### News in the Bioeconomy: The Platform to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of Mater-Bi

Sustainability has become a crucial topic in the modern world, and companies are increasingly required to make their environmental impacts transparent. It is in this context that Novamont, one of the leading companies in the bioeconomy based in Novara, has launched an innovative platform to calculate the carbon footprint of Mater-Bi materials. This tool, developed in collaboration with Deloitte Climate & Sustainability, is designed to provide the company’s partners with more competitive tools and easily verifiable information regarding environmental performance. Before it is officially released, the platform must pass final checks by Certiquality, a certification body that will ensure the reliability of the data.

### The Bioeconomy and the Role of Mater-Bi

But what is Mater-Bi? It is a type of bioplastic that represents one of the most important innovations in the field of biodegradable and compostable materials. Novamont has patented and commercialized this family of materials that can naturally degrade in the soil, thus offering a valid alternative to traditional plastics. Its production takes place through an integrated supply chain involving several European biorefineries, making Mater-Bi not only sustainable but also competitive.

Mater-Bi stands out for its similarities to conventional plastics: it can be used to produce shopping bags, food packaging, disposable plates, and cutlery. For these reasons, it represents an increasingly demanded option in a market looking for eco-friendly solutions.

### An Innovative Calculation System

Novamont’s new platform offers a calculation system for the carbon footprint of products made from Mater-Bi. It operates simply: client companies can input process data related to the production of their Mater-Bi product. This data may include information on energy and water consumption, the use of transport means for distribution, and waste management at the end of the product’s life cycle.

This approach allows for obtaining a quantitative value of the environmental impact of each item, making both producers and consumers more aware of the choices they make. At a time when transparency and reliability of information regarding environmental performance have become pressing necessities, Novamont’s platform aligns with the proposed Green Claims Directive, which aims to ensure the reliability of companies’ environmental statements. Additionally, it responds to emission reporting obligations under the CSRD Directive, a European regulation that imposes stricter standards for sustainability communication.

### Cutting-Edge Technologies

Mater-Bi is manufactured through proprietary technologies that position the company at the forefront of the bioplastics sector. By utilizing an innovative combination of starches, cellulose, and vegetable oils, the materials acquire unique characteristics that not only render them biodegradable but also emulate the performance of traditional plastics. This approach not only helps reduce environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities in agriculture and renewable energy production.

The production process involves three manufacturing sites in Italy, where pure and biodegradable materials are processed, certified according to European and international regulations. Each grade of Mater-Bi undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure compliance with the strictest standards, making it a safe and responsible choice for consumers.

### Vision and Future Goals

Regulation and awareness regarding climate change are continuously evolving, and with this growth comes the necessity for companies to review their strategies and operational methods. Novamont, through its new platform, is making a significant contribution not only to the bioplastics sector but also to global sustainability. With the advent of this platform, the company is set to play a key role in advancing the bioeconomy while promoting a greener future.