Track 1 Session Details

Jacqueline Amable, CEO, Matereal

Introducing Matereal--Real Solutions for Real World Problems

The invention of plastics in the 20th century changed life in countless ways, enabling the lifestyles we take for granted. But they have also caused multiple problems that are becoming a crisis in this century. They have increased our dependence on petroleum and caused great ecological harm as products containing plastics fill our landfills, accumulate in our waterways and break down into micro and nanoparticles with yet unknown effects on life on the planet. Matereal has identified paths to reverse this trend by introducing Polaris, a renewable, biodegradable replacement for polyurethane that eliminates the use of toxic isocyanates. Though our technology can help solve some of the problems with plastics, they can also exacerbate other issues, such as the diversion of farmland and foodstuffs to make petroleum replacements. And so Matereal is unveiling its Farm-to-Plastics™ concept, a circular soil-to-soil integrated approach that drives regenerative farming methods for feedstock production, increased reliance on agricultural and plastic wastes, and polymer biodegradation in service to soil maintenance using AI as a tool for data organization and experimental design. In our presentation, we will describe our vision for the Farm-to-Plastics™ concept and show how we can achieve it using the versatile technology platform made possible by unique chemistry that forms the basis of the Polaris line of polymers.

 

Pramod Kumbhar, President and Chief Technology Officer, Praj Matrix

Biopolymers: Ensuring A Sustainable Future Through Advance Biorefinery Approach

Polymers touch every facet of human life with their versatile applications. The transition from conventional fossil-based polymers to biopolymers signifies a transformative shift from fossil-fuel dependency toward bio-based feedstocks. Advanced biorefinery complex is a pivotal platform for the efficient valorization of every component of biobased feedstocks to produce combination of biofuels & biopolymers. Biopolymer production demands an end-to-end approach comprising feedstock pre-processing, production technology combining fermentation and chemical synthesis, application development, and link to the market. This necessitates the integration of microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, and chemical engineering expertise. With 4 decades of experience in technology development, demonstration Praj is well-poised to integrate all the facets of this approach. Two significant areas of commodity chemicals where biopolymers can make a dent are Plastics and synthetic rubber. The functionality of bioplastics and its biodegradable nature make it an attractive alternative to conventional plastics. Polylactic acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are versatile biopolymers with various applications in packaging for food, personal care products, and agriculture. Biobutadiene is a renewable and bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived butadiene, a vital component in the production of synthetic rubbers. Biobutadiene offers a alternative to the extremely volatile butadiene supply chain. In short, Biopolymers have a promising potential to become sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers. Through the integrated advanced biorefinery approach, biofuels & biopolymers will offer a greener and more resilient bioeconomy.

 

Amar Mohanty, Distinguished Research Chair in Sustainable Biomaterials, Ontario Agriculture College (OAC), University of Guelph

Bioplastics and Sustainable Biomaterials for a Circular Economy

Building a more resilient, circular, and low-carbon economy is at the core of world’s target in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, we are facing harmful environmental effects created by accumulation of plastics. While plastics found many applications that benefit food preservation and lower the transportation costs, the lack of plastic waste management is creating a pervasive environmental pollution. Today, we consume micro-plastics (<5 mm in size) in our water and in fish on our plate! The questions is, can we harness the benefits that plastic brings to the society, without harmful waste? We desperately need a “Second Age of Plastics” with new materials that can answer the needs of today and not jeopardize tomorrow’s generations. We have been developing plastics with lower carbon footprint that we call “Sustainable Polymers”. Our sustainable materials support Circular Economy and include polymers and their composites from wastes, recycled materials, bio-renewables and their combinations. Four key initiatives that can promote better use of sustainable materials in the markets include: 1. Regulatory framework to support bioplastics and sustainable materials; 2. Carbon tax credits that incentivize industry to lower their carbon footprint, with a clearly defined scientific criteria for life cycle analysis used to determine the carbon footprint for industry; 3. Consumer education with clear, simple and certified labels that prevent confusion and promote consistency at the consumer level; 4. Understanding the harm created by not using bioplastics and sustainable materials, in regards to the carbon footprint.

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Lauren Scott, Director of Corporate Affairs, CJ Biomaterials

From Voices to Victory: Biomaterials Advocacy in a Dynamic Policy Landscape

Exploring the intricate landscape of bioplastics regulations, this presentation paints a landscape of the current policy environment and outlines key strategies for industry engagement. With a focus on state and federal policies, and their intersection, the presentation offers valuable insights for the bioplastics’ industry's future success.