Ingeo News: September 2024
Italy’s Success with Compostable Plastics in Organics Recycling
Italian municipalities have committed to source separated organics collection and compostable plastics are integrated into many programs. According to Italy’s National Waste Legislation, compostable plastics, including bioplastic carrier bags, fruit and vegetable packaging, plates, glasses, and disposable tableware made of compostable material, can be collected with food waste only if they are certified according to the European harmonized standard UNI-EN-13432. Biorepack and CIC have established a national survey program involving around 700 waste composition analyses per annum to continuously assess the amounts of compostable plastics and contaminants collected within food waste collection.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the effectiveness of compostable plastic recycling, ensuring that the materials collected do not compromise the quality of the compost produced. By adhering to the stringent UNI-EN-13432 standard, Italy aims to maintain high recycling rates and minimize contamination in composting processes, supporting both environmental sustainability and the circular economy. Read the Article
A Big Idea
Authentic Communication for a True Circular Economy
In a recent New York Times article titled, “Is Your Water Bottle Really Made From Recycled Plastic?”, the concept of mass balance accounting is critically examined. As efforts are made to curb greenwashing and foster more transparent communication with consumers, attention to authenticity will bring the economy closer to achieving true circularity. Read the Article
Click of the Month
The Future of Biobased + Sustainable Building
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and University of Maine 3D printed floor panels with an Ingeo PLA composite and they're strong enough to replace steel. The project is part of the Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Alliance for Renewable Technologies (SM2ART) program and can potentially make multistory buildings more sustainable. Read the Article
Quick Hits
What We're Reading
The Earthfirst View on Bioplastics, Packaging Europe
Henderson County Public Schools’ Composting Program for Food Scraps and Compostable Foodservice Packaging Enhanced, Foodservice Packaging Institute
Upcoming Events
BPI Summit 2024 | September 10 - 12 | Berkley, CA
NatureWorks' Becky Brooks will join the panel, "Trusting Compostable Products to Break Down, Part 1: What Tests in the Lab and Field Tell Us" and Joe Schroeder will join the presentation, "Tackling Microplastics in Compost" on Wednesday, September 11th
AMI Bioplastics Conference |September 17 - 18 | Cincinnati, OH
NatureWorks will present, "PLA for the Circular Economy" at this event on September 17th.
AMI Single-Serve Capsules | September 30 - October 2
NatureWorks’ Celmira Sousa and Viviana Conti will present, "PPWR - Unwrapping and assessing the future opportunities for compostable plastics applications," at this event..
SPC Advance | September 30 - October 2 | Chicago, IL
NatureWorks' Leah Ford will present, "Sharing a New Value Proposition for Compostable Packaging," at this event.
Stay up-to-date with where NatureWorks will be on our News & Events page