Thursday, October 10th at 3 pm Join us via Zoom
How can bio-based materials tackle the problem of plastic waste?
Thursday, October 10 at 3 pm ET via Zoom– The region has long been global leaders in rubber and plastics. How do we transform Appalachia into leaders of the next generation of plastics -alternatives to single-use plastic. ReImagine Appalachia hosted a listening session on how compostable bioplastics and mycelium (the roots of mushrooms) could help replace single use plastics and circularize Appalachian manufacturing for the long-term health of the environment and local economies.
Compostable bioplastic and mycelium-based products are favorable alternatives to conventional plastics and other materials that build up and pollute the environment at the end of their use. To usher in a successful sustainable, circular economy in Appalachia, biodegradable biomaterials such as compostable bioplastics and mycelium can be embraced to both fight plastic pollution and bring new jobs to the region.
What we’ll be discussing
This listening session provided an opportunity to discuss the advances in bioplastic production and mycelium innovations with a focus on exploring alternatives to single use plastics. We used this meeting’s runtime to rethink recycling systems, consider advanced technology like 3D printing with biomaterials, and break down the process of scaling these methods from a lab to full production.
This listening session included time to discuss the preliminary research presented and gather feedback to help shape the direction of this research. Our goal was to create resources to support community leaders working to transform Appalachia into a hub for the new clean economy.
This event is the third part of our Fall 2024 Make it an Appalachia series, an ongoing series of presentations exploring opportunities within Appalachia’s manufacturing sector from growing feedstocks to producing final products. This series of listening sessions will explore the specific opportunities to leverage the region’s historical assets for the new energy economy and create a hub for sustainable manufacturing. Appalachians should have a say in the work to keep opportunities in the region and support the creation of a 21st century economy that’s good for workers, communities, and the environment.