Circular Economy

TERRA, The Electronics Reuse & Recycling Alliance, has created a network of certified electronic waste (e-waste) recyclers, and is working to recover and reclaim the valuable materials contained in those discarded products.

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.

In the battle against plastic pollution and rising logistics costs, a simple yet effective strategy is emerging: reducing headspace in packaging. This approach, endorsed by The Consumer Goods Forum’s Golden Design Rules, can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits.

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.

With the growing demand for environmentally friendly activities and considering that 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions are currently generated by the construction sector, the implementation of sustainable construction has become a necessity.

Global recycling only recycles 9% of plastic waste. Furthermore, inappropriate adhesives and coatings in packaging can reduce or delay the recycling process. So, what should be considered in the development of new coatings and adhesives?

To combat plastic waste, France has introduced a ban on plastic stickers on fruits and vegetables. The move signals a significant shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions. Moreover, this pioneering legislation, aims to reduce the ecological footprint of the food industry and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

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 plastics recycling industry is experiencing a dynamic development. Governments worldwide are implementing regulations that create a clear economic incentive to use recycled plastic. This triggers a growing need for high-quality Post-Consumer Recycled materials and sorting technologies will play a crucial role.

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.