As part of the H2020 BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE project, Dr. Eleonora Foschi and Dr. Genc Alimehmeti, together with Prof. Selena Aureli and Prof. Angelo Paletta from the Department of Management organized two focus groups to investigate the potential of bio-based plastics to increase the sustainability of the manufacturing industry. Specifically, the focus was on toy and agricultural mulch film sectors where bio-based biodegradable plastics can represent an important solution to address marine and soil contamination from macro and micro-plastics.
The focus groups, in the form of a multi-stakeholder dialogue, were joined by key industrial players, valuable experts, and crucial stakeholders from public and private organizations. Themes around alternative materials supply, market trends, consumer attitudes and perceptions, innovative business models, and policy interventions have been deeply discussed.
Moreover, a list of priorities has been shared with the European Commission to support the formulation of further policy measures in the field.
Results also contribute to populating the FAO consultation “Towards the development of a Voluntary Code of Conduct on the sustainable use of plastics in agriculture”.
The interesting comments, suggestions, and findings that emerged from the active discussion are summarised in two technical reports, publicly available in the University Research Repository. Look at them at the following links:
