Bioplastics

Life cycle assessment (LCA) has emerged as a key tool for analyzing the environmental impact of plastics, leading to a growing interest in biopolymers as a sustainable alternative.

Polymeric membranes are not only enhancing the capabilities of biosensors but are also revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics, offering rapid, accurate, and efficient disease detection.

In oncology, polymers have become powerful tools for boosting cancer treatment efficacy and patient compliance.

A Product Carbon Footprint calculator, unveiled by BARLOG Plastics, aims to forecast recyclability from the development phase for injection molded parts.

Nanotechnology offers techniques for degrading plastics that help address pollution issues caused by improper disposal.

The Holy Grail 2.0 initiative led by the AIM-European Brands Association and powered by Digimarc is transforming the recycling landscape through innovative technology.

The toy industry utilizes 40 tonnes of plastic for every $1 million in revenue and constitutes the most plastic-intensive industry. Unfortunately, people discard 80% of toys in landfills. This issue, coupled with the growing demand for sustainable products, drives the…

Billie Eilish plans to use recycled and bio-based vinyl, as well as recycled packaging materials, to make her upcoming third album as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.

Brands and package designers are developing seaweed-based packaging as an alternative to single-use plastics. Companies such as PlantSea Ltd., Notpla Ltd., Sway Innovation and Loliware Inc. are all active in the space.

The rapid proliferation of 3D printing technologies across various sectors has heralded a new era of manufacturing efficiency and innovation. However, plastic waste generation necessitates urgent and effective recycling strategies.

In the turbulence, the future of the plastics industry emerges as a focal point. With forecasts depicting a landscape characterized by both challenges and opportunities. In a world inundated with crisis reports and the relentless hustle of daily life, it’s imperative now more than ever to hit the pause button and reassess our perspectives.

The IKV Colloquium demonstrated the plastics industry’s resilience in addressing current challenges. On February 28th-29th, 2024, RWTH Aachen University’s IKV organized an event fostering industry-academia exchanges.