Sustainability

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.

Researchers in the U.K. say they have developed a way of introducing degradable bonds into thermoset polymers to make them more easily recyclable.

The quest for advanced epoxy formulations has led to a groundbreaking development—fast-curing epoxies that achieve full curing within a mere two hours. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the integration of Vitrimer chemistries, ushering in a new era of rapid turnaround times for epoxy applications.

Carrying out a full site survey is a specialist task but a mini-survey or walk-around will quickly and easily identify many actions to reduce energy use. Naturally, the focus will be on using that essential tool called the ’OFF switch’ but this can have remarkable rewards very quickly. 

As plastic waste continues to pose a global environmental threat, researchers are exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastic. Bioplastics, which mimic the qualities of conventional plastic but are made from natural materials, emerge as a promising solution. Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy is at the forefront of bioplastic development, leveraging agricultural byproducts like avocado peels and coffee grounds to create biodegradable films.

PVC stands tall among commercial plastics, but its thermal instability at processing temperatures poses challenges. To fortify PVC products against high temperatures, conventional heat stabilizers are often employed, yet they come with toxic baggage harmful to both humans and the environment.

Today’s flame-retardant technologies rely strongly on PFAS, but regulations around the globe are pushing the industry to find alternatives that aim to balance fire safety with environmental and health considerations.

Every site needs a policy statement to set the scene for the site actions and to make the commitment formal. The Sustainability Management Policy should be one of the fundamental site policies alongside policies such as health and safety, quality, environmental, energy, other operational policies, e.g., anti-slavery. 

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) invites you to join their team of instructors as they develop educational programs and workshops for their audience of plastics professionals seeking to enhance their work skills and abilities. Instructors will lead workshops that break the mold, offering unique perspectives and insights that resonate with their audience.

In a bid to combat microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, scientists have drawn inspiration from an unlikely source – the Hawaiian apple snail. This innovative venture has resulted in the creation of a robot prototype designed to scoop up microplastics from the surfaces of oceans, seas, and lakes.

One of the quickest ways to start to control energy use is to integrate reporting into the accounts package (along with all the other vital business numbers). Energy use and management is not a ‘technology fix’, it is a vital business measurement and tool. Some of the most effective energy management efforts can come directly from the accounting function. 

The plastics industry mainly uses PFAS as polymerization aids and this would be the main cause of PFAS emissions related to the life cycle of fluoropolymers.