Packaging

Scientists at King’s College London have unveiled a groundbreaking method for recycling single-use bioplastics, commonly found in disposable items like coffee cups and food containers. Published in Cell Reports Physical Science, the chemical recycling approach utilizes enzymes akin to those in biological laundry detergents to swiftly break down landfill-bound bioplastics within just 24 hours.

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.

Injection molding simulation has already achieved a high level of precision. Industry leaders’ recent collaboration promises enhanced precision in material data, elevating manufacturing efficiency and quality standards.

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.

Perstorp Group today introduced a more sustainable, phthalate-free grade of PVC plasticizer called Pevalen Pro 100 that features 100 percent renewable carbon content based on mass balance.

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.

Aquapak Polymers Ltd, a trailblazer in polymer-based material technologies, recently conducted a comprehensive study involving board directors and senior executives from prominent fashion brands in the UK, US, and Australia. This research provides valuable insights into the industry’s commitment to circular economy initiatives and sustainability leadership.

Polymeric materials play a pivotal role in diverse engineering applications, from aerospace to environmental and civil engineering. However, the traditional approach to designing these materials has been experimental and often inefficient, relying on trial and error. This Edisonian method, driven by experience and intuition, comes with inherent drawbacks, including high costs, slow progress, and limited exploration of chemical space.

The use of recycled polymers in manufacturing, particularly for lower-value items like trash bags, has become common but presents challenges in achieving a truly self-sustaining circular economy. Addressing the degradation mechanisms during the processing and use of plastic parts is crucial for developing high-performance materials.