ViSS contributed to the Workshop on Safe and Sustainable Bio-Based Polymers, held on 9 April in Lisbon as part of the Polymers 2026 International Conference. Organised together with ANIPH and PHAntastic, the workshop brought together European research projects, industry representatives, and policy experts to discuss how bio-based and biodegradable plastics can support the transition towards a more circular and sustainable economy.

Discussions focused on the need to move beyond material innovation alone. Participants highlighted that the successful uptake of bio-based polymers depends on a full value-chain perspective, from raw material sourcing and polymer design to processing, use, end-of-life options, and environmental impact.

A key message from the workshop was the importance of applying Safe and Sustainable by Design principles from the earliest stages of development. This approach can help ensure that new materials are not only technically viable, but also safe, circular, and aligned with emerging European policy and assessment frameworks.

The conference proceedings collect the main insights from the workshop, together with the presentations shared by participating projects and experts. They offer a useful overview of current research directions, practical challenges, and opportunities for collaboration in the field of safe and sustainable bio-based polymers.

Read the full conference proceedings to discover the key outcomes from the workshop.

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PUBLICATION DATE: Apr 29, 2026

The initiative outlines how the EU intends to scale up the production and use of renewable biological resources by improving innovation deployment, reducing regulatory barriers, and encouraging investment in bio-based solutions.

The strategy focuses on advancing sustainable production systems, supporting the uptake of biobased materials, and building reliable markets for products such as bio-based chemicals, advanced materials, and fertilisers. It also emphasises the role of research and cross-sector collaboration in accelerating the shift toward a circular and resource-efficient economy.

Relevance for ViSS

For ViSS, the updated strategy provides a favourable policy context for its work on developing bio-based solutions and advancing sustainable practices. Several elements are particularly aligned with ViSS objectives:

  • Support for innovation scaling, directly relevant to ViSS work on developing and validating advanced bioplastic materials.

  • A stronger focus on circular resource use, reinforcing the project’s efforts to design bioplastics that integrate recycling, biodegradability, and sustainable end-of-life pathways.

  • Attention to resilient and sustainable value chains, aligning with ViSS activities aimed at improving the production, processing, and market uptake of sustainable bioplastic solutions.

The updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy provides a clear signal of the growing importance of bio-based innovation in Europe. For ViSS, these policy developments offer new opportunities to engage with industry stakeholders, contribute to emerging standards for bioplastics, and support the wider deployment of sustainable materials. As the project advances, ViSS will continue to translate research into practical solutions and collaborate with actors across the value chain to help accelerate the shift toward a more circular, resilient bioeconomy.

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PUBLICATION DATE: Dec 3, 2025

The European project seeks to set up a strong value chain for PHBV, a biodegradable copolymer made from microorganisms and renewable carbon sources. Processing this copolymer, a new bio-based plastic will be created for food packaging applications.

We can find in nature what makes the plastic sustainable. Watch our video to learn more about the ViSS project.

 

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PUBLICATION DATE: Mar 13, 2024