Many fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) producers and global brands have pledged to minimize their use of fossil-based plastics in favor of bio-based and biodegradable plastics alternatives. Demand is growing strong, spurring investment and expansion globally especially Asia. China, Korea and Japan are poised to become forerunners in Asia,  with millions invested in expanding local bio-based plastics production capabilities.
 
China wants to make bioplastics as big as it did solar panels. One company - China BBCA Group, began producing 50, 000 tons/yr PLA plant in Aug this year and with ambition to reach 700,000 tons/yr of PLA by 2023. South Korean chemical companies hasten shift to bioplastics investment with  CJ Cheiljedang Corp opened up a 5000 ton/yr PHA plant in Indonesia this year while SKC ties up with Japan's TBM plans to produce new eco-friendly material 'biodegradable LIMEX' and LG Chem’s 50,00 tons/yr PBAT plant will begin construction this year.
 
Neste, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and Toyota Tsusho Corp. announce that they are joining forces to enable Japan’s first industrial-scale production of renewable plastics and chemicals from 100% bio-based hydrocarbons.   24/5/21, www.chemicalprocessing.com
 
Thai-Wah PCL to launch first tapioca-based bioplastics by the end of this year.  
6/2021, www.investor.thaiwah.com
 
NatureWorks to Build Fully Integrated Ingeo Plant in Thailand.   8/9/21, www.ptonline.com
 
While bio-based plastics may help to move some industries away from fossil-based materials, the supply is still limited. Brands and customers must also evaluate the full life cycle of their products and whether they complement other circular alternatives.
 
The end-of-life option of Bioplastics ranges from recycling, biodegradable/composting, chemical recycling, Anerobic digestion & more. China’s Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co. has chemically recycled PLA for reutilization and recently, Total Corbion PLA has also launched their 1st commercial rPLA. Brand-owners has various options to consider when adopting bioplastics in their strategy.
 
CMT’s Sustainable Bioplastics Asia on 19 Jan 2022 at 15:00 SGT brings together key experts in the bioplastics value chain to discuss opportunities, challenges, investments and innovations in the bioplastics value chain.
 
Leading Panel of Speakers :
 
-  Chairman) Lloyd Lowe, Sr. Regional Manager, Biopolymer Sales Management,
   BASF South East Asia Pte. Ltd

-  Ho Ren Hua, CEO, Thai Wah Public Company Limited

-  Ian Toh, Commercial Director, APAC, NatureWorks Biopolymers Singapore Pte Ltd

-  Dr. Kevin (Yihu) Yang, CEO, Shenzhen eSun Industrial Co., Ltd

-  Dr. Long Le Thang Nguyen, Deputy CEO, An Phat Holdings / General Director, PBAT AN PHAT

-  Rowan Williams, Regional Market Development Manager, Asia Pacific, Biopolymers ecoflex & ecovio
   BASF Australia Ltd

-  Richard Horne, Chief Commercial Officer, Polymateria Limited 

-  Kitti Wangwiwatsilp, Assistant Vice President -  Packaging R&D and Innovation
   CPF Food Research & Development Center Co., Ltd

-  Bai Yuanbin, Vice President - Marketing and Business Development, Bluepha Co., Ltd

& more speakers to be announced soon.  Stay tuned!
 
Contact grace@cmtsp.com.sg for registration. Interest to speak or sponsor, contact rebecca@cmtconference.com