SPI launches new bioplastics council

The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) announced the launch of a new special interest group, the Bioplastics Council, in order to provide a forum for resin and additive suppliers, as well as processors and equipment suppliers, to promote the development of bioplastics as an integral part of the plastics industry.In announcing the launch of this new group, SPI President Bill Carteaux said, “Bioplastics have been developed for a range of commercial applications and the market for products made from these materials continues to expand as retailer and consumer demand for them increases. SPI has always represented the full spectrum of the plastics industry, and the Bioplastics Council serves the need for a place where interested stakeholders can collaborate on a variety of bioplastics initiatives.” The primary mission of the Bioplastics Council is:

To educate the plastics industry, government and value chain.
To articulate clear and consistent descriptions of the different bioplastics options.
To provide strategic advice to the plastics industry, government and the value chain and promote harmonization of environmental policies.

The six founding member companies of the new group are Arkema, BASF Corporation, Cereplast Inc., DuPont, NatureWorks LLC and Telles (a Metabolix/ADM Joint Venture). New 2009 membership applications will be accepted beginning on October 1, 2008. Interested companies do not have to be an SPI member to join the Bioplastics Council.

Learn more about the group at its web site: http://www.bioplasticscouncil.org/. Membership and other inquiries should be addressed to SPI Vice President, Material Suppliers Council Melissa Hockstad ( mhockstad@plasticsindustry.org This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202-974-5258).