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The National Week of Flame Retardants 2024, hosted by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), marked the ongoing advancement of fire safety technologies and materials engineering. Gathering industry experts, researchers, and practitioners, the event showcased the latest innovations, research findings, and trends in flame retardants.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are leading the charge toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. While many EVs rely on conventional batteries (BEVs), a fascinating alternative comes in the form of fuel cells (FCEVs).

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

PyroSpar, a derivative of the mineral anorthosite, is emerging as a novel element in the non-halogenated flame retardant’s domain. As industries shift toward eco-friendly alternatives, its distinctive attributes propose a novel approach to augmenting fire resistance, emphasizing sustainability.

EU-supported SmartCore project creates nanorods with a core-shell structure comprised of a multi-stimuli-responsive smart polymer and a piezoelectric ZnO shell. An array of these stimuli-responsive nanorods on a surface constitutes smart skin. These combine force, humidity, and temperature sensing (F-H-T) with high spatial resolution.

The terms “film” and “sheet” often lead to confusion within and outside the industry, as they are sometimes used interchangeably. While both refer to thin, flat materials, they possess distinct characteristics and applications.

The global waste crisis continues escalating, demanding innovative solutions offering sustainable management practices. OscarPocket emerges as a cutting-edge application designed to empower individuals with the tools to sort waste accurately, thus enhancing recycling efforts and reducing environmental impact.

In the fight against global climate change, oceans play a key role as a significant carbon reservoir. However, inadequate waste management systems for plastics have led to a widespread release of these materials into the world’s oceans.

Recycling appears as a main node in optimizing waste management. Within this realm, Post-Industrial Recycling commands attention for its critical impact on product lifecycles.

The term “biodegradable” evokes images of materials effortlessly breaking down into the earth, leaving no trace. But what does it truly entail? According to the Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics ASTM D883-23, biodegradable plastic refers to degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.

Ecomodulation is a policy approach aimed at encouraging ecodesign and reducing the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Modulating fees or taxes based on a product’s environmental footprint incentivizes manufacturers to adopt greener practices. This concept is increasingly relevant as societies strive to tackle climate change and reduce waste.