Are Bio-based plastics the future for toy applications? … Join the focus group to share your view!

Organized by: Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Department of Management

In the Valuing Plastic report, UNEP defines the toys industry as the most plastic-intensive industry in the world. Today, 90% of all toys are made from fossil-based plastics. At the same time, 80% of all toys ends up in landfill, incinerators, or the ocean. Additionally, although Europe is one of the most regulated markets, 2022 report on Safety Gate reveals that toys are the most notified product categories  (27% of total notifications), containing carcinogenic, allergenic and hormonal disrupting substances.

Looking systematically, the industry needs a huge discussion about current gaps, challenges and future trends. The focus group wants to discuss the role of bio-based plastics in accelerating the transition towards the sustainability of the sector.  

The insights gathered with the Focus Group will contribute to:
a. re-design business models of companies operating in the toy sector innovatively and sustainably
b. contributes to the ongoing debate on circular bioeconomy by supporting the design of the policy and regulatory framework for bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics (part of the Circular Economy Action Plan)

Moderator

Dr. Genc Alimehmeti, Department of Management, University of Bologna
with the support of Prof. Angelo Paletta, Prof. Alessandra Bonoli, Prof. Selena Aureli, Dr. Eleonora Foschi and Dr. Luigi Mersico

Programme

14.30-14.45 Opening session

Introduction to the BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE project

The contribution of the University of Bologna to replication, upscaling, capacity-building and policy making activities

The focus on the toys industry

14.45-16.25 Multi-stakeholder dialogue session

Sustainable materials supply: current and future trends

Added value of bio-based biodegradable plastics in toys applications

Trade-off between economic, social and environmental aspects

End-of-life: controlled vs open environments and current debate on biodegradability

Forthcoming European policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics

16.25-16.30 Closing session
Wrap-up and further agenda

The activity is funded by the H2020 project BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE (Grant Agreement N° 860407).
More info here: https://bioplasticseurope.eu/project