The ninth edition of the International Seminar on Biopolymers and Sustainable Composites organized by AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, will take place on 4–5 March. Around twenty speakers will participate in the event to address key issues for the current development and future of the sector: advanced bioplastics, sustainable composites, real industrial applications and the regulatory framework. The seminar focuses on the challenges and opportunities of bioplastics and sustainable composites in the context of the circular economy, presenting the latest research, development and innovation results, as well as solutions that can be implemented in industry. In its eight previous editions, the event has consolidated its position as a reference point in the field of biopolymers and aims to improve companies’ competitiveness and sustainability through the implementation of advanced technologies, diversification of products and raw materials, and reduction of environmental impact. At the same time, AIMPLAS considers the seminar as a platform to support the excellence of research staff and companies through applied innovation and scientific and technological specialization.
Programme structure and main thematic sessions
The seminar programme is divided into six thematic sessions with the participation of around twenty speakers. The first session will be devoted to bioplastics and the bioeconomy. European Bioplastics will provide a strategic vision of the future of the European bioplastics market and of the regulatory changes that will shape its development. The University of Michigan will present research results on accelerating the biodegradation of biopolymers in composting environments, while AIMPLAS will analyse the challenges and main developments in the biodegradability and compostability of plastic materials.
The second session will focus on standardization and certification, with particular attention to the main schemes and regulatory frameworks applied in different sectors. ARCHA will give a detailed overview of certification schemes for biodegradability and compostability for tanning articles and chemical products. The Compostable by Design platform will present protocols and practical guidelines for the assessment of compostability, and DIN CERTCO will discuss progress in certification for international markets and specific applications. The session will be completed by a presentation from ASOBIOCOM on key bioplastics policies in Spain. The morning block will end with a workshop of the BIOSUPPACK project.
The third session will focus on bio‑based raw materials. Companies involved in the development of new materials have confirmed their participation. NOTPLA will present Notpla Pellets, a solution based on algae and their return to the natural environment. TotalEnergies Corbion will present progress on Luminy PLA aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and improving performance in nonwoven and hygiene applications. Prime Biopolymers will introduce the ZIMIA range, a family of compostable bioplastics for industrial applications.
The first day will conclude with a session devoted to research and industry case studies. The University of Valladolid will present results on microbial recycling of bioplastics using mixed culture fermentation. The University of Valencia will show selected examples of projects developed by the R&D&I group in Materials Technology and Sustainability focused on the circular bioeconomy paradigm.
Biopolymers in open environments and agriculture
The second day of the seminar will begin with a session dedicated to biopolymers in open environments, with particular emphasis on agriculture. APE Europe, CAJAMAR and the University of Almería will address the biodegradability of plasticulture products and their potential within the framework of the circular economy. BASF will present the difference between persistent microplastics and fragments from certified materials in soil mulching applications. The session will close with NOVAMONT, which will present Mater‑Bi solutions aimed at more sustainable agricultural practices.
The final session of the seminar will focus on case studies. AIMPLAS will present its own developments in biopolymers for agricultural applications. NUREL will present the role of Inzea biopolymers in contributing to more sustainable and circular agricultural production models. BEYOND SEEDS will introduce agar as a new biopolymer with industrial potential, and Gruppo Maip will present a case study on PHA polyesters across the entire industrial value chain, from raw material to agricultural applications.
Exhibition area and biomass-based demonstrators
In addition to the technical sessions, the seminar will feature dedicated spaces for networking and an exhibitors’ area, designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, creation of synergies and direct contact between research staff, companies and sector organizations. A poster area will also be available, open to proposal submissions until 15 February, as well as a separate space for presenting the results of recent innovations in materials and products developed from biomass.
The demonstration area will showcase examples of real applications, including coasters, plant sapling protectors, beer display stands developed within the BIOSUPPACK project and wine packaging. The exhibition will also include a small wine cellar made from by‑products of the wine and olive industries, which will house selected demonstrators. These solutions are intended to illustrate the potential of biopolymers and sustainable composites in different sectors of the economy.
Support from sponsors and importance of the event for the sector
The seminar is made possible thanks to the support of sponsoring entities, including BASF, Novamont, Columbus Instruments, ARCHA, ASOBIOCOM, DIN CERTCO, ENCO and NUREL. The involvement of these organizations strengthens the role of the event as a reference point for innovation, sustainability and technology transfer in the bioplastics sector.
