Regulation

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.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has established guidelines and certification programs aimed at assisting producers in making their PE film recycling-compatible.

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.

Marked by an urgent need for sustainable solutions, the quest for environmentally friendly materials has never been more critical. Enter Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable and compostable alternative to conventional plastics, heralded for its potential to revolutionize our approach to materials and waste.

The concept of reward recycling has gained traction as a transformative approach to encouraging sustainable practices among consumers. By incentivizing individuals to recycle through tangible rewards, this trend is making significant strides toward enhancing recycling rates and promoting a circular economy.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based thermoplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS).

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, the efficacy of recycling systems has never been more critical. The Recycling Partnership reveals a comprehensive document “The State of Recycling: The Present and Future of Residential Recycling in the U.S. 2024” which shows some insights from the US recycling system, underscoring the necessity for a holistic approach.

Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells have emerged as a game-changer in the automotive sector due to their operational efficiency and eco-friendly nature. The impact of NAFION and the Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) technology extends beyond the automotive industry, contributing to a broader shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

Lithium-ion batteries represent the foundation of modern energy storage systems, powering everything from small electronic devices to electric vehicles (EVs). Their high power density, durability, and efficiency make them indispensable in our increasingly electrified world. Yet, their inherent flammability and potential for explosive reactions under certain conditions pose significant safety risks.

New regulations for food contact materials are getting stricter, especially for food-grade rPET. In the case of functional barriers from recycled material without prior decontamination, they could be affected and probably discontinued.

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.

As scientists, we must look for the truth, but sometimes this truth can be interpreted differently depending on how our investigation scope was developed. I think this is the case of the recent study that found hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics in bottled water.