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Despite strong bioplastic growth, 2025 data reveal that earlier optimistic forecasts overstated expectations, reflecting a more complex market reality.

Plastic materials selection involves choosing materials that meet some important characteristics like performance, cosmetics, and costs. But there is not a playbook for doing materials selection. On the contrary, this means doing some property research, taking into account product lifetime and even in some cases, regulation.

McKinsey & 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.

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.

Hitachi High-Tech developed an AI tool that enabled them to reduce their research on biodegradable additives from 120 days to two days. Researchers have used AI in the development of new materials and additives for the production of plastics. Some companies are looking for alternatives to suit their customers’ needs.

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.

Covestro AG continues to strengthen its ties with China’s vehicle industry to develop more low-carbon mobility solutions. It agreed recently to form a joint laboratory with premium electric vehicle brand HiPhi and struck a global strategic cooperation partnership with Xinquan Automotive.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory scientists have used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a tool to help users find the most sustainable polymers for specific applications. The tool, called PolyID, predicts material properties based on molecular structure.

A UNSW Canberra researcher claims to have advanced CF recycling. But major challenges remain, says one industry expert. Carbon fiber composites are super strong super lightweight and super difficult to recycle effectively. Embedded in a (usually thermoset) polymer matrix, carbon…

The plastic industry uses color in almost all applications, as it gives an aesthetic and personal feel to the product. Brand owners can achieve qualities such as “warm”, “soft”, “shiny” and “pleasant” through color, but is it affecting post-consumer recycled?