Sustainability

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.

As injection molders face increasing demands to improve throughput, part quality, and aesthetics, Industry 4.0’s data-driven approach will continue to reshape the molding landscape for the next  years.

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.

Recycling PET bottles has set a standard for other industries, but PET thermoforms are still gaining momentum. This industry segment is paving the way for a new landscape in PET recycling.

Innovative carbon capture technologies are revolutionizing the plastics industry by reducing GHG emissions and transforming carbon waste into valuable materials.

Researchers have developed a novel approach combining Lean Thinking and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), significantly reducing plastic products’ negative environmental impacts.

Reuse, resale, and refill are three innovative business models that take old-school solutions to the next level. They can help to reduce plastic waste and significantly drive sustainability.