Film

In the face of escalating concerns over food loss, waste, and the imperative need for robust antimicrobial technologies exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a groundbreaking study introduces polymer-based antibacterial films. This innovative approach seeks to merge antibacterial efficacy with durability, offering a multifaceted solution to contemporary challenges.

The additive aids biodegradability by changing the polymer structure, converting it into a wax-like material after being exposed to light, water, moisture, and microbes.

No sustainability management program will be successful unless top management is committed to it. Top management will generally respond better to a well-reasoned financial argument but there is no conflict – it is entirely possible to be more sustainable and to improve profits at the same time. 

Companies that produce Fluoropolymers may try to switch to PFAS-free solutions or ask for an exemption, which could be temporary.

Berry Global Inc. says it has developed a new version of polyethylene cling film that can serve as a high-performance –– and certified recyclable –– alternative to PVC cling film for fresh food applications.

The use of “forever chemicals” in the European Union would be largely banned under a proposal issued by the European Chemicals Agency. At the same time, more US states continue to ban PFAS-containing products without a clear roadmap for the…

Outdoor apparel company Patagonia Inc. has partnered with two materials firms to produce one of its warmest parkas yet –– the StormShadow –– using high-performance textiles made from recycled coastal and marine plastic. Patagonia leveraged W.L. Gore & Associates’ development of expanded polyethylene (ePE) and married it with efforts by New York-based materials engineering company Bionic, which repurposes ocean-bound waste plastics in Costa Rica.

Facing pressure to eliminate PFAS chemicals from fluoropolymers, plastic additive makers such as Tosaf are launching alternative, PFAS-free processing aids.

SABIC’s renewable polypropylene used in in-mold label project. It also launches 10 LNP Elcrin polycarbonate-based copolymers with high post-consumer content.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration accepts LLDPE resin mechanically recycled from stretch film for use at up to 100 percent level in food-contact packaging.

Blown film manufacturers need to increase their use of recycled resin while maintaining product quality and plant efficiency. Nordson filters are helping.

Hellweg Maschinenbau designs a wet shredder for plastics recycling that significantly reduces energy costs while maximizing throughput rate.