BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE looks for sustainable solutions for bio-based plastics on land and sea, while connecting economic and environmental gain through a circular economy. It includes research on innovative bio-plastics, product design, environmental and economic assessments of products‘ life cycles and business models, efficient reuse and recycling solutions and the safety of materials for environment and society. Given the widespread use of plastics in different sectors and given it will not be possible to look into each single use in detail, the project will focus in 1) toys, 2) packaging food stuffs and 3) shipping, fishing, and aquaculture equipment.

In line with the EU strategy on international cooperation in research and innovation and in order to encourage further replication, the European consortium is complemented by a partner in Malaysia, providing an added value and helping them to address the many problems they face. The project brings together several universities and companies working in developing bio-plastics and waste management and an NGO focusing on stakeholder engagement. Research focuses on fundamental science looking at plastic properties, compostability and recyclability, safety and legislation requirements, business models, market demand and circular economy.