June 16, 2024The Complexity of RecyclateEach batch of recycled plastic is different, so testing and analysis are critical for processing and quality. Read more
May 13, 2024Early-Stage Carbon Footprint Assessment for Product DesignA Product Carbon Footprint calculator, unveiled by BARLOG Plastics, aims to forecast recyclability from the development phase for injection molded parts. Read more
March 25, 2024The Future of Plastics: The Vision, Chapter 1 of 3In the turbulence, the future of the plastics industry emerges as a focal point. With forecasts depicting a landscape characterized by both challenges and opportunities. In a world inundated with crisis reports and the relentless hustle of daily life, it’s imperative now more than ever to hit the pause button and reassess our perspectives. Read more
March 23, 2024IKV Boosts the Plastics BranchThe IKV Colloquium demonstrated the plastics industry’s resilience in addressing current challenges. On February 28th-29th, 2024, RWTH Aachen University’s IKV organized an event fostering industry-academia exchanges. Read more
March 11, 2024Closed-loop Laptop Project Promotes CircularityDell Technologies partners with materials firm Covestro to expand the possibilities of laptop recycling, to include designing for disassembly and increasing the amount of recoverable resin from each device. Together they are targeting a more circular solution. Read more
March 8, 2024TERRA is Tackling the Plague of E-wasteTERRA, The Electronics Reuse & Recycling Alliance, has created a network of certified electronic waste (e-waste) recyclers, and is working to recover and reclaim the valuable materials contained in those discarded products. Read more
February 26, 202432nd IKV Colloquium, The Five Cutting-Edge TopicsIKV has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and driven progress in the dynamic field of plastics. Read more
February 6, 2024Enzyme from Laundry Detergent Transforms Single-Use Plastics in Just 24 HoursScientists at King’s College London have unveiled a groundbreaking method for recycling single-use bioplastics, commonly found in disposable items like coffee cups and food containers. Published in Cell Reports Physical Science, the chemical recycling approach utilizes enzymes akin to those in biological laundry detergents to swiftly break down landfill-bound bioplastics within just 24 hours. Read more
February 2, 2024Are Microplastics Toxic?Research indicates that microplastics induce physiological and behavioral changes in aquatic organisms, impacting reproductive capabilities and overall fitness. Furthermore, microplastics serve as carriers for toxic chemicals, posing additional threats as they traverse through the food web. Read more
January 24, 2024Anticipating Challenges as Demand for Recycled PET IncreasesMcKinsey & Company’s projections indicate a significant challenge on the horizon: the demand for recycled PET is expected to outpace supply by 2030. This forecast raises crucial questions about the industry’s readiness to meet the escalating demand for sustainable packaging and products. Read more