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OBIC’s new Renewable Packaging Initiative focuses on innovations in biobased materials. One exciting biobased material is PLA, produced by NatureWorks. A recent "Our Ohio" television program featured this material: Our Ohio "Corn to Plastic" video. Renewable Polymers for Innovation: Packaging and Other Applications; Emerging Technology Forum on Decemeber 12, 2006 at The Ohio State University – The Blackwell. Presentations from leaders in the polymer, packaging, and biobased industries - view online: ETF Podcast Presentations
As an alternative to petroleum sources, companies are increasingly looking to bio-based materials, and Ohio is taking a pioneering role to advance the development of such products.
Ohio State University’s Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center (OBIC) has created a new initiative in renewable packaging. OBIC is a program that links academia and industry in the development of renewable specialty chemicals, polymers and plastics.
“Rising global demand for oil, increased volatility in oil supply, and the growing availability of biobased feedstocks are motivating end users and packaging suppliers,” said Stephen Myers, OBIC Director.
According to a survey conducted by Freedonia, a leading international business research company, demand for degradable plastic in the United States is projected to grow 12 percent annually to 335 million pounds in 2010 -- a value of $480 million. Packaging, specifically PLA-based, accounts for 76 percent of the total of degradable plastics being targeted for development.
"Advances in technology have increased efficiency and performance, and lowered costs of bio-based materials and products,” added Myers. “Major retailers are making commitments to renewable packaging. There is now a federal initiative for government agencies to preferentially purchase bio-based products. The potential for economic and environmental benefits is promising. All of these factors will increase demand.” |
