UPM Biofore Magazine 1-2019

TEXT Saara Töyssy   PHOTOGRAPHY Janne Lehtinen; Courtesy of the interviewee

Renewable bio-based plastics offer all the convenience of conventional plastics, but with a greatly reduced carbon footprint.

CLOSING THE LOOP with renewable plastics

P lastic use is expected to double in the next 20 years. This growth will stem especially from population growth and higher living standards in China, India and Africa. Meanwhile, in developed markets, per capita plastic usage has levelled off at approximately 80 kg annually. Approximately one quarter of this volume is used for packaging. In rapidly developing countries, the corresponding total is currently 10–20 kg. The first step to solving the global plastic waste problem is building a proper recycling infrastructure, affirms Vesa Kärhä , CEO of the Finnish Plastics Industries Federation. There is also a lot of work to be done also in waste management, attitudes, and in the diligent implementation of existing legislation. Despite the absence of efficient recycling systems, plastic is still needed: it plays a critical role in serving a rapidly urbanising

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