With Anisa Gallagher moderating the discussion, the online panel “It’s Like Traditional Plastic, But Made From Plants” took place on November 27, 2024. The panel featured speakers; Rafael Seixas – Head of Membership at Bonsucro; Elaine de Santana – Social Responsibility and Human Rights Manager at Braskem; Martin Clemesha – Technical Advocacy Lead at Braskem; and our own Loek Verwijst – Managing Director at Peterson Projects and Cost and Feasibility Assessment Activities Leader, who presented valuable insights from the SUSTCERT4BIOBASED project.
The panel discussion focused on Sustainable Sourcing of Bio-based Materials, exploring how proper sourcing not only protects biodiversity but also ensures that extraction processes do not lead to environmental degradation or resource depletion. The discussion offered valuable insights as we navigate the pathways toward a more sustainable future. While bio-based materials provide numerous benefits—such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting circular economies—we must also consider the ecological implications of biomass production.
As stated by Braskem, sustainable sourcing of biomass is crucial for developing bio-based solutions that adhere to sustainability standards and respect labour rights. The SUSTCERT4BIOBASED project deep dives into sustainable sourcing and aims to enhance understanding and practices surrounding the certification of bio-based materials derived from renewable biological resources.
For those interested in deepening their understanding of bio-based materials and their role in sustainability, we invite you to explore more about the BIOBASEDCERT Monitoring System we develop.
