| Abstract |
Development of a bio-plastics industry in Australia has potential to benefit the environment and Australian agriculture by creating new markets for existing and new crops and increased competition at the farm-gate. Bio-plastics might also benefit the Australian plastics industry a lot more than it currently thinks it would! The worldwide interest in renewable resources, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and more efficient and effective management of waste has created renewed interest in bio-plastics. The immediate problem for Australia is the bio-plastics industry doesn’t exist here. But the raw materials, plant breeding expertise, molecular scientists and biochemists are here to develop one. And there are over 2,000 synthetic plastic resin converters operating here. A systematic and coordinated industry development program, with significant investments in resin plants and strategic research is required. |