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PBPC Welcomes USDA Policy Summit on The Future of Bioplastics
September 30, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bioplastics champions gathered at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., Friday to discuss the future of the industry and the policy solutions necessary to maximize the sector’s potential at the USDA National Policy Summit on the Future of Bioplastics. The event included key input from Plant Based Products Council members on the need for bioplastics research and development, federal support for the industry, and how farmers and consumers can benefit from growth of the bioeconomy.
“The innovative solutions we need to reduce plastic waste while we diversify markets for American producers are not hypothetical, we have them now,” said PBPC Executive Director James Glueck. “The Administration should be commended for its work to ensure renewable plastic products have a seat at the table for critical conversations that impact the future of the ag bioeconomy.”
Since 2022, USDA has been part of a whole-of-government approach to advance biomanufacturing and to recognize the role for alternative, renewable materials as part of a more circular economy. Since then, the federal government has worked to study the possibilities of biomanufacturing and how to advance it through enhanced scientific study, procurement power, and supply chain development.
“Bioplastics are an innovative solution to meet the growing demand for plastic in a renewable and climate-friendly manner. The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to investing in bioplastics research and bolstering production for the future,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “USDA’s Policy Summit on the Future of Bioplastics allowed us to showcase the full range of USDA programs that can support the bioplastics industry and discuss how to alleviate some of the most pressing challenges to scaling-up production.”
The event featured participation from PBPC members across the value chain who discussed the opportunity of advancing bioplastics research and infrastructure.
“Working toward a circular economy will require an all-hands-on-deck approach between the private sector and federal partners, and I’m happy to see PBPC play an active role in advancing critical solutions to get us there,” said PBPC Chair Ian Jacobson, president of Eco-Products. “Our industry stands ready to help foster the use of bioplastics, grow the economy, and give consumers more sustainable options through composting.”
Photos of the event are available on USDA’s Flickr profile.
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PBPC is an association of like-minded organizations that are advocating for a shift toward a more circular bioeconomy through greater adoption of renewable, plant-based materials supported by appropriate end-of-life infrastructure. We educate stakeholders and advocate for programs and policies that will support growth of the plant-based products industry, helping to harness its environmental and economic potential to deliver a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.pbpc.com.