More than 120 participants proactively contributed in the different thematic sessions of the workshop “Marine-friendly biopolymers: characteristics and challenges”, co-organised by Glaukos project (FVA) and Bio-Plastics Europe, in collaboration with the European Bioplastics Research Network and the European Bioeconomy Network on 23 June 2023, online.
After an opening presentation on the expected outcomes and objectives of the workshop, we had the pleasure to host an intervention from policy officer Silvia MALTAGLIATI, DG RTD, who gave an overview on the EC expectations with regards to marine-friendly biopolymers.
Glaukos project officer Simone Maccaferri from CBE JU also joined the workshop and highlighted the relevance of the event in the context of CBE JU activities.
Participants offered many insightful inputs in an open discussion using MIRO board interactive tool and structured around the following topics: Definition of marine friendly biopolymers; Programmed biodegradation; Ecotoxicity and overall risk assessment; Standardisation and labelling of marine-friendly biopolymers; EU projects recommendations for future policies on marine-friendly biopolymers.
The objective was to define 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 EU Mission Ocean‘s objectives.
This was just the kick-off of a wider and urgently needed debate. We hope this workshop stimulated EU-funded projects, researchers, stakeholders and policy makers to further explore this topic.
