Bioplastic Container Conference Set for January

Those interested in learning more about the development and implementation of bioplastics technology – emerging as a critical piece of the puzzle in the path toward sustainability – should plan to attend the 2009 Bioplastic Container Cropping Systems Conference, sponsored by Iowa State University.

The conference is scheduled to take place on Jan. 9 to 10, 2009, at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Emerging technologies in the area of bioplastics suggest strong potential for the use of these renewable, biodegradable materials in container specialty cropping systems. Bioplastic container cropping systems could improve sustainability and profitability over the long term by reducing our dependence on foreign crude oil, eliminating the costs associated with disposal of nonbiodegradable containers, and by providing a modest input of nitrogen fertilizer as a byproduct of container degradation, according to the conference website.

Registration and attendace are free. The conference is open to the first 200 people to register. Dinner will be provided on Friday as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturday, but each attendee is responsible for their transportation and lodging.

Along with research and developmental professionals, a special invitation is extended to stakeholders from the plastics, specialty crops and marketing industries.

Details about the conference are available online at www.public.iastate.edu/~jschrade. To register, e-mail Dr. James Schrader at jschrade@iastate.edu with your name, organization, position, e-mail address, mailing address and preferred working group (see website for details).