An international conference shines the spotlight on bio-based packaging that incorporates renewable resources from our forests and oceans

On November 17-18, the 2021 edition of BioMarine will be held both virtually and in person in Quebec. The event will attract thought leaders and innovators from around the world – all concerned with the health, protection and wise resourcing of our oceans. As part of this annual event, Anis Ben Amor, Natural Products Canada’s Regional Director for Quebec will host a panel discussion around the challenges and opportunities in bio-based packaging. We chatted with Anis about the event and the panel session.

How would you describe the opportunities for bio-based packaging?

The demand for bio-based packaging is coming from consumers, industry and government. Globally, everyone is becoming aware of the impact of packaging that is not sustainable. Specific issues concern the use of plastic, which does not break down and ends up in our oceans, ditches and landfills. Bio-based packages represent a huge opportunity to convert organic material that is a biproduct or residual of other value-added products into compostable or biodegradable products.

There is urgency coming from Europe – can you explain that?

The EU is taking a step forward to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging materials, and enhance the development of sustainable solutions. In 2018, Europe generated 174.1kg of packaging waste per inhabitant. To tackle that, the European Commission announced a goal to make all packaging fully recyclable by 2030 as part of its circular economy action plan.

Some European cities have gone to the point of introducing a packaging tax, such as seen in Tübingen, a municipality of 90, 000 people in Germany. As of January 2022 the town will impose a tax on disposable packaging, disposable dishes and disposable cutlery for food and drinks intended for immediate consumption, either on-the-spot or take-away. Single-use food and drink packages will be charged 0.50 Euros, and cutlery will be taxed with 0.20 Euros per meal. The introduction of comparable taxes is being discussed in other municipalities.

What does BioMarine have to do with packaging?

BioMarine is a global event focused on sustainable ocean-based economic development. This year’s theme brings marine- and land-based resources together to explore how things like seaweed and forestry biproducts can be used to develop innovative bio-based packaging solutions.

What kind of experts will be participating?

BioMarine brings a global audience of innovators, investors, and decision- and policy-makers together to discuss and explore these ocean-based opportunities. There will be representatives from companies such as Amcor, Nestlé and L’oréal, as well as many research institutions and investment firms.

The Government of Canada is even sending Simon Kennedy, Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to provide the opening remarks.

What are some of the things you’ll be discussing in the panel?

We will be discussing a range of topics, including the importance of true sustainability in the processing and sourcing of biopackaging. We’ll also talk about two important challenges: using regional raw materials to create a variety of packaging for different uses, as well the challenge of coordinating and developing the supply chains to accomplish that.

Those interested in the conference can register here. For more information on NPC and our work with innovation in sustainable packaging, please contact us.