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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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Nissin Foods USA soon plans to dump the iconic expanded polystyrene foam cup it has been using for its on-the-go ramen noodles for a half-century and replace it with a new, microwaveable paper cup design that will no longer require boiling water. The company also will spend $228m to open a new U.S. plant in South Carolina.

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.

If energy use is not visible and measured then there will be no improvement. Every site needs an ‘Energy Policy’ – a statement of commitment on energy use.

The fashion industry is disrupting the PET circular economy by taking it into an application that recycles less than 1% of its products.

Introducing a new series: ‘Sustainability Management Tip of the Month’ to provide plastics processors with tips on how to improve internal and external sustainability and to demonstrate this to the outside world.