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Sustainable plastics for food packaging

22/11/2024

The plastic films used in the food industry continue to predominantly be made of conventional plastics such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In 2022, packaging accounted for around 40 percent of total plastic consumption worldwide, with food packaging making up a significant share. One small bright spot is that in Europe, there is a growing trend towards using sustainable materials.
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The new stretch film line; copyright: SML

EcoCompact® II: Enhanced 2-Meter Stretch Film Line with Maximum Flexibility

27/09/2024

The new 2-meter EcoCompact® II from SML offers innovative advancements, combining compact design, cutting-edge technology, and improved flexibility. With up to seven extruders and enhanced winding options, this fully revised stretch film line is designed to meet evolving industry needs at an affordable price.
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Image: several blister strips with tablets; Copyright: Tatiana Mara

Making Blister Packaging More Sustainable

21/08/2024

During the last allergy season, they may have ended up in your garbage once again: Blister packs. And you may have noticed how few tablets there are in a comparatively large pack. Not particularly sustainable, is it? That's what Olivia Falconnier Williams thought, too, and she set about researching how the packaging could be made more resource-efficient.
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Image: Close-up of someone pouring themselves a glass of wine; Copyright: LightFieldStudios

Sustainable Pleasure: Wine Bottle Made From rPET

17/07/2024

PET water bottles, PET beer bottles – so why not PET wine bottles? The combination may seem unconventional at first, but it offers significant advantages over glass bottles: PET bottles have a lower CO2 footprint, are more cost-effective, lighter, and safer due to their unbreakable nature. ALPLA's solution also stands out by using rPET.
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Picture: Children in Africa collecting plastic waste; Copyright: envato

Recycling solutions for a sustainable future

10/07/2024

WILDPLASTIC® has set itself the goal of ridding the world of “wild” plastic waste and offering innovative recycling solutions. The Germany-based company differentiates its products through the unique use of plastic that is recovered from the environment to be recycled and reused as granulate.
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Image: Pouch made from 18 micrometer thin MDO-PE film from Reifenhäuser and BOBST at drupa 2024

The world's first 18 micrometer thin MDO PE film

24/06/2024

At drupa 2024, Reifenhäuser and BOBST will be presenting the world's first 18 micrometer thin MDO-PE film. In the video interview, you can find out more about the development of the film, which reduces the amount of material used by 25% while ensuring the highest mechanical properties, appearance and further processing.
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Image: Vytal Pepsi Cup being held aloft at an event; Copyright: Vytal

Digital reusable cup from Vytal and PepsiCo

19/06/2024

Vytal and PepsiCo are taking reusable tableware to a new level in their cooperation. With individual IDs for each cup, which can be read using a QR code or RFID tag, efficiency at large events is increased enormously. The technology not only optimises the return of the cups, but also the entire recycling process, thus making an important contribution to the Circular Economy.
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Image: All-electric EcoPower Xpress; Copyright: WITTMANN

All-Electric Injection Molding for Thin-Wall Packaging

08/04/2024

Heinrich Axmann GmbH & Co. KG in Cologne, Germany, has made a significant shift towards sustainability by adopting an all-electric injection molding machine, the EcoPower Xpress, provided by WITTMANN. This move has led to a reduction in energy consumption by over 30% for producing thin-walled packaging, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly production methods.
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Image: Map of Europe with a plastic bag and a few coins on it; Copyright: tanaonte - stock.adobe.com

FAQ on the Plastic Tax

14/02/2024

In response to the growing environmental impact, the EU has introduced the so-called plastic tax – a step that has far-reaching consequences for the plastics industry and raises many questions. Our FAQ offers you a detailed overview of the new tax regulation. Learn everything important about the objectives, effects, and critical voices from the industry regarding the plastic tax.
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Image: EU flag; Copyright: Greola

New EU packaging regulation: Voices from the industry

25/01/2024

The current Packaging Directive has not been able to reduce the negative environmental impact of packaging. The European Parliament has therefore voted on new rules for packaging in the EU. At the end of November, the Parliament clearly adopted the proposal.
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Image: Cardboard box is wrapped in stretch film; Copyright: LightFieldStudios

Start-up develops sustainable stretch film

17/01/2024

The start-up CAMM Solutions has developed a biodegradable alternative to conventional stretch films that can be used in a variety of ways. It also helps to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastic packaging.
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Image: Reusable container from MealGood with mashed potatoes and meatballs inside; Copyright: Stephan Floss

Circular Economy in the canteen: Start-up develops reusable containers for the catering industry

15/11/2023

We all know the image: urban rubbish bins overflowing with disposable packaging. The Corona pandemic has made this problem more visible. The start-up MealGood has made it its mission to counter the throwaway mentality by developing bio-based reusable containers for the catering industry.
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Image: Detail of the upper body of a person carrying takeaway food and coffee in paper packaging; Copyright: maxbelchenko

BASF celebrates 25th birthday of ecoflex®, the world's first PBAT biopolymer

13/11/2023

BASF SE celebrates the 25th anniversary of ecoflex®, the world's first PBAT biopolymer. Innovative biopolymers based on ecoflex® have been helping to solve numerous challenges in the plastics market since it came on the market. ecoflex® has also created new recycling opportunities for plastics and enables organic recycling.
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Image: Three open snack bags; Copyright: Dominik Benke

From snack bag to cooling technology: The rebirth of aluminum-plastic laminates

08/11/2023

Thanks to aluminum-plastic laminates, our favorite snacks stay as crisp as we love them. But what if the shiny insides of snack bags hold much greater potential – one that goes far beyond accompanying a movie night? Passive cooling technology could benefit from upcycling these chip bags, says a research team from the University of Bayreuth.
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Image: blurred detail of a person in a black suit holding a pen. In front of her is a laptop and papers with diagrams; Copyright: donut3771

Reifenhäuser relies on new "Circular Plastics Traceability" Guideline by using digital product passports from R-Cycle

06/11/2023

The Reifenhäuser Group uses R-Cycle, a digital product passport for plastics based on GS1 standards, to enable its customers to trace products. This facilitates data management in the manufacturing process and promotes the recycling of plastic packaging.
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Photo: Cutout of hands holding plastic package in supermarket; Copyright: drazenphoto

Sabic and Partners Introduce First In-Mold Labeling Solution with Certified Renewable Polymers for Food Packaging Containers

20/10/2023

SABIC has partnered with specialists to demonstrate the use of certified renewable polypropylene in in-mold labeled packaging, offering sustainability and recyclability without compromising quality. This technology provides cost-effective, visually appealing packaging with a low environmental impact, benefiting brand owners and reducing carbon footprint.
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Image: Rose gloved hands hold petri dishes in a chemistry lab; Copyright: kalinovskiyphoto

Start-up recycles plastic lab waste into new test tubes and petri dishes

20/10/2023

LabCycle, co-founded by a University of Bath graduate, opens the UK's first pilot plant for recycling plastic lab waste into new lab consumables and aims to scale the technology for healthcare and research labs. Their process turns plastic waste into high-grade pellets, reducing energy and water use and promoting recycling in a circular economy approach.
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Image: Glass containers with oil; Copyright: ARTFULLY79

Chemical recycling: the supreme discipline for the Circular Economy in the plastics industry?

11/10/2023

Almost 90 % of all plastic packaging today still consists of virgin material. If we want to change this, we have to focus on chemical recycling in addition to mechanical recycling. According to the WWF study "Verpackungswende jetzt", a system change could save more than 20 million tonnes of new plastic by 2040. SÜDPACK is therefore investing in innovative chemical recycling technology.
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Image: slightly blurred shot of an aisle with shelves in an empty grocery store; Copyright: YuriArcursPeopleimages

BASF publishes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on polyamides from chemically recycled or renewable raw materials in mozzarella packaging

10/10/2023

BASF has published a life cycle assessment study on the environmental impact of mozzarella packaging that examines different sustainable raw materials for food-grade plastics. Flexible multilayer packaging with recycled or renewable raw materials has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to packaging made from fossil raw materials.
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Image: Energy chains; Copyright: igus GmbH

Recycling programme for engineering plastics

22/09/2023

Wherever there is movement in manufacturing, the plastic plain bearings and energy guiding chains from igus can be used. Even in packaging machines, e-chains and plain bearings made of high-performance polymers ensure movement. The products are durable but at some point they also have to be disposed of. igus has set up its own recycling programme for this purpose.
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Image: Large accumulation of PET bottles to be recycled in a warehouse; Copyright: Krones AG

Making the impossible possible: Recycling multilayer packaging

13/09/2023

Was multilayer packaging the Achilles' heel of the recycling industry? Not anymore, according to Krones and their project partners BASF, Südpack, and Tomra. Together, they're unveiling a solution that accomplishes what was once deemed impossible. At the heart of this innovation is a new adhesive that enables effective material separation during the recycling process.
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Image: PET bottles in the rail on the conveyor belt for filling are processed in a drinking water factory; Copyright: StudioPeace

Recycled PET for India's first 100 % rPET beverage bottle produced by Srichakra Polyplast on Starlinger equipment

12/09/2023

Coca-Cola India has launched the first 100% recycled PET water bottle in India, manufactured by Srichakra Polyplast on a Starlinger PET bottle-to-bottle recycling line. The launch followed approval from the Food Safety Authority of India, and Coca-Cola plans to further expand this sustainable packaging solution.
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Image: various plastic packaging; Copyright: FabrikaPhoto

Yogurt cup becomes yogurt cup: Design for Recycling as the key to a Circular Economy

06/09/2023

The need to recycle plastic packaging is at the heart of current environmental efforts. This is not just about recycling, but about a genuine circular economy. Monomaterial packaging and smart design decisions play a crucial role here. Greiner Packaging demonstrates how this can look in practice.
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Image: Recycling of light packaging material from post-consumer streams; Copyright: Interzero

HDPE plastics from post-consumer flows

05/09/2023

Recycling service provider Interzero developed a patented process to enhance the reuse of HDPE plastics, allowing the creation of blow-molded products from 100% post-consumer lightweight packaging material. The process uses a chemical modifier to control the recycled material's viscosity, making it suitable for blow-molding and eliminating the need for re-sorting and additional primary plastic.
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Image: two flat plastic wine bottles laid on top of each other on rocks, behind them two filled wine glasses; Copyright: Viinilinna, Aino Maaranta

Design4Recycling: flat plastic bottle for sustainable wine enjoyment

11/07/2023

If wine bottles were designed for the first time today, they would look different – the British start-up Packamama is sure of that. Especially in view of the climate crisis, packaging needs to be rethought. This is how Packamama's flat plastic bottle came into being, which is not only highly sustainable but also makes quite a visual impact.
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Image: greenhouse gas emissions are coming out of the two chimneys of thermal power plants. In the foreground are some trees. In the background: blue sky; Copyright: Daria_Nipot

New guide to the future of plastics

06/07/2023

Researchers from Fraunhofer UMSICHT and the TNO Institute have developed four strategic approaches to enable the transition to a circular plastics economy. In addition, they are launching the European Circular Plastics Platform (CPP), a platform for cross-sector collaboration to remove barriers and share solutions.
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Image: Various nuts and seeds in transparent plastic packaging in a carton; Copyright: Olena_Mykhaylova

Collaboration project shows: multi-layer packaging can be separated and recycled on an industrial scale

08/06/2023

A Collaboration project involving BASF, Krones, SÜDPACK, and TOMRA gives proof of concept for closed recycling loop for PET-based multi-layer packaging.
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Image: Plant for the production of cars. On the right, several car models; Copyright: traimakivan

Borealis launches portfolio of circular plastomers and elastomers based on renewable feedstock

01/06/2023

Borealis introduces the Bornewables™ line of Queo™, a range of plastomers and elastomers based on renewable feedstock. The introduction follows the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) of Borealis' production site for the Queo™ portfolio, in Geleen, the Netherlands.
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Image: Winners of the PackTheFuture Award at the awards ceremony at interpack 2023; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf

PackTheFuture Award 2023: These are the winners!

12/05/2023

56 entries, 10 winners, 1 special prize and 1 honourable mention - that's the positive balance of the PackTheFuture Award 2023. The results were announced at the award ceremony at interpack in Düsseldorf. The award honours innovative and sustainable packaging solutions made of plastic.
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Image: Numerous, predominantly white, plastic packages for household chemicals and detergents; Copyright: evgrafovasa

Better recycling of plastic packaging: New process extracts fragrances

04/05/2023

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed an environmentally friendly process to remove fragrances from plastic packaging. The process is based on pressurized water extraction and removes the fragrance limonene from HDPE packaging. By evaluating the data using machine learning methods, it was possible to optimize the extraction parameters.
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Image: Inside a plastic recycling plant; Copyright: Shutterstock/Nordroden

A status check on the UN's plastic waste agreement

24/04/2023

Plastic pollution is a serious threat to human health and the environment. After years of awareness-raising, there is strong and widespread alignment on the need to act. This was the unmistakable and welcome message from the U.N.'s first negotiating session on a global agreement to end plastic waste in December.
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Image: Woman in a supermarket taking a carton of milk from the shelf; Copyright: RossHelen

Circular Collaboration Platform: for more recyclates in food packaging

21/04/2023

The share of recycled material in plastic products is growing. The exception: food packaging. The requirements for the quality of the material for food contact are high, but in the case of recyclates there is still often a lack of corresponding information today. The project COPPA wants to create transparency in this area – with an open digital platform.
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Image: Four large waste recycling garbage cans on the street; Copyright: AZ-BLT

Project STOP marks major milestones and expands waste collection services to over 300,000 people

20/04/2023

Project STOP, co-funded by Borealis and Systemiq, has created positive social and environmental impact in three cities in Indonesia, including the launch of the scale-up programme Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau from Muncar into the Banyuwangi Region.
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Image: Two workers in white protective clothing. In the background: chemical production; Copyright: seventyfourimages

LyondellBasell and KIRKBI invest in APK to develop recycling technology

20/03/2023

The two companies LyondellBasell and KIRKBI signed an agreement to make an investment in the company APK. APK has developed the unique solvent-based Newcycling® process, which separates the different polymers of multi-layer packaging materials and produces recycled materials with a high degree of purity suitable for new packaging materials.
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Image: smiling woman with tablet in her hands; Copyright: zamrznutitonovi

Sustainable plastic packaging: AI supports design and production

15/03/2023

Plastic packaging made from recycled material? Yes, but please as high quality as possible – and recyclable! This poses great challenges for manufacturers, because the use of recycled materials still often leads to downcycling. One key to more sustainable plastic packaging lies in digitalisation. This is also where the KIOptiPack project comes in.
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Image: light-blue bottles made from plastic; Copyright: Covestro

Covestro: New ultra-durable material solution for healthcare and life sciences

01/03/2023

Both healthcare and life sciences applications – ranging from drug delivery devices, wellness and wearable devices, to single-use containers for biopharmaceutical manufacturing – all have one thing in common. They must be tough and durable and able to withstand everyday use while maintaining their structural integrity.
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Image: To-go packaging made of Styropor; Copyright: BASF

Ice Ice Baby! Sustainably packaged with Styropor® Ccycled™ by BASF

21/02/2023

Imballaggi Alimentari, an Italian based company specialized in the production of ice cream packaging, has launched the Remaxigel boxes made of Styropor® Ccycled™. The boxes made of EPS (expandable polystyrene) boast excellent performance and were primarily designed for artisanal ice-cream shops.
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Image: Gloved hands pick up plastic bottle on the beach; Copyright: maxbelchenko

SABIC enables Scientex in developing worlds first PP flexible food packaging using PCR ocean bound plastic

21/02/2023

SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, collaborates with Scientex in the packaging value chain to enable the manufacturer to develop material for the world’s first flexible food packaging made based on advanced recycled OBP, using SABIC® certified circular polypropylene (PP). The material is being used in a premium brand noodles packaging sold in Malaysia.
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Image: four men face the camera in the middle of a weaving mill; Copyright: Suraj Logistix

Suraj Logistix adopts innovative solutions for a more sustainable cement packaging

06/02/2023

Woven sacks are made of a single polymer family and are therefore already quite easy to recycle. Sustainability requirements for packaging products have increased worldwide and at the same time the need to develop better packaging products to protect the packed commodity has also gained further importance.
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Image: Rendering of a transparent plastic packaging with 3 fruits inside; Copyright: BASF

BASF and StePac partner to develop sustainable packaging for shelf-life extension of fresh produce

23/01/2023

BASF SE and StePac Ltd. have joined forces to create the next generation of sustainable packaging specifically for the fresh produce sector. Supplying StePac with its Ultramid® CcycledTM, a chemically recycled polyamide 6, BASF will provide its partner greater flexibility to advance contact-sensitive packaging formats to a higher sustainable standard within the circular economy.
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Image: Woman receives a certificate in front of an applauding audience; Copyright: Wavebreakmedia

Innovation venture of Covestro awarded: Niaga® wins Circular Economy Prize

04/01/2023

Niaga®, an innovation venture of Covestro, is the winner of the 2022 European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Community Circular Economy Prize in the Digital Products Passports (DPP) category. The EIT Circular Economy Community awards relevant start-ups and SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) with significant new solutions accelerating the circular economy.
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Image: Numerous white and transparent cups lined up behind and next to each other ; Copyright: SML Maschinengesellschaft mbH

K 2022: Heat-resistant C-PET light cup promotes circular economy – a transparent alternative for hot-fill applications

01/12/2022

Together with Sukano AG and Kiefel Packaging B.V., the company SML Maschinengesellschaft mbH has developed a cup made of C-PET light that is heat-resistant and combines transparency and recyclability.
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Image: Various fruits and vegetables wrapped in disposable plastic ; Copyright: duskbabe

Covestro collaboration with SABIC unlocks improved recyclability for mono-material flexible plastic pouches

21/11/2022

The company Covestro AG has developed a new heat-resistant coating for use on mono-material stand-up pouches made with SABIC's PE/BOPE technology. The coating facilitates high-speed industrial production of stand-up pouches made with SABIC® BOPE biaxially oriented polyethylene. The new solution enables simpler, single-stream recycling.
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Photo: woman picking a shampoo bottle at a store; Copyright: vladdeep

Rebirth for shampoo bottles & co: launch of the first deposit system for plastic packaging from the bathroom

02/11/2022

The demand for high-quality recyclates has exceeded the supply on the market for years. So far, too much high-quality plastic is still being burned as waste instead of being recycled. The Berlin-based start-up Circleback wants to change that by setting up a deposit system for plastic packaging from the bathroom.
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Photo: Numerous compressed plastic water bottles mainly in the color blue; Copyright: globetrotter_

Recycled PET bottles are turned into adhesive tapes

26/10/2022

The company tesa® supports the field of sustainability. The new tesa® 60412 packaging tape has a backing made of 70% recycled PET and a water-based acrylate adhesive system. The production process is completely solvent-free. Used PET products are recycled and used as raw material for the backing material.
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Image: cutout of a confectionery factory employee wearing blue gloves. In front of him a sealing box with packaging film; Copyright: seventyfourimages

Innovative technology makes flexible packaging recyclable

03/10/2022

A new technology from Covestro weakens the bond strength of PU adhesives. Laminated films in multilayer packaging can be separated after use and the individual materials can be recycled later. At the K 2022 trade fair, the team will be presenting the technology to the plastics industry for the first time.
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Safely packaged: recyclable reusable transport box protects the environment and sensitive goods

20/09/2022

Packaging materials are often not very sustainable. This is partly because they are only designed for single-use transport. Researchers in the Fraunhofer LBF's Plastics department have taken this fact as an opportunity to develop an alternative. With their recyclable reusable transport solution for sensitive goods, the climate, the environment and resources can be protected.
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Image: Several rolled plastic bottles lie on top of each other; Copyright: wolfhound9111

Engineering enzymes to help solve the planet's plastic problem

12/09/2022

Researchers at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) have developed a new enzyme engineering platform. The focus is on plastic-degrading enzymes that can be improved through directed evolution. To test their platform, they engineered a new enzyme, HotPETase, through the directed evolution of IsPETase.
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Image: Two workers in protective clothing hold plastic garbage bags in a waste processing plant; Copyright: seventyfourimages

Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact

08/09/2022

Carbon atoms in mixed waste can replace all fossil raw materials in the production of new plastic. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden are demonstrating this with a new thermochemical recycling method. It is modeled on the natural carbon cycle and could eliminate the impact of plastics on the climate or even clean the air of carbon dioxide.
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Photo: waste separation. Left: Two trash cans. Right: A trash can and a filled trash bag; Copyright:

Public obligations for recycling: Germany – a good role model?

16/08/2022

With the Packaging Act, Germany is taking a further step towards an all-encompassing raw material cycle for packaging. One of the requirements aims to significantly increase the amount of recyclable packaging. Packaging used in mail order or "dispensed" for to-go products has recently been required to be registered in the LUCID Packaging Register.
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Image: Several yogurt cups; Copyright: AtlasComposer

LyondellBasell helps to close the loop on Polypropylene by joining NEXTLOOPP initiative

08/08/2022

LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is participating in the NEXTLOOPP initiative, which aims to produce circular recycled food-grade polypropylene (FGrPP) from used packaging. NEXTLOOPP is able to close the loop of polypropylene (PP) by means of a combination of cutting-edge technologies. Polypropylene is separated from the rest and the polymer is decontaminated.
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Product development in Alpla's One-Stop Shop

02/08/2022

Those who work meticulously to design a product can hardly await the day they can hold the finished item in their hands. Alpla is a company headquartered in Hard, Austria, that speeds up this process. Customers can convert their ideas into reality and ideally leave Alpla's STUDIOa with a prototype in hand.
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Using different tools in one flexible thermoforming system

29/06/2022

Thermoforming is a process that requires various tool systems. Unfortunately, if the latter originate from different manufacturers, they often cannot be used together in one system. Illig took on the challenge and came up with a successful solution.
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Image: Female hand throws coffee cup into trash can; Copyright: svitlanah

SK chemicals realizes good takeout with Dodori Cup made from Ecozen

21/06/2022

SK chemicals is planning a Realization of zero waste with Ecozen reusable cups that are used and returned. 5,000 so called Dodori cups used in this project are made from Ecozen.
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Image: Plastic bottles standing next to each other; Copyright: twenty20photos

Braskem and Sojitz Corporation join hands to bring renewable MEG technology to the market

09/05/2022

The two companies Brüskem and Sojitz cooperate within a partnership to produce and market the bioMEG (monoethylene glycol) and bioMPG (monopropylene glycol). This joint venture aims to promote sustainable development and combine the expertise of both companies.
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Photo: Sorting plastic bottles ; Copyright: AnnaStills

New enzyme discovery is another leap towards beating plastic waste

25/04/2022

Scientists have characterized an enzyme that has the ability to degrade terephthalate (TPA), one of the chemical building blocks of the plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used to make disposable beverage bottles, for example.
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WorldStar Award 2022 for school milk packaging made from 100% rPET

24/03/2022

A project for circular economy by Austria's school milk producers and the three Upper Austrian companies PET-MAN, Greiner Packaging, and Starlinger viscotec has received the WorldStar Award from the World Packaging Organization. Schools are supplied with dairy products in rPET cups that are recycled after use.
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Massel innovates with liquid stock range in SIG-Carton Packs with SIGNATUR FULL BARRIER packaging material

09/03/2022

SIG's SIGNATURE FULL BARRIER packaging material is made from renewable, forest-based materials and responsible sources. The small amount of polymers used is certified. The Australian company Massel is now launching products in these SIG-Carton Packs.
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Fish in packaging made from chemically recycled plastic

07/03/2022

Salmon fillets from Bömlo are supplied in the world's first EPS fish box. Ccycled is made from chemically recycled plastic and BASF, Vartdal Plast and Bremnes Seashore, the partners for this joint project, are contributing to making the circular economy a success.
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Chemists develop radical way to make it easier, more profitable to recycle plastic

01/03/2022

By modifying carbon-hydrogen bonds, chemists from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill transform plastic trash into tougher, stronger material. They started with plastic foam packaging used to protect electronics during shipping that otherwise ends up in landfills.
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Recycled packaging foils with the "Blue Angel" label

07/02/2022

Profine GmbH is the first profile system provider to use polyethylene (PE) packaging foils that consist of 80 percent PCR standard and are interested in making supply chains more environmentally friendly.
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Track and trace system as an answer to encourage reusable packaging

06/12/2021

The digital economy can help us prevent packaging waste, say researchers at Lancaster University and University of St Andrews, who are working with the founders of Reath, a start-up business based in Edinburgh, with a mission to build the digital infrastructure for reuse.
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Water meets cellulose: Environmentally friendly plastic made from hydroplastic polymers

27/10/2021

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a new method to create environmentally friendly bioplastics from renewable raw materials.
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Breakthrough discovery: Plastics aren’t what we think

03/09/2021

A breakthrough by researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) and collaborating institutions around the world could pave the way for better products, such as improved batteries, automobile paint and cellphone screens.
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Polymer enables tougher recyclable thermoplastics

23/08/2021

To synthesize plastic, small monomer molecules need to be strung together like beads in a necklace, creating long polymer chains. However, not all plastics – or their polymers – are created equal. The longer and stronger the polymer, the more durable the material. Cornell researchers took a middling monomer and, by using a special catalyst, they created a tougher polymer that can form long chains.
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Image: Plastikophobia; Copyright: Von Wong

Benjamin Von Wong: "I make your impact unforgettable."

08/07/2021

We love plastic. It is versatile, lightweight, durable – and sustainable, as long as it gets recycled or reused. Carelessly discarded in nature, (disposable) plastic products not only give the material a bad image, but above all lead to massive environmental problems. This is precisely the issue that Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong has addressed.
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Image: An example of a replacement for single-use plastic in consumer products, produced by mimicking the properties of spider silk, one of the strongest materials; Copyright: Xampla

Vegan spider silk provides sustainable alternative to single-use plastics

05/07/2021

Researchers have created a plant-based, sustainable, scalable material that could replace single-use plastics in many consumer products.
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