Polyurethane

In the quest for sustainability, proper waste management is a main challenge, particularly when it comes to plastics. The Recyclopedia initiative teaches proper sorting and disposal of plastics and other items.

These wearable robotic devices offer enhanced strength, mobility, and support, empowering users with newfound capabilities. However, the advancement of exoskeletons hinges not only on technological innovation but also on the materials that form their foundation. From lightweight alloys to flexible composites, materials play a central role in shaping the functionality, comfort, and durability of these devices.

The Apple Vision Pro represents a groundbreaking advancement in augmented reality (AR) technology, driven by the strategic integration of advanced materials, particularly polymers.

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.

The transition from vehicles powered by internal combustion engines to those propelled by electric machines is a reality, and an increasing number of car manufacturers worldwide are accelerating their transition to meet not only government regulations but also the expectations of their customers.

Covestro AG continues to strengthen its ties with China’s vehicle industry to develop more low-carbon mobility solutions. It agreed recently to form a joint laboratory with premium electric vehicle brand HiPhi and struck a global strategic cooperation partnership with Xinquan Automotive.

Outdoor apparel company Patagonia Inc. has partnered with two materials firms to produce one of its warmest parkas yet –– the StormShadow –– using high-performance textiles made from recycled coastal and marine plastic. Patagonia leveraged W.L. Gore & Associates’ development of expanded polyethylene (ePE) and married it with efforts by New York-based materials engineering company Bionic, which repurposes ocean-bound waste plastics in Costa Rica.

Bioplastics and biopolymers will post the largest compound annual growth rate by 2025 of nine materials surveyed by Plastics Engineering for this inaugural installment of Data Points. According to research consultant Markets and Markets Inc., of Northbrook, Ill., global demand…