Circular Economy

The TotalRecycle MRF in Pennsylvania led a groundbreaking project that effectively sorted and repurposed flexible plastic packaging (FPP) into marketable materials.

The rise in lightweight materials directly connects to efforts to boost fuel efficiency, cut emissions, and meet strict environmental standards.

Direct fluorination is a widely used surface treatment in the packaging industry to enhance barrier properties. However, it has recently been linked to PFAS contamination in HDPE and PP.

Mango Materials transforms waste methane into biodegradable PHA, providing a sustainable alternative to plastics and creating significant opportunities for innovation across multiple sectors.

Fluoropolymers enhance various applications across multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, packaging, and medical.

Injection molding has become more versatile, now accommodating various raw materials, including paper. This flexibility makes it suitable for packaging and pharmaceutical applications.

BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry, recently introduced Haptex® 4.0, an innovative, eco-friendly synthetic leather that is set to revolutionize the leather industry.

Melanin upcycling offers an innovative and eco-friendly approach to developing sustainable materials. By transforming melanin decomposition products, researchers have created novel polymeric materials with a wide range of applications.

Italian chemicals and materials supplier RadiciGroup took home an SPE Automotive Award in Europe recently for its development of an air intake manifold made entirely out of its recycled nylon. Marelli Group designed and manufactured the component.

The study revealed that only the biodegradable-compostable packaging fully decomposed. Oxo-biodegradables showed minimal degradation.

McCallah Ferry, a University of Akron researcher, conducted a study on granular activated carbon (GAC) filters to determine if removing PFAS from water is possible.  The research confirms that GAC filters effectively remove PFAS, ensuring safe drinking water.

Arda Biomaterials created an eco-friendly leather alternative derived from brewers’ spent grain. This sustainable material promises to be plastic-free, biodegradable, and customizable.