130: Will bioplastics be the sustainable plastic solution?

In this episode of Table Talk we explore the development of bio based plastics, the latest innovations in the space and their true potential as viable alternatives to plastic. Are they the sustainable plastic solution we need to save the planet? Joining us to explain what bioplastics are, and to shed light on the impact they could have are two experts in the field, David Newman, Executive Director, BBIA and Constance Isbrucker, Head of Environmental Affairs, European Bioplastics. Join us in a fascinating look into the world of bioplastics. About our panel David Newman, Executive Director, BBIA David Newman lived in Europe and the Middle East until 2014 when he returned to the UK. He was the Executive Director of Greenpeace Italy 1994-1997; from 1999 until 2014 he led the Italian composting and biogas association CIC and he led the Italian Bioplastics Association from 2011 to 2015. From 2012 to 2016 he was President of the International Solid Waste Association in Vienna and initiated the 2015 Global Waste Management Outlook report written by ISWA and UNEP. During this time (2012-13) he was personal advisor to the Italian Minister of Environment, Andrea Orlando. David founded and leads the Bio Based and Biodegradable Industries Association UK since 2015 which works to promote the bioeconomy in the UK. He is President of the World Biogas Association since November 2016, co-author of the report Global Food Waste Management, an Implementation Guide for Cities, published in May 2018 by the WBA with C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. He also worked on the 2019 report published by WBA “The Global Potential of Biogas”. He is a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group at DEFRA and a chartered member of the CIWM. His book “Everything is Connected “ is due to be published in the autumn of 2020. Constance Ißbrucker, Head of Environmental Affairs, European Bioplastics Constance Ißbrücker holds a degree from the University of Jena, Germany, specialized in macromolecular and bioorganic chemistry. Before joining European Bioplastics in 2013, she worked in different research groups at universities in Berlin and Jena where she gained valuable experience in the modification and analysis of polysaccharide derivatives and the synthesis of chiral amines by biocatalytic processes. In 2016, she has been promoted to Head of Environmental Affairs at European Bioplastics and is, among other things, responsible for the Product Groups Biobased and Biodegradables, standardisation of bioplastics, and the Seedling trademark.