Beyond Plastic: The Mediterranean Bioeconomy for a New Generation of Sustainable Materials

The term 'plastic' (the ability of a material to be easily moulded, deformed or shaped) has become progressively and indelibly associated with synthetic plastic materials composed of fossil fuel-derived polymers and, conversely, with their negative environmental impact. According to the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy, renewable bio-based polymers and materials have the potential to mitigate or solve the problems associated with the production and misuse of conventional plastics. They have the potential to lower the carbon footprint, develop new applications for biodegradable materials, and reduce dependency on imports of key chemical feedstocks. At the same time, they support the creation of local biomass value chains. However, bio-based products often face competition from cheaper fossil-based alternatives, risks in the supply of feedstock, weak market demand and longer authorisation timelines.

This workshop will discuss innovations in bio-based polymers and materials in the context of Italy and the Mediterranean Basin, arising from new synergies between biotechnology, the bio-based industry and the primary production sectors (agri-food, forestry, and fisheries).  Examples will be presented of products offering completely new functional properties that justify their market adoption beyond environmental credentials. These new bio-based polymers and materials are not merely 'plastic replacers', but a wholly novel generation of technological solutions. Therefore, certifications and standards are essential for demonstrating the value of bio-based polymers and materials, while providing transparent information on their sustainability.

Session Chairs

Lucia Gardossi, University of Trieste and Cluster SPRING
Mario Bonaccorso, Director at Cluster SPRING

Program 

Session “Mediterranean Bio-based Value Chains: Experiences and Innovation from Regions to Europe” 

14:30 Sustainable plastics: the Italian landscape
Luca Bianconi, Assobioplastiche, Italy

14:45 Safe and Sustainable Bio-Materials from Used Cooking Oils 
Antonino Biundo, REWOW S.r.L.  &  GreenOil S.r.L., Italy

15:00 Turning agricultural residues into polymers and biobased materials: the PERCIVAL project experience
Isabella De Bari, ENEA Italy

15:15 Assessing sustainable bio-based solutions at regional level: the BioINSouth approach in Southern Europe
Pierluigi Argoneto, Italian Circular Bioeconomy Cluster - SPRING, EU BioInSouth project

15:30 Regional cooperation for stability and inclusive development in the Mediterranean
Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Sustainable Development Division (TBC)

15.45 Bio-based plastics and materials: innovation opportunities in CBE-JU projects
Simone Maccaferri, Circular Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking (TBC)

16:00 Round Table “Safe, Sustainable and Competitive: Turning Criteria into Innovation Pathways for New Materials and Polymers”

Indicators for implementing a sustainable Circular Bioeconomy
Marta Gomez San Juan, Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. 

Applying Life Cyle Assessment at Different Levels: Deriving Insights for the Potential of Bio-based Solutions
Serenella Sala, Head of Land Resources and Supply Chain Assessments Unit, European Commission, Joint Research Center. 

Rational eco-design of biodegradable polymers to solve the microplastics emergency
Raffaele Bruschi, Università di Trieste, Be-Up EU project.

PHA for Agriculture and Environmental Remediation: BIO ON's Biotechnology Platform for a Circular Mediterranean Bioeconomy
Guido Ferralasco, Executive Advisor BIO ON 

Sinergies with the agri-food sectors for the production of new materials  at the service of agriculture
Sara Guerrini, Novamont, S.p.A, Novara, Italy

17:15 Open discussion