Durables

The increasing concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) have led to a wave of state-level legislation across the United States. Long-chain PFAS, including PFOS and PFOA, have bioaccumulative…

In the quest for safer and more eco-friendly fire safety solutions, synergists emerge as a solution to enhance non-halogenated FR effectiveness.

The National Week of Flame Retardants 2024, hosted by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), marked the ongoing advancement of fire safety technologies and materials engineering. Gathering industry experts, researchers, and practitioners, the event showcased the latest innovations, research findings, and trends in flame retardants.

PyroSpar, a derivative of the mineral anorthosite, is emerging as a novel element in the non-halogenated flame retardant’s domain. As industries shift toward eco-friendly alternatives, its distinctive attributes propose a novel approach to augmenting fire resistance, emphasizing sustainability.

Decathlon, a leader in sports equipment and apparel, is stepping up to address shoe pollution with its innovative mono-material shoes, designed for more efficient recycling. Shoe pollution poses a major environmental challenge. Millions of discarded shoes, made from a mix of materials, end up in landfills each year. These materials release harmful substances as they slowly decompose.

In the fight against global climate change, oceans play a key role as a significant carbon reservoir. However, inadequate waste management systems for plastics have led to a widespread release of these materials into the world’s oceans.

Robotic rotational molding is an advanced technology that enables the development of unique geometries, tight tolerances to achieve part-to-part repeatability, and less waste than conventional plastic molding.

Proprietary taggant systems empower plastics security by serving as authentication tools, integrating seamlessly into any resin.

Hansgrohe and Phoenix Design have partnered to enable recycled ABS and upcycled PET to contribute to a more sustainable hand-held shower. The effort earned them a prestigious German eco-design award.

A novel, low-pressure molding system called Controlled Viscosity Molding is enabling the use of thermally conductive resins in electronics to help manage heat buildup.

On the journey towards sustainability, car manufacturers have faced a significant challenge in reducing the carbon footprint associated with the use of animal leather in vehicle upholstery and interiors.  Some have chosen to rigorously trace the supply chain of animal leather, while others have partnered with innovative emerging companies. A few have embarked on designing their own leather using recycled materials.

Microplastics, particles measuring less than 5 mm in length, have emerged as a pressing environmental concern, necessitating a detailed examination of their impact and ecological repercussions, but do microplastics in bottled water come from plastic bottles themselves?