Innovating Bio-Polymers & Hemp BioPlastics

Yes, we're trashing the planet with plastics. A shift to fully compostable, non-fossil fuel-based flexible packaging is overdue. And technically feasible. But the shift is not just about new materials, it needs to be a shift from a linear extract / fabricate / dispose paradigm to a circular model, one where products are designed to be broken down and upcycled again, in a loop. And 3D printed, locally. Congress just legalized industrial hemp, after 50 years of demonization. Hemp bioplastics -- said to be 100% compostable -- have been available from Europe in limited amounts, but have not been economically viable in the US, ... so far...With your help, that may soon change! This series of salons, starting January 29 in Los Angeles, will explore novel materials as well as new modes of fabrication to stem the flow of waste plastics, BPA and phthalates into waterways and oceans.  The big picture: "the Plastics Crisis" CircularEconomy, Biomimicry, ReLocalization, Cradle2Cradle movements What's up at the California BioProducts Innovation Center (CBIC) - Tom McGrath Latest on 2018 Farm Bill authorizing hemp, California pilot projects Any prospects for state grants to jumpstart hemp or other bio-materials R&D pilot projects - maybe funding streams from CARB? Hurdles to wider adoption of less toxic, fully compostable materials from hemp and other non-fossil sources (PHA/ methane, algae, bamboo, banana leaf, etc)? How can the $2B+ Cali canna-industry speed up hemp bioplastics? Related, why is CA forcing canna farmers (high THC hemp) to destroy their plants, when so many other uses can be made of the stalk and root, with only trace levels of THC? Pros and cons of other bio-conversion methods / platforms – both low tech and high tech (bio-engineering) SPEAKERS Ardilla Deneys, Founder, Pollima ConsultingLucas Hildenrand, President, RestalkTom McGrath, CEO, VITAL CleantechJessica Aldridge, Executive Director, Burbank Green Alliance