Circular Economy

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.

The plastic industry uses color in almost all applications, as it gives an aesthetic and personal feel to the product. Brand owners can achieve qualities such as “warm”, “soft”, “shiny” and “pleasant” through color, but is it affecting post-consumer recycled?

The most sustainable alternative for food contact seems to be the stainless-steel straws, which can be reused and do not contain PFAS.

Polyvinyl chloride is widely used in durable building and construction goods, notably pipe, windows, siding, flooring and roofing. PVC manufacturers have long reused regrind and refined their processes to minimize post-industrial (or pre-consumer) scrap.

Virginia Tech researchers develop process to convert polyolefin waste into soap precursor.

Scientex, a major producer of stretch film and flexible packaging based in Malaysia, worked with resin producer SABIC to develop material for what the partners say is the world’s first flexible food packaging based on advanced recycled ocean-based plastics (OBP), using SABIC’s certified circular polypropylene (PP).

An innovative paving system from recycled plastic solves flooding problems in urban areas

High-performing grades of recycled and virgin resins combine to boost the circularity of products in diverse markets.

CRDC Global develops RESIN8, a mixed plastics waste additive that boosts concrete properties.

European thermoforming conference highlights cooperative paths to process and regulatory challenges

SPE chapter conference issues communique of priorities for industry growth in Australia

Sabic is launching two grades of Noryl modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) resins to aid in the development of lightweight, thin and crash-resistant battery modules and housings for electric vehicles (EVs).   The resin supplier also reports development of a portfolio of…