The association of the bioplastics industry in Europe, European Bioplastics, is pleased about the decision of the German Federal Government to promote the use of renewable raw materials in industrial applications to a greater extent. The plan of action introduced today by Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Ilse Aigner in Berlin is supposed to increase utilization efficiency and secure a cutting edge for Germany on an international level. Utilization cascades must be developed and promoted for this purpose according to the association.
The plan of action material use ties in with the measures for the energy recovery of biomass. Biofuels as well as electricity and heat generation have been massively supported for years by legislature, project financing and PR work. European Bioplastics sees a substantial step towards the promotion of ecological future technologies in this new initiative and as a result, the creation of highly qualified workplaces in Germany.
Before burning valuable biomass in engines or furnaces, we should recover it to enable more efficient and value-added utilization. The key to all this is a concept in which the measures to promote material and energy recovery are well coordinated, explained Harald Kaeb, Secretary General of European Bioplastics, at the panel discussion.
For industrial countries with high social and production standards, the high added value of products like bioplastics is an important prerequisite for international competitiveness. According to the associate's spokesman, climate protection would also benefit from increased recovery of materials. The carbon, which plants draw from the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is stored in the product over a longer period of time. We can withdraw harmful CO2 from the atmosphere and lock it up for years in stable and recyclable materials, adds Käb. After the end of the service life, additional renewable energy could be created in case of energy recovery of the products. To promote this, however, regulations will have to be adapted in the respective laws.
An outstanding approach that will come to fruition. However, this requires the fast and courageous implementation of the plan into precise measures, is what Kaeb demands of the German Federal Government. Informing the public would be a good start. After all, consumers are not yet completely aware of the possibilities and advantages of industrial products made of renewable raw materials. Ecological chemistry and biotechnology represent economic growth and advancement - without compromising the concerns of environmental protection and the saving of resources.
| Melanie Gentzik Head of Communications Tel: +49 30 28482 356 presse@european-bioplastics.org |
