressed for the definition of marine-friendly biopolymers.
As part of the “Projects2Policy” format, developed by Glaukos project, Bio-Plastics Europe, European Bioplastics Research Network and European Bioeconomy Network, this workshop “Marine-friendly biopolymers: characteristics and challenges” builds on previous experiences.
During the workshop, the main takeaways of additional relevant events will be also presented to the participants, in order to animate the discussion.
The objective of the workshop is to encourage a holistic, collaborative debate, to define characteristics and challenges of marine-friendly biopolymers.
The workshop is free of charge. To participate, please register at: https://forms.gle/ceLnbB7wHMAgjHAd7