A comprehensive study published in Environmental Science & Technology evaluates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of plastic products versus their alternatives across 16 applications. These include key sectors such as packaging, construction, automotive, textiles, and consumer goods, which together account for 90 % of global plastic use. The findings reveal a counterintuitive reality: replacing plastics…
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have achieved a breakthrough in developing eco-friendly alternatives to PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for packaging. By employing advanced metabolic engineering techniques, the team created a microbial strain capable of producing pseudoaromatic polyester monomers. These materials offer improved biodegradability and physical properties, presenting a promising solution…
The UK non-profit organization, Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), is pressing the UK Government to enforce a ban on plastic packaging for uncut fresh fruits and vegetables in retail. This recommendation is part of WRAP’s broader strategy to cut down on food and plastic waste, aiming to reduce the UK’s overall environmental impact by…
A groundbreaking solution to the global issue of plastic pollution has emerged from the University of Edinburgh. E.V.A. Biosystems, a university startup, has developed a pioneering plastic that promises to help solve one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, by breaking itself down when entering water, without producing harmful microplastics. Tackling Pollution with…
The US Plastics Pact recently published an updated report emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate problematic and unnecessary materials from the plastics value chain. The document proposes new strategies for tackling circular design challenges, particularly the issue of contamination in recycling streams, and suggests a series of material bans, including those on oxo-degradable products. …
In a recently published article by Sustainable Packaging Europe, Josh Pitman, Managing Director of Priory Direct calls out UK retailers and suppliers that label soft plastic packaging as “recyclable” for greenwashing, due to the country’s limited recycling infrastructure. He argues that these labels are misleading and contribute to environmental harm, as the UK’s infrastructure can…
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has recently announced the launch of the “Flex Forward” project, which aims at ensuring the safety and efficiency of recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) films used in food packaging. This collaborative effort involves WUR working alongside 11 industrial partners and focusing on improving the safety standards of these materials…
The first European Flexpack Summit is scheduled to take place in early 2025. Organized by Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), this event will bring together key players in the flexible packaging industry to discuss global market developments, trends, sustainability, and European legislation. Event and Activities The European Flexpack Summit will be hosted at the Torre…
The Highland Community Waste Partnership (HCWP) has launched an innovative pilot scheme in collaboration with Vytal, a German sustainable packaging company. This initiative aims to promote the use of returnable packaging across Scotland, encouraging businesses to reduce single-use packaging waste. The Returnable Packaging Scheme The pilot scheme seeks to enlist 20 businesses across both…
In a groundbreaking collaboration, industry giants BASF, UBE, Envalior, DOMO Chemicals, and Grupa Azoty ATT Polymers have established the non-profit Advanced Packaging Association (APA). Launched in 2023, the APA aims to advance the use of polyamide-based packaging, showcasing its high-performance capabilities and promoting fact-based sustainability assessments for flexible materials. Highlighting Polyamide’s Sustainable Benefits The…
A groundbreaking technique for recycling polystyrene (PS) was developed by a team of chemical engineers from the University of Bath in the UK and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, USA. Their method could make recycling PS both economically viable and energy efficient, revolutionizing the way this polymer is handled. Research Details In a recent…
In an effort to reduce plastic waste pollution, Aldi UK has recently unveiled a traceability scheme, aimed at managing the 300 tonnes of post-consumer flexible plastic packaging collecting annually. This initiative marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing commitment to the environment and underlines the organization’s determination to address the escalating issue of plastic…