Materials

The plastics industry stands at a critical juncture, shaped by an increasing array of regulations aimed at mitigating environmental impact, particularly concerning single-use plastics.

The toy industry utilizes 40 tonnes of plastic for every $1 million in revenue and constitutes the most plastic-intensive industry. Unfortunately, people discard 80% of toys in landfills. This issue, coupled with the growing demand for sustainable products, drives the…

Solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP) process stands out as a promising alternative to polypropylene (PP) disposable face mask recycling.

Billie Eilish plans to use recycled and bio-based vinyl, as well as recycled packaging materials, to make her upcoming third album as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.

Conventionally, laminate designs have adhered to standard ply orientations such as 0, 90, and ±45°, often constrained by symmetry requirements. However, a paradigm shift has emerged with the introduction of the double-double laminates concept, offering a more efficient and tailored approach to composite design.

Brands and package designers are developing seaweed-based packaging as an alternative to single-use plastics. Companies such as PlantSea Ltd., Notpla Ltd., Sway Innovation and Loliware Inc. are all active in the space.

Four-dimensional (4D) printing, an extension of 3D printing, incorporates the dimension of time into the fabrication process, enabling the creation of structures that can change shape in response to external stimuli.

Plastics have evolved beyond their ubiquitous presence in everyday products to become intelligent. The fusion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is launching the era of “smart plastics.” These materials aim to revolutionize the functionality and efficiency of plastics in healthcare, automotive, and consumer products.

The future of the plastics industry emerges as a focal point, in a world inundated with crisis reports and the relentless hustle of daily life. Hence, it’s crucial to take a step back and examine the industry through different lenses.

New resins lacking thermal measurements may face challenges in meeting regulatory standards and entering the market. However, the use of AI can streamline the introduction of these resins by potentially halving the time needed for testing and regulatory approvals.