), a new special interest group. The purpose of this group is to provide a forum for processors, resin and additive suppliers, and equipment suppliers to promote the development of bioplastics as an integral part of the plastics industry. According to the SPI, the primary mission of the council is to educate the plastics industry, government, and value chain, to articulate clear, consistent descriptions of the different bioplastics options, and to provide strategic advice to the plastics industry, government, and the value chain and promote harmonization of environmental policies.

The six founding member companies of the new group are Arkema, BASF Corp., Cereplast Inc., DuPont, NatureWorks LLC and Telles (a Metabolix/ADM joint venture). Interested companies do not have to be and SPI member to join the council.

“Bioplastics have been developed for a range of commercial applications and the market for products made from these materials continues to expand as retailer and consumer demand for them increases,” says Bill Carteaux, SPI’s president. “SPI has always represented the full spectrum of the plastics industry, and the Bioplastics Council serves the need for a place where interested stakeholders can collaborate on a variety of bioplastics initiatives.”

Membership and other inquiries should be addressed to Melissa Hockstad, VP of the Material Suppliers Council at [email protected] or (202) 974-5258.