Summary
We are pleased to invite you to the next Bioeconomy Cluster Builder Webinar to explore the opportunities in Sustainable Materials for Packaging. The issues of plastic waste, recycling and reuse have come to the fore in recent years with packaging users, retailers and brands looking to source alternative materials to help address them. Bio-derived and bio-degradable materials can reduce the environmental impact of the packaging industry, but it is important for bioeconomy companies entering this space to understand the material requirements and the full life cycle impact.
During this webinar, delegates will hear from a range of stakeholders, including packaging users and a biomaterial SME, about the opportunities for innovation and commercialisation of sustainable packaging materials, including information on upcoming funding from the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging challenge.
Background
The UK bioeconomy is currently worth £220bn, contributing to over 5 million jobs. Scotland is regarded as a key contributor to this as a result of its strong industrial base and world leading academic institutes and infrastructures.
In 2019 the Scottish Government updated the National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology (IB) and the Biorefinery Roadmap which now provide an action plan and guide for the continued growth of the Scottish Bioeconomy.
Agenda
14:00 - Housekeeping and introduction to the Bioeconomy Cluster Builder - Dana Heldt (KTN) and Russell Clarke (IBioIC)
14:05 - David Newman (BBIA (Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association))
14:20 - Rikki Speakman (Diageo)
14:35 - Martin Murray (Dunnet Bay Distillers)
14:50 – Funding update from the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge and KTN - Matthew Reeves (KTN)
15:05 - Panel discussion and Q&A
15.30 - Close
The Project
The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) has partnered with KTN in the Bioeconomy Cluster Builder, a 3-year project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to deliver the targets of the National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology.
The Bioeconomy Cluster Builder (BCB) project will contribute to the delivery of the National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology in Scotland by working with companies to raise awareness of the applications of biotechnology and bio-based products. The project will evaluate the whole value chain and look to bring benefits to companies aiming to support NetZero, in the form of improved sustainability, increased efficiency and superior product performance.
For inquiries about the event and project please contact:
Dana.Heldt@ktn-uk.org - Knowledge Transfer Manager for Synthetic Biology, KTN
matthew.reeves@ktn-uk.org - Knowledge Transfer Manager for Materials Chemistry and Formulation, KTN
Russell.clarke@ibioic.com - Senior Business Engagement Manager, IBioIC
Notes
The total funding obtained for the Bioeconomy Cluster Builder through the European Regional Development Fund amounts to £289,736 excluding VAT. The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-20 Programme. For further information visit their webpages or follow @scotgovESIF.