Bio-Based Plastics

The rapid movement away from the petroleum-based economy to one based on renewable resources brings increased threats of biodiversity loss and overconsumption. Biopolymers are seen as a potentially greener alternative to petroleum based plastics which are non-biodegradable, have devastating effects on animal and ocean life and for the most part have an inherently toxic life cycle from production system through to disposal. However the life cycle of bio-polymers can be just as problematic.

CPA co-founded the Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative in 2006 to chart the path toward more sustainable bioplastics. The Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative has developed a set of Guidelines for the bioplastic industry and for potential purchasers of products made from bioplastics.

The Business NGO Working Group is currently establishing a set of specifications for bio-based food service materials.