Food Packaging

IKV has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and driven progress in the dynamic field of plastics.

The concept of reward recycling has gained traction as a transformative approach to encouraging sustainable practices among consumers. By incentivizing individuals to recycle through tangible rewards, this trend is making significant strides toward enhancing recycling rates and promoting a circular economy.

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, the efficacy of recycling systems has never been more critical. The Recycling Partnership reveals a comprehensive document “The State of Recycling: The Present and Future of Residential Recycling in the U.S. 2024” which shows some insights from the US recycling system, underscoring the necessity for a holistic approach.

The Consultant Sphera was commissioned by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) to conduct a Life-Cycle Analysis on pyrolysis and related chemical recycling technologies. The analysis will be conducted on pyrolysis and related chemical recycling technologies of post-consumer mixed plastic waste to evaluate the potential environmental impacts regarding climate change and fossil resource use of circular food-grade plastics-to-plastics systems compared to fossil-based ones.

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?

New regulations for food contact materials are getting stricter, especially for food-grade rPET. In the case of functional barriers from recycled material without prior decontamination, they could be affected and probably discontinued.

Advanced machinery that can effectively decontaminate post-consumer plastics is the key to producing rPET with exceptionally high purity. This quality is essential for FDA-approved food-grade packaging.

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has established 9 Golden Design rules to tackle plastic pollution. Rule #1 is to increase the value of PET recycling by embracing transparency and simplicity.

Research indicates that microplastics induce physiological and behavioral changes in aquatic organisms, impacting reproductive capabilities and overall fitness. Furthermore, microplastics serve as carriers for toxic chemicals, posing additional threats as they traverse through the food web.

McKinsey & Company’s projections indicate a significant challenge on the horizon: the demand for recycled PET is expected to outpace supply by 2030. This forecast raises crucial questions about the industry’s readiness to meet the escalating demand for sustainable packaging and products.

The quest for innovative and sustainable materials continues, and a groundbreaking solution emerges—Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (PE) infused with a dynamic inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin and d-limonene (CD-lim). This novel composite not only showcases promising mechanical properties but also introduces a powerful antimicrobial feature.

PET is widely used in beverage bottles and packaging, and grapples with persistent challenges in achieving high recycling rates in the United States. Despite its inherent recyclability, PET recycling rates remain relatively low, underscoring a complex interplay of factors.