DuPont Biomaterials Shares Ideas and Innovations to Combat Plastics Pollution in the Oceans During the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
WILMINGTON, Del. (PRWEB) September 09, 2019 -- In the run-up to the United Nations Climate Summit on September 23, 2019, in New York, the first-ever United Nations (UN) Trade Forum is convening the trade community to tackle the climate emergency.
Hosted by the United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Trade Forum will explore the linkages between trade, climate change and oceans economy. Held in Geneva September 9-13, 2019, under the lens of Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 14, the discussions will focus on the value of oceans economy approaches in building economic diversification and resilience to climate change, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“Tackling the climate crisis brings many added benefits, such as economic diversification, jobs and innovation, which form the base for shared prosperity and financial stability,” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said. “Trade has an important role to play in leveraging those co-benefits. Trade can be part of the solution to the climate crisis,” he added.
The Forum also will feature the 5th BioTrade Congress, which is a platform that will enable BioTrade partners, practitioners and stakeholders to collaborate and share experiences in implementing sustainable practices toward helping achieve inclusive sustainable development.
DuPont Biomaterials, a global leader in high-performance, bio-based material solutions for market sectors such as carpet, textiles, packaging, paper, composites, personal and home care, has been selected to provide expert insights on a key panel discussion during the forum. Michael Saltzberg, Ph.D., Global Business Director of DuPont Biomaterials, will participate in the discussion on Circular Economy, Oceans and Plastics Pollution.
Plastic pollution constitutes a serious threat to world oceans, affecting biodiversity, ecosystem services and livelihoods. Curbing plastic pollution is not simply a matter of changing consumer and municipality waste patterns. Pollution sources are often linked to technologies and decisions applied in the manufacturing stages of products entering the global supply chains. At the same time, remediating plastic pollution already dispersed throughout the oceans is infinitely more challenging, although efforts are succeeding in removing plastics from coastlines and neighboring waters. This session brings together advocates, researchers, producers and donors to discuss research, industrial and behavioral initiatives aimed at dealing with this problem.
“I am honored that the UNCTAD asked me to join this important discussion,” said Saltzberg. “The problem of plastic pollution is complex. Although technology innovations alone will not be enough, I believe that new biomaterials, made from renewable resources and with improved end-of-life performance, can be an important part of the solution. I plan to share some exciting developments in biomaterials that give manufacturers and consumers new options for designing packaging that is plastic-free or uses substantially less plastic while still providing the needed function, e.g., food safety and freshness.”
About DuPont Biomaterials
DuPont Biomaterials brings innovations to global partners through the development of high performance, renewable materials. It does so through its novel bio-based solutions for industries as varied as packaging, food, cosmetics, apparel and carpeting, all facing the challenges of greening their supply chains and offering high performance, sustainable choices to their downstream customers. To learn more about DuPont Biomaterials, please visit http://biosciences.dupont.com/solutions/biomaterials/.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food and worker safety. More information can be found at http://www.dupont.com/.
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Renee G. Henze, DuPont, +1-302-695-7103, [email protected]
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