PET

The lower recycling rates worldwide have demonstrated that effectively managing plastic waste needs multiple recycling technologies.

Researchers from Cornell University conducted a study that produced the first-ever microplastics human uptake map across 109 major countries worldwide. They found that humans often consume microplastics (MPs) in table salt, seafood, meat, and drinks.

Each batch of recycled plastic is different, so testing and analysis are critical for processing and quality.

NetImpact, Hillenbrand and Coca-Cola partnered to organize a Circular Plastics Challenge designed to boost the supply of recycled PET (rPET). At NPE they named the winner as a team from Boise State University in Idaho, whose Strong Bottle concept proposes a bottle design that will not crush so flat in recycling facilities, enabling more PET resin to be reclaimed.

INTIMITI Australia CELYS biodegradable fiber offers a groundbreaking and eco-friendly alternative to traditional problematic polyester in the fashion industry.

TOMRA’s sorting machines can now accurately distinguish between food-grade and non-food-grade plastics, overcoming a long-standing challenge in the industry.

The difficulty in handling solar panel waste lies in managing the large amount of waste, retrieving valuable materials, and controlling toxic substances.

Extrusion has contributed to a 5.5% increase in the construction sector’s growth, underscoring the importance of addressing its troubleshooting factors.

Swiss packaging machinery manufacturer PackSys Global and California’s Origin Materials have jointly developed a PET bottle cap that they say can help enable easier recycling by offering a mono-material solution to PET bottle makers.

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.