Biome Bioplastics and the UK Government's Zero Waste Strategy Monday, 13th June 2011
Today the Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman announced the results of the Government’s review of waste policy in which it has been recognised that the UK lags the field in terms of waste management. Biome Bioplastics welcomes the direction set out in this review and believes it is well positioned to deliver the materials that can assist the Government in its pledge to make the UK “a first-class zero-waste economy.”
Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Waste Management conference, Caroline Spelman said “for too long, we’ve lagged behind the rest of Europe, although we are catching up fast. Communities and businesses can help us become a first-class zero-waste economy and unlock the real value in the goods that people no longer want.”
Of particular interest for Biome Bioplastics, the strategy announced includes the encouragement of waste disposal by both composting and anaerobic digestion (“AD”). These two material/energy recovery routes can both be facilitated by materials made by Biome Bioplastics and provide a natural end-of-life solution to bioplastic products.
Regarding AD a strategy and action plan has also been published today, of which it is said by DEFRA “will enable a thriving industry to grow in England over the next few years, delivering new green jobs as well as new green energy.”
On composting, at a micro level the review notes that “home composting for just one year can save the equivalent to all the CO2 one kettle produces annually, or a washing machine produces in three months”. At a national level the review recognises that the composting industry has grown rapidly in recent years and resolves that the government will support sustainable growth in this area.
Biome Bioplastics supplies an extensive range of highly functional bioplastics that replace existing oil based materials in a wide variety of applications. Naturally sourced these bioplastic polymers have a high sustainable content and are biodegradable and compostable. The products meet the national and international standards for composting such as DIN CERTCO and OK Compost.
Speaking about the Zero Waste strategy Paul Law, MD Biome Bioplastics said: "It is good to see that the government has recognized that a coordinated strategy is required in this area. Demand for Biome Bioplastics has been accelerating in continental Europe for some time, now we look forward to taking an active part in driving sustainable growth in the UK”.
