January 5, 2024From Plastic to Wax: A Technology for BiodegradabilityThe additive aids biodegradability by changing the polymer structure, converting it into a wax-like material after being exposed to light, water, moisture, and microbes. Read more
December 29, 2023Solving Material Development Bottlenecks With AIHitachi High-Tech developed an AI tool that enabled them to reduce their research on biodegradable additives from 120 days to two days. Researchers have used AI in the development of new materials and additives for the production of plastics. Some companies are looking for alternatives to suit their customers’ needs. Read more
December 18, 2023AI for Enhanced Materials Development and ManufacturingAI has become an important tool for the development of new materials, enabling R&D scientists to develop new materials with improved properties and functionalities. Data analysis and prediction A significant form of AI’s contribution is data analysis. By sorting through… Read more
December 15, 2023PFAS-Free Flame RetardantsToday’s flame-retardant technologies rely strongly on PFAS, but regulations around the globe are pushing the industry to find alternatives that aim to balance fire safety with environmental and health considerations. Read more
December 4, 2023Fluoropolymers Life Cycle and PFAS ContaminationThe plastics industry mainly uses PFAS as polymerization aids and this would be the main cause of PFAS emissions related to the life cycle of fluoropolymers. Read more
November 28, 2023How does the PFAS ban affect the plastics industry?Companies that produce Fluoropolymers may try to switch to PFAS-free solutions or ask for an exemption, which could be temporary. Read more
November 20, 2023Fluoropolymers are Considered PFASThe use of “forever chemicals” in the European Union would be largely banned under a proposal issued by the European Chemicals Agency. At the same time, more US states continue to ban PFAS-containing products without a clear roadmap for the plastic industry. Read more
November 14, 2023The Fashion Industry Needs an Alternative to Recycled PETThe fashion industry is disrupting the PET circular economy by taking it into an application that recycles less than 1% of its products. Read more
November 8, 2023Closing the Carbon Fiber LoopThe V-Carbon technology is based on a patented “chemolysis” recycling process and offers up to 85% of carbon fiber’s original strength. Read more
November 2, 2023Is Color Affecting Plastic Recycling?The plastic industry uses color in almost all applications, as it gives an aesthetic and personal feel to the product. Brand owners can achieve qualities such as “warm”, “soft”, “shiny” and “pleasant” through color, but is it affecting post-consumer recycled? Read more