Circular Economy

A recent report by the University of Auckland, commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment, sheds light on the presence and impact of harmful additives in compostable products.

The Global Plastics Treaty ambitiously aims to tackle plastic pollution but currently needs a defined scope. INC must unite on a legally binding document that addresses political, economic, and social realities, emphasizing the science behind responsible plastic use across sectors.

The rubber industry employs ammonia to preserve latex by preventing bacterial growth and stabilizing particles. However, ammonia poses significant health risks, including severe skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory issues.

The German company WACKER has adopted the mass balance approach, which enables the simultaneous processing of fossil-based and renewable raw materials to produce silicone rubber.

AFLatex Technologies revolutionizes natural rubber latex preservation with eco-friendly methods, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. 

The maritime sector contributes to approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The international shipping industry aims to reduce emissions by at least 20%, with a target of 30% by 2030 compared to 2008.

A recent study by Shell Polymers shows some trends that will impact companies’ operations due to significant shifts in regulatory and consumer demands.

Improvements in functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability highlighted discussions of colorant advances during the virtual CAD RETEC conference in September presented by SPE’s Colors and Appearance Division. The online event was one of many virtual presentations SPE has instituted to cope with travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recycling has become a turning point for environmental sustainability, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources. However, not all materials are equally easy to recycle.

The Composting Consortium conducted the most extensive in-field study on compostable packaging in North America. It showed that compostable packaging disintegrates effectively under reasonable operating conditions.

Long-term exposure to PFAS is associated with health risks. As traditional water treatment methods struggle to effectively remove these contaminants, innovative filtration solutions are becoming increasingly urgent.

To increase the amount of recycled content in plastic products, quality assurance of recyclates must improve. Some manufacturers attempt to characterize the PCR in-house, and DSC tools will be crucial.