text: 28-Sep-2010 - Last updated on 29-Sep-2010 at 07:46 GMT
  Related tags: Ecological footprint
  Insight into polyamides from renewable resources will be one of the highlights of the 5th European Bioplastics Conference due to take place between 1-2 December 2010 at the Hilton Hotel, Dusseldorf, Germany.
  The presentation, delivered by Dr Harald Hager of Germany-based chemicals giant Evonik, will be one of a number dedicated to revealing the latest bioplastic trends and marketing developments, according to details of the conference programme unveiled by the organisers.
  Technological innovation, new products, assessments of bioplastic consumer goods and the latest news on recovery and recycling systems will form key parts of the conference programme.
  Joining Dr Hagar will be Oliver Schmid from chemicals company Propper to explore the potential for bioplastics and consumer goods. Propper has pioneered the production of consumer goods from long-life bio-based plastics via mould injection.
  Another conference highlight will be an analysis of DSM's next generation of durable bio performance materials delivered by the company's Fredric Petit.
  They will be joined by more than 20 other expert speakers selected from global leading companies in the field of bioplastics, according to the conference organisers.
  Exhibitors at the conference include: PolyOne, Mirel Bioplastics by Telles, Purac, Novamont, Sukano, DIN Certco, Kaneka, FKuR, Huhtamaki, Fachagentur Nachwachsender Rohstoffe, API Spa, Taghleef Industries, BASF, Kingfa, NatureWorks, Vincottte and BKG.
  Bioplastics have become an increasingly popular material for the packaging of beauty products, as manufacturers race to find solutions that can reduce the carbon footprint of their products.
  The material is being increasingly sourced as an alternative material for plastic containers and closures, which are commonly made from PET-derivatives.
  European Bioplastics represent companies which produce, refine and distribute biobased and compostable bioplastics.
  Other speakers include BASF's Dr Lars Borger who will present a new online tool for calculating ecological footprints and Thomas Stintzing from Gehr talking about potential new markets for biopolymers.
  NGR's Uwe Ronten will update delegates on recycling of waste production arising from biopolymer processing and FKuR's Christopher Lohr will focus on bioplastics engineered for high-tech applications.