The Future For Bioplastics Feedstocks, February 20th, Omni Orlando Resort, Orlando Fl.

Online, September 25, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Plastics and their building blocks, derived primarily from renewable resources, are advancing and consolidating their position as viable alternatives for both single-use disposable and durable, recyclable products. However, as consumer awareness and demand to displace oil-based plastics increases, a new dynamic is emerging. Brand owners and consumers concerned about the impact on food prices and availability are increasingly asking:

"When will you be able to use biomass products instead of food use materials to make bioplastics?"

Presently, the major feedstocks are sugar based, derived primarily from edible plants such as corn, sugar beet etc. Although companies are already beginning the transition to other purpose grown industrial crops such as sugar cane, sorghum or cassava, biomass remains the ultimate goal.

This one-day workshop will address this question from three perspectives:

• How justified is the concern over food-based renewable feedstocks for bioplastics?

• When can such a transition to biomass feedstocks and food waste derived products realistically occur;
which feedstocks are already being considered; and what are the challenges?

• Who are the emerging leaders in converting either waste product from the food chain or other
non-edible products to bioplastics?

Industry experts at THE FUTURE FOR BIOPLASTICS FEEDSTOCKS will cover the various facets of this critical question.

Held in association with NatureWorks' "Innovation Takes Root" conference at the Omni Orlando Resort, Orlando FL from February 20-22, this workshop targets decision makers of all disciplines who wish to enhance their knowledge and participation in this evolving drive to reduce dependence on oil-based materials.

Speaker positions are complete, but if you feel you are interested in being a sponsor of the workshop, please contact Jim Lunt at [email protected] or at 952 476 2987. There will be One Platinum sponsor, 2 Gold and up to three Silver sponsor positions only.

Attendee registration for the Workshop and discounted hotel rate will soon be available through the website www.innovationtakesroot.com. The traditional "Early Bird" discounted registration of $750 will be available until October 31st, 2011. After this date registration fee will be $850.

The provisional agenda with confirmed speakers is provided below:

Workshop Outline:

7:30-8:30 REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:30-8:45 Welcome and Opening Remarks - Jim Lunt
8:45-10:45 SESSION 1:

How justified is the concern over food-based renewable feedstocks for bioplastics?

Speakers:
John Williams - Head of Materials for Energy & Industry, NNFCC, York, UK.
Ramani Narayan - Professor, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, MSU.
Kate Lewis Deputy - Program Manager, BioPreferred, USDA.

10:45-11:15 COFFEE BREAK AND NETWORKING
11:15-12:00 Presentation and Panel Discussion
Session 1 speakers, plus Nike and Coca Cola will represent Brand Owner Perspectives.
12:00-1:15 LUNCH
12:45-1:15 Lunch Speaker
Mike Hamilton - Chief Executive Officer, Renmatix
1:15-2:45 SESSION 2:
When can such a transition to waste biomass feedstocks and derived products realistically occur; which feedstocks are already being considered; and what are the challenges?

Speakers:
Doug Cameron - Founder and Managing Director, Alberti Advisors.
Kevin Triemstra - CEO/Founder, Minneapolis Biomass Exchange
Bill Suehr - COO, NatureWorks LLC.

2:45-3:00 COFFEE BREAK
3:00-5:00 SESSION 3

Who are the emerging leaders in converting either waste product from the food chain or other non-edible products to bioplastics?
Speakers:
Kieran Furlong - Commercial Manager, Chemicals, Virent,
Thomas Buhl - Head of Business Development, Global Bioenergies S.A
Cecile Bourland - Director M&G Group
Cora Leibig - VP Research & Development, Segetis

5:00-5:10 Concluding Comments - Jim Lunt