BioPlastics 2007 to take place this week

The second edition of the Symposium on Bioplastics and Natural Fibre Composites — BioPlastics 2007 — will take place from September 19 to 21 at the Hyatt Regency Montreal.

The unique three-day event, presented by the Industrial Materials Institute of the National Research Council of Canada and the Quebec Materials Network, will feature leading scientists from around the world. According to the event’s organizers, the symposium will focus on R&D in bio-based plastics fabrication and characterization.

In addition to a number of technical presentations, this year’s keynote speakers will include: Dr. Chris Ryan of Minnetonka,Minn.-based PLA producer NatureWorks LLC; Dr. Catia Bastioli of Italys Novamont; David Mattis of General Motors Corporation; Charlie Martin of Leistritz Corp.; the National Research Council‘s Michael Huneault; Ronald Kollmansberger from Boeing; and Dr. Analia Vazquez from Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata in Argentina.

Technical presentations will centre on polylactides in the morning, and biocomposites and natural fibers in the afternoon of the first conference day. Thursday’s presentations will focus on starch-based materials, with afternoon presentations on synthesis and degradation. The final day of the conference will focus on bio-based nanocomposites.

The event is recommended for scientists, engineers and technical staff involved in the development of bio-based plastics and composites. For a full technical program and registration information, visit the BioPlastics 2007 website.