The debut was a success: On October 10, the inaugural event of the Initiative for Natural Circular Economy (INAK) took place at BASF’s headquarters in Berlin. Under the motto “Shaping the Future through Innovation,” around 50 representatives from business, politics, and science gathered to discuss the key role of the biological circular economy and the future of biodegradable materials.
INAK’s goal is to develop sustainable product solutions and circular systems that reduce environmental impacts from microplastics and conserve natural resources. The event provided an ideal platform to highlight this vision within the context of the planned National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS).
Prominent Speakers Highlight the Importance of the Bioeconomy
Katrin Schwede, Managing Director of INAK, opened the event with an overview of the initiative’s goals and objectives: “With the rebranding as INAK, we aim to align more closely with current environmental policy priorities and challenges. Our goal is to establish a truly closed circular economy, where gaps are closed, and the biological cycle plays a central role. In the biological—or natural—cycle, nothing is wasted; everything is metabolized and returned to the cycle as nutrients. Inspired by this model, our members are developing innovative biopolymer solutions.”
Member of Parliament Stefan Rouenhoff (CDU) emphasized in his welcome address the importance of Germany as an innovation hub, as well as the need for innovation-friendly and technology-neutral frameworks. Dr. Enrico Barsch, Bioeconomy Specialist at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), explained in his keynote how the German government, through its “Future Strategy for Research and Innovation,” aims to promote a resource-efficient and circular-capable industry, and the key role the bioeconomy plays in this effort.
Nico Arbeck, Head of Material Use of Renewable Resources at C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V., presented the Bavarian Bioeconomy pilot project “Practical Test of Bio-Bags” and other practical examples of using biodegradable plastics to reduce microplastics.
Panel Discussion Offered Key Insights and Positive Outlooks
In a panel discussion moderated by Benita von Haugwitz (BASF), Carmen Michels (FKuR and Chair of INAK), Dr. Enrico Barsch (BMBF), Norbert Theihs (VCI), Daniel Steinitz (Alliance for Microplastic-Free, Austria), and Nico Arbeck (C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V.) exchanged views on the importance of the bioeconomy—particularly the biopolymer industry—for the transformation towards a sustainable and future-oriented circular economy. They also discussed the regulatory and economic frameworks needed to promote these innovations. All participants agreed that, in addition to an open mindset and trust in the innovation power of the German biopolymer industry, public support and acceptance are needed, fostered by collaboration between politics, industry, and society.
Impressions from the Event:
Photo at top (from left to right): Benita von Haugwitz (BASF), Daniel Steinitz (bündnis mikroplastikfrei), Dr. Enrico Barsch (BMBF), Carmen Michels (FKuR), Norbert Theihs (VCI).