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Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Innovative Product Award went to Grupa Azoty S.A. Its biodegradable thermoplastic starch was recognised during the 28th National Potato Days at the Potato Poland Fair.
The statuette was collected from the Minister’s representative by Tomasz Węsierski, Head of the Research and Development Centre of Grupa Azoty S.A.
“The award is a recognition of more than two years of our work on developing thermoplastic starch, a product which responds to the objectives set out in the European Green Deal. We are about to see rapid growth in demand for environmentally friendly plastic materials. I have no doubt that our technology will make us an important player on the biodegradable plastics market,” said Tomasz Węsierski.
Biodegradable thermoplastic starch, a polymer of natural origin not subject to chemical processing, has been developed by specialists of the Grupa Azoty S.A. Research and Development Centre of Tarnów. The Centre operates a pilot line for the production of thermoplastic starch, the first such plant in Central and Eastern Europe. The polymer is environmentally-friendly as it decomposes into safe, naturally occurring compounds. Thermoplastic starch may be used to make disposable packaging, bags, boxes and flower pots which decompose in the ground within six months. Its 100% biodegradability has been confirmed by tests performed at the accredited laboratory of the Łukasiewicz Research Network. The invention has been submitted to the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland and the European Patent Office.
Potato Poland is an annual nationwide fair organised by the Polish Potato Federation and co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute – National Research Institute. It is the largest specialist event for the potato industry in Poland. This year, the finale took place in the village of Charbrowo situated in the Lębork county of the Pomerania region, know for its potato production. During the three-day event (August 20th – August 23rd), the newest agricultural equipment was presented and conferences were held, on such topics as compliance with the sustainable agriculture requirements.