Regulation

Research indicates that microplastics induce physiological and behavioral changes in aquatic organisms, impacting reproductive capabilities and overall fitness. Furthermore, microplastics serve as carriers for toxic chemicals, posing additional threats as they traverse through the food web.

Experts recognize reusability models in packaging as a solution to minimize waste. McKinsey & Company’s use-case scenarios indicate that there are still challenges to resolve before realizing and scaling up the benefits.

The additive aids biodegradability by changing the polymer structure, converting it into a wax-like material after being exposed to light, water, moisture, and microbes.

Today’s flame-retardant technologies rely strongly on PFAS, but regulations around the globe are pushing the industry to find alternatives that aim to balance fire safety with environmental and health considerations.

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) invites you to join their team of instructors as they develop educational programs and workshops for their audience of plastics professionals seeking to enhance their work skills and abilities. Instructors will lead workshops that break the mold, offering unique perspectives and insights that resonate with their audience.

The plastics industry mainly uses PFAS as polymerization aids and this would be the main cause of PFAS emissions related to the life cycle of fluoropolymers.

Companies that produce Fluoropolymers may try to switch to PFAS-free solutions or ask for an exemption, which could be temporary.

The use of “forever chemicals” in the European Union would be largely banned under a proposal issued by the European Chemicals Agency. At the same time, more US states continue to ban PFAS-containing products without a clear roadmap for the plastic industry.

The fashion industry is disrupting the PET circular economy by taking it into an application that recycles less than 1% of its products.

Facing pressure to eliminate PFAS chemicals from fluoropolymers, plastic additive makers such as Tosaf are launching alternative, PFAS-free processing aids.

In British Columbia, a new law will prohibit single-use plastics starting December 20, 2023. This bill seeks to curtail the production of packaging that contributes to nearly half of the province’s annual plastic pollution, signifying strides towards a sustainable, circular economy.

Carbios said on Oct. 26 that it has been granted a building permit to construct the world’s first PET bio-recycling plant in Longlaville, France.