Harper to host bio packaging conference

Posted 18 May 2010

The West Midlands Regional Food Academy, at Harper Adams, is to host a conference that explores the possibilities of bio-plastic packaging.

'Bio-plastics - Need, Uncertainties and Opportunities' will take place on Wednesday, June 23 in partnership with the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network.

In addition to guest speakers from the industry, exhibitors will be showcasing their products and technologies, and support for innovation.

The conference is in response to recent EU support for the sector, with £8.5m of new funding expected to be made available over the coming year.

Ralph Early, Director of the WMRFA said: "Extra EU collaborative funding for bio-plastic packaging is great news for the food and drink industry as it is one of the most intensive users of plastics.

"Food companies are very aware of increasing consumer demand for the products they can buy to be environmentally friendly. This conference aims to show how companies can benefit commercially from using bio-plastics." 

Bio-plastics are generated by biological systems such as plants and animals, and can be designed to be biodegradable, compostable or recyclable.

Ralph Early added: "There are significant issues for companies to consider before switching to bio-plastic packaging and this is why we're holding the seminar.

"With extra funding on the way, now appears to be the right time to plan for the future and the benefits this technology offers."