Webinar

Biopolymers and coatings in a circular economy: LCA and patents

The use of bio-based materials is considered an essential contribution to sustainable design of novel composites and coatings, but critical assessment of sustainable metrics is needed for independent and quantitative evaluation of the environmental impact. The role of biopolymers in a circular economy requires a holistic view: alternatively to fossil-based plastics, the bio-based materials can have a lower carbon footprint in addition to other favourable material properties and life-time. Therefore, inspiration on how to provide innovative solutions with biopolymers can also be gathered from analytical patent research.

The use of bio-based materials is considered an essential contribution to sustainable design of novel composites and coatings, but critical assessment of sustainable metrics is needed for independent and quantitative evaluation of the environmental impact. The role of biopolymers in a circular economy requires a holistic view: alternatively to fossil-based plastics, the bio-based materials can have a lower carbon footprint in addition to other favourable material properties and life-time. Therefore, inspiration on how to provide innovative solutions with biopolymers can also be gathered from analytical patent research.

This webinar is organised by Sirris and Centexbel, partners in the VLAIO COOCK project BioCoat sponsored by Flanders Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We will welcome two renown experts as key-note speakers, Jan-Georg Rosenboom (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) and Maude Jimenez (Université de Lille, France). You can read more on the speakers and find an abstract of their presentations on our blog.

Programme

15:00 - 15:35 (CET) 'Bioplastics in a circular economy' - Jan-Georg Roseboom, MIT

15:35 - 15:55 (CET) 'Patent inspiration for sustainable design with biopolymers' - Benoit Olbrechts, Sirris

15:55 - 16:30 (CET) 'Life cycle assessment of multi-step versus one-step coating processes using oil or bio-based resins' - Maude Jimenez, Lille University

For whom?

This webinar can be of interest to everyone working with bio-based polymers, as well as anyone who wants to take the first steps towards integration of processes into a more sustainable economy. The webinar particularly focusses on industrial companies that want to learn about key elements for implementation of LCA assessment and patent search.