Bioplastics association launch

An association dedicated to promoting plastics that are biodegradable, compostable and based on renewable resources is set to represent the industry and provide a streamlined view on issues relating to the benefits of bioplastics in Australia and New Zealand.

The Australasian Bioplastics Association will seek to work closely with all levels of government, industry, and consumer groups and other stakeholders to establish standards and labelling for bioplastics consistent with internationally recognised testing practices and methods.

A key aim of the new association is to work with government and other relevant bodies to assess the requirements of compost processing and to effectively market bioplastics as a compostable product.

Members of the association include seven companies involved in the manufacture and supply of bioplastics in Australia. The companies all produce or supply bioplastic material that is certified compostable and biodegradable to the European Standard EN13432:2000 and those materials are also made with significant renewable resource content.

Founding members of the association are AusAsia, Innovia Film, Natureworks, PPC Packaging, Plantic Technologies, Plastral and Signum Specialities.