Recycling

EPR laws across US states apply different material definitions, recyclability criteria, and PCR targets, making packaging design a key factor in determining compliance fees.

Some microorganisms can “eat” plastic by using it as a carbon and energy source. These tiny organisms could inspire the recycling methods of tomorrow.

In a recent study published in Polymer Composites, researchers led by Sütcüler et al. unveiled a lab-scale process to manufacture continuous carbon fiber (CCF) filaments using recycled PETG (rPETG).

Carbon black pigments blocked NIR sorting, hindering black plastic recycling, but new industry innovations are now solving the issue.

With Project 2025 underway, what is the bio-based polymer research and development trajectory?

Shrink films made in Colombia set a new benchmark for sustainable packaging, delivering circular economy benefits without sacrificing quality or appearance.

A new large-scale recycling method uses mechanochemical devulcanization to recover and reuse EPDM rubber, enabling circularity without performance loss.

A new one-step, room-temperature extraction method enables accurate, non-targeted quantification of Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) in Polystyrene.

As the EU rewrites the rules on packaging, engineers face a complex task: making plastics recyclable, compliant, and competitive by 2030.

Earth Brands, founded by two sophomores at Williams College, aims to replace disposable plastic cups on college campuses—and beyond.