Wearables

Sports wearables often use triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), and recent advances allow them to become PFAS-free.

Dr. Prithu Mukhopadhyay, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, shares insights on microplastics and their impact.

With new regulations focused on tire wear, pellet containment, and filtration, microplastic control now requires coordinated advances across materials, processes, and detection methods.

MacroCycle Technologies is redefining PET recycling through a scalable, energy-efficient molecular upcycling process.

Empowered by the global crisis of plastic fiber waste, Healix, a Dutch start-up, aims to close the loop by creating infinity polymers from recovered fishing and farming plastic waste. 

For polyester, bio-based raw materials, emerging biodegradable products, and more efficient post-treatment processes hint towards a greener future.

The cellulose bioplastics market is rapidly expanding, driven by investments from companies like Amazon and leading research laboratories in biodegradable materials.

Non-woven technologies are among the most innovative textile methods, and the strong demand for PP fabrics is expected to grow.

Dr. Prithu Mukhopadhyay, the SPE Journal of Vinyl & Additive Technology editor, discusses key aspects of PFAS, future regulations, and potential developments.

Using recycled plastics in 3D printing reduces waste and carbon footprint, offering sustainable solutions such as filaments made from pre-and post-consumer recycled materials.