By Jim Johnson
SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
Published: November 19, 2013 3:29 pm ET
Updated: November 19, 2013 3:33 pm ET
Some of the most well-known companies in the world are joining together on a bioplastics initiative to ensure responsible development of the plant-based material.
Called the Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance, the group brings together Ford, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Danone, Heinz, Unilever and Nestle along with conservation group World Wildlife Federation.
The new alliance announced Nov. 19 aims to address the sustainable development of bioplastics made from feedstocks such as sugar cane, corn, bulrush and switchgrass.
“This announcement is about the collaboration of these big brands in an innovative way,” said Erin Simon, manager in business and industry for packaging and material science at WWF. “This hasn’t been done before. This type of collaboration, this working in the pre-competitive space is what’s going to be what’s necessary to tackle these big issues.”
WWF is spearheading the push to examine bioplastics with an eye on ensuring responsible development of the growing industry.
The group will address areas including land use, food security and biodiversity as bioplastics demand grows. | 
