Innovative bioplastic products for marine and terrestrial applications were presented to selected stakeholders today in Varna.

Innovative bioplastic products for marine and terrestrial applications were presented to selected stakeholders today in Varna.

The event “Biobased Plastics for Marine and Terrestrial Applications: Exhibition, Knowledge Transfer & Workshop” under the EU-funded “SEALIVE” project was successfully completed on November 3^rd at the Graffit Hotel in Varna, with the attendance of 80 participants from areas such as maritime, fisheries, agriculture, economy and environment.

Plastic pollution plagues our oceans causing damage to marine wildlife and habitats. This in turn negatively affects humans not only by ruining ecosystems but also directly through the food chain. The SEALIVE project is developing solutions to this problem through the production of 8 novel biobased products that reduce reliance on fossil-based feedstocks: fishing nets, fishing crates, oyster mesh bags, mulching film, rigid food packaging, flexible food packaging, deep frozen food film, and cutlery. Through the innovative end-of-life solutions of these products, SEALIVE aims to reduce plastic pollution on land and at sea.

The aim of the event, the fourth of a series of five such events organised around Europe, was to introduce the SEALIVE project and these 8 biobased products to key stakeholders and to facilitate knowledge exchange related to the project and its products. The event also encouraged potential synergistic and collaborative opportunities between the participants as well as with the two SEALIVE project partners that implemented the event: the NGO AKTI Project and Research Centre and the environmental SME ISOTECH Ltd from Cyprus. Black Sea NGO Network from Bulgaria provided local support for the organization of the event.

The participatory workshop implemented as part of the event, aimed to disseminate knowledge on plastic pollution, climate change and bioplastic alternatives, engage the participants, learn more about their perceptions and experiences, and document suggested solutions identified from their perspective. During the workshop, the 80 stakeholders in Varna identified three main challenges for the use of bioplastic: likelihood of being improperly disposed of, environmental claims, cost. The participants also presented three main solutions: European standards, transparency about credentials, ensure cost encourages use.

The event concluded with an exhibition where participants could observe the SEALIVE products, ask questions, and network.

More information:

The SEALIVE (Strategies of circular economy and advanced biobased solutions to keep our lands and seas alive from plastics contamination) project is a Research and Innovation Project funded by the European Union through Horizon 2020 (under grant agreement No 862910). The project involves 28 partners from 13 different countries.

This output reflects only the author’s views and the European Union cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

For more information about the event, contact Christina Baldwin, program@akti.org.cy, +35797725763