Biodegradable Plastics and Microplastics: Opportunities, Risks & Biodegradability
Biodegradable Plastics: A Sustainable Solution or a New Microplastics Problem?
Can biodegradable plastics help make products more sustainable without contributing to microplastics? If you're a converter or brand owner looking to reduce the environmental footprint of your products, understanding biodegradable plastics is essential.
Biodegradable Plastics as an Environmentally Friendly Alternative?
Biodegradable plastics are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, as they are returned to the natural biological cycle – following nature’s own model. But are they truly a sustainable solution or just another source of microplastics? In this webinar, you will learn what really matters to ensure that these bioplastics actually biodegrade and help reduce environmental pollution caused by microplastics. Together with bioplastics expert Niklas Voß, as well as marine biologists Miriam Weber and Christian Lott from HYDRA Marine Sciences GmbH, you will gain scientifically grounded insights into the biological degradation of plastics and the environmental impacts of microplastics.
What are biodegradable plastics?
If a bioplastic is biodegradable, it is completely broken down by microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. No harmful or toxic residues remain. Learn more: What are bioplastics?
Agenda:
- Key fundamentals: Understand the small but important differences between compostability, biodegradability, and degradation rates.
- Factors influencing biodegradation: Learn how temperature, moisture, oxygen, and microorganisms affect degradation, and what role international certifications play.
- Practical insights: What exactly is microplastic and where does it come from?
- Application examples: Discover which products already benefit from biodegradable plastics today and what disposal routes are available in Germany.
- Littering: How do biodegradable plastics behave in the environment? Can they really help solve the problem of environmental pollution?
- Interactive product assessment: Participants can submit their own product in advance. During the webinar, we will conduct a short Risk & Benefit Assessment for selected examples and discuss opportunities, risks, and the suitability of biodegradable materials.
After the webinar, you will be able to confidently assess when and where biodegradable plastics represent a meaningful alternative. You will recognize potential pitfalls and understand how conscious material choices can contribute to greater sustainability.
Special bonus: Submit your own product in advance. For selected submissions, we will prepare a compact Risk & Benefit Assessment during the webinar and provide practical insights into the opportunities and challenges of using biodegradable plastics.
The webinar is aimed at anyone interested in sustainable materials: companies looking to operate more sustainably, environmentally conscious individuals, and anyone who wants to make informed product decisions.
Register now and discover the opportunities and limitations of biodegradable plastics – and, if desired, receive an initial assessment of your own product!
Discover our product examples made from biodegradable plastics!
Would you like to know more about the benefits and applications of biodegradable plastics? Click here to explore our product examples made of biodegradable plastics, such as mulch film, plant pots, plant clips and hooks, menu trays or urns!
Plastics care for Future
Discover our innovative solutions today! Click here to dive into our Bioplastics portfolio.
