The Bioplastics Division of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS; Washington, DC) announced today Novamont as the winner of the 2019 Innovation in Bioplastics award. The company developed the Mater-Bi family of bioplastic polymers from plant-based feedstocks. Products made of Mater-Bi are used in many different sectors, providing unique solutions to specific environmental problems. Mater-Bi is suitable for processing by the most common conversion technologies, including blowing, casting, extrusion/thermoforming and injection molding.

"We are honored to present the Innovation in Bioplastics award to Novamont, recognizing their years of work in the development of sustainable polymers,” said Patrick Krieger, Director, Regulatory & Technical Affairs, at PLASTICS. "Mater-Bi embodies the three categories by which entrants are evaluated: Sustainability, innovation and commercial impact. Products made from Mater-Bi have reduced carbon footprints and supported alternative, sustainable end-of-life options for products and packaging,” said Krieger.

The compostable applications made of Mater-Bi include grocery and produce carrier bags, cutlery, food packaging and more. According to Europe’s EN 13432, ASTM D6400 and other international standards, Mater-Bi has characteristics very similar to those of traditional plastics.

“The intrinsic biodegradability of Mater-Bi products is a factor that can mitigate ecological risk,” said Catia Bastioli, Chief Executive of Novamont. “Our approach seeks to prevent the pollution of waterways and the marine environment.”

The Innovation in Bioplastics award is announced annually during the Bioplastics Division’s Bioplastics Week. Bioplastics Week is a social media–driven initiative created to increase the visibility of bioplastics and educate people about the many benefits of bioplastics. 

Novamont is also very active in the local community through composting of food waste that can be bagged in Mater-Bi bags, for example. Earlier this summer, the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF) and Recycling Department and Commission in Fairfield, CT, launched a new composting program to cut down on food waste, which is a major source of the greenhouse gas methane. It encourages residents to make the most of their food waste either through home composting or curbside pickups.

To promote at-home composting, SFTF member Mary Hogue and Fairfield resident Dan Martens, Vice President of Novamont North America, held seminars to demonstrate how to compost food scraps at home. Attendees received a free under-sink composting bin and biodegradable and compostable bags made of the company’s Mater-Bi. 

“On behalf of Novamont North America, we are honored to receive the prestigious Innovation Award from PLASTICS,” said Dan Martens, Vice President, Novamont North America. “Research and development, teamed with environmental science, can positively impact commercial activities and everyday life. We at Novamont will continue to work in that direction for the betterment of our integrated global community.”