SYNBIO TALKS: What's next for bioplastics in future EU policy-making?

You are warmly welcome to our October Synbio Talk!

Synbio Talks are an event series taking place every month where we talk about different topics related to synthetic biology. Our aim with these events is to build a stronger synbio community in Finland and beyond as well as to strengthen collaboration networks in the field of synthetic biology.

For this event, we will have Sirpa Pietikäinen, Finnish Member of the European Parliament representing the European People’s Party (EPP) since 2008. Throughout her political career, Sirpa has been a known advocate of important environmental topics and sustainability issues. 

Developing new bio-based materials to replace fossil-based plastics is challenging enough scientifically but it is also difficult in terms of EU policy-making. What should material scientists, start-ups and industry be aware of? When and where can they influence future policy-making? Is there a legitimate threat that novel bio-based materials will all be considered equally with petrochemically derived plastics? During this event, you will get answers to these prevailing questions in the industry and learn more about the future of bio-based materials in the EU after the current Single-Use Plastics directive.

AGENDA:

14:00 - 14:10    Welcome and Synbio Powerhouse News - Manuel Arias, Project Manager at Synbio Powerhouse

14:10 - 14:35    What's next for bioplastics in future EU policy-making? - Sirpa Pietikäinen, Finnish Member of the European Parliament representing the European People’s Party (EPP).

14:35 - 15:20     Discussion + Q&A session with Pertti Elo from ECHA and Maija Pohjakallio, VP, Climate and Circular Economy at Metsä Group. (Moderated by Nina Pulkkis)

15:20 - 15:30     Wrap-up

The talk will be followed by a discussion with Pertti Elo from ECHA and  Maija Pohjakallio, VP, Climate and Circular Economy at Metsä Group.

Discussion moderated by Nina Pulkkis from Synbio Powerhouse.

We look forward to seeing you all!