This year, the Innovation in Bioplastics Award, the annual prize presented by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Bioplastics Division in recognition of a company who has performed outstandingly with regard to sustainability, innovation, and commercial impact went to the Italian bioplastics pioneer, Novamont.

The company developed the Mater-Bi family of bioplastic polymers which is an innovative range of bioplastics created from plant-based feedstocks. Products made of Mater-Bi are used in many different sectors, providing unique and innovative solutions to specific environmental problems. Mater-Bi is suitable for processing by the most common conversion technologies: blowing, casting, extrusion/thermoforming and injection moulding machines for traditional plastics.

"We are honoured to present the Innovation in Bioplastics Award to Novamont, recognizing their years of work in the development of sustainable polymers,” said Patrick Krieger, director, regulatory & technical affairs at PLASTICS. "Mater-Bi embodies the three categories by which entrants are evaluated: sustainability, innovation, and commercial impact. Products made from Mater-Bi have reduced carbon footprints and supported alternative, sustainable end of life options for products and packaging. Congratulations Novamont."

The compostable applications made of Mater-Bi include grocery and produce carrier bags, cutlery, food packaging and more. According to the European standard EN 13432, ASTM D6400 and other international standards, Mater-Bi has characteristics very similar to those of traditional plastics.

“The intrinsic biodegradability of Mater-Bi products is a factor that can mitigate ecological risk,” saidb Catia Bastioli, chief executive for Novamont. “Our approach seeks to prevent the pollution of waterways and the marine environment.”

The Innovation in Bioplastics Award is announced annually during PLASTICS’ Bioplastics Division’s Bioplastics Week. Bioplastics Week is a social media-driven initiative created to increase the visibility of bioplastics and educate people about the many benefits of bioplastics. Follow the conversation using #BioplasticsWeek.

“On behalf of Novamont North America, we are honoured to receive the prestigious Innovation Award from PLASTICS,” said Dan Martens, vice president, Novamont North America. “Research and development, teamed with environmental science, can positively impact commercial activities and everyday life. We at Novamont will continue to work in that direction for the betterment of our integrated global community.”


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