The article “The future of bioplastics in packaging,” published on the Agro & Chemistry portal, provides an overview of key challenges and future directions in the development of bioplastics, with contributions from representatives of some of Europe’s leading institutions and companies. Filip Miketa, founder and director of Bio-Mi, also contributed to the discussion on bioplastics, their challenges, and future, presenting the company’s perspectives and hands-on experience.
Participants agreed that bioplastics still occupy a small share of the packaging market (1–2%), despite growing interest and political initiatives. Most speakers emphasized that a true market shift requires the introduction of quotas for bio-based materials, clear regulatory guidelines, and incentives to create conditions in which innovative solutions can compete with fossil-based plastics.
In this context, Bio-Mi was presented as an example of a company developing advanced materials despite market challenges. Filip Miketa highlighted that the company has spent a decade developing certified bio-based and compostable thermoplastic materials, using a wide range of natural raw materials, from agricultural residues to by-products of the food industry.
It was particularly emphasized that Bio-Mi stands out for developing “intelligent materials from unusual sources,” while the key challenge remains scaling up. As Filip Miketa stated: “With small quantities in the laboratory you can carry out basic tests, but only when you get hundreds of kilograms can you check all the parameters needed for industry: operational stability, processability, safety and performance.”
Participants also addressed economic realities: bioplastics still face the challenge of fossil-based materials, which are often twice as cheap. This is why investment in research and development and participation in international consortia is crucial.
Miketa stressed that collaboration through European projects is of key importance:
“Working in large consortia allows us to learn from one another and jointly develop solutions that can also take hold on the market. This is the only way to accelerate the transition from the laboratory to industrial production.”
Bioplastics can become standard in the packaging industry, but only through a combination of innovation, regulatory measures, and close cooperation between industrial and research partners. Bio-Mi, as the only company from southeastern Europe, confirms that top-level innovation can be created even outside the largest European centers.
The original article is available at the following link: https://www.agro-chemistry.com/articles/the-future-of-bioplastics-in-packaging/
