On 1 December, during a written questions and answer session, MP Mark Durkan of Foyle in Northern Ireland asked the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Science (BIS) whether he was aware of the CEBR report produced for BBIA on bioplastics and what he was intending to do about it. The transcript of the Questions and Answers can be found here.
This is a good recognition of the work we are undertaking. However, at the same time underlines how the government thinks bioeconomy is about research and development, not about implementation and policies.
We remind all readers they can download the CEBR report on the Role of Bioplastics in the UK Economy for free by clicking here.
BBIA Managing Director David Newman and Technical Director Dr John Williams will be meeting officials from BIS on 15 December to discuss the CEBR report and how BIS can help drive momentum around bioeconomy investments.
George Freeman, Undersecretary of State at BIS responsible for Life Sciences, has declared his support for the bioeconomy sector and encouraged BIS officials to continue working to develop the industry. A more detailed, reserved report of the meeting will be made available for BBIA members shortly.