German ‘action plan’ will promote bioplastics

REF: www.europeanplasticsnews.com
By Charlotte Eyre
Posted 10 September 2009 9:54 am GMT

A new action plan intended to encourage the use of renewable raw materials in industrial applications in Germany could help boost the country’s bioplastics business, according to Berlin-based trade association European Bioplastics.
The plan, announced by the German Federal government earlier this week, ties in with its intentions - announced last year - to integrate the use of renewable resources into a wider biomass strategy.

The plan of action introduced by Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, is intended to increase utilisation efficiency and to secure a leading position for Germany on an international level.

European Bioplastics secretary general, Harald Kaeb, said that although the German government has not yet announced firm details behind the plans, bioplastics companies in the country may benefit from a greater level of government aid and there may be incentives for those willing to invest in this area.

“The high-added value of bioplastics is important for the country’s competitiveness,” he told European Plastics News. “We should also remember that even though other countries such as the UK and France have talked about this area, Germany is one of the first countries to draw up an action plan of this nature.”

However, European Bioplastics said Germany must engage in “fast and courageous implementation of the plan into precise measures”.

Kaeb said: “Informing the public would be a good start. After all, consumers are not yet completely aware of the possibilities and advantages of industrial products made of renewable raw materials.”

The German Federal government will release details of the action plan later this week.