Plastics have become ubiquitous in our modern world – we simply wouldn’t be able to live and work in the way we do without them. However, the environmental impact can no longer be ignored. Traditional #plastics derived from fossil fuels generate greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to waste buildup, and too often wind up in places that pollute our lands and oceans. GIC, in working for a #NetZero chemical industry by 2050, is determined to foster collaboration across the #chemicals value chain to drive scientific developments to create more sustainable plastic alternatives. Significant progress has already been made. Bio-based plastics made from renewable plant sources like corn, sugarcane and cellulose offer a way to reduce reliance on fossil feedstocks, while biodegradable plastics can help solve waste issues by breaking down after use. Meanwhile, recent advances in macromonomer #chemistry are enabling recycled plastics to perform similarly to virgin materials. Macromonomers act as binding agents, allowing recycled plastic waste to be reincorporated into high-performance applications. This chemical #recycling technology is particularly exciting and could revolutionize our ability to keep plastics out of landfills and the wider environment. As plastic waste becomes an ever-growing global challenge, sustainable innovations such as these are crucial. From bio-based sources to improved recycling, the chemical sector is pioneering material solutions to reduce the environmental footprint associated with plastics. Implementing these advancements will be vital for a more circular, sustainable plastics economy, and will be a major focus area for GIC and its members. Discover more about GIC and its mission at: https://lnkd.in/ej4DydxG #SustainablePlastics #CircularEconomy #GlobalImpactCoalition
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One solution to the world’s plastic problem lies in carbon dioxide. We capture the carbon dioxide released during waste incineration and mix it with hydrogen, creating base chemicals such as methane or methanol, which can then be further utilised as raw materials in plastic production. In the future, we will need malleable plastics that can be used everywhere and meet the set requirements, whether it be hygiene, colour, haptic or barrier properties. This leads us to INGA, our biodegradable plastic born entirely from CO2. The quality and properties of INGA are equal to those of traditional fossil-based virgin plastics, and the material is suitable for packages and toys alike. Due to its biodegradable properties, INGA does not leave behind any microplastics, truly making it the next generation of plastics. The article below talks about a new technique which has been discovered, that could be useful when it comes to creating plastics. This technique has been developed by Fortum and it shows how innovative this company is, especially in the way that they put the environment first. Follow our LinkedIn page for the latest insights and industry news, on everything within the #greenermanufacturing #sustainablematerials #sustainablechemicals #plasticwastefree sectors; and for the latest updates on our 2024 shows. There will also be 2 new standalone additions to The Greener Manufacturing Show & Plastic Waste Free World next year – Sustainable Materials Expo & Sustainable Chemicals Expo (Cologne, 13-14 Nov)! #4eventsin2024 #industrynews #sustainability #closetheloop #TGMSE2024 #SCHLE2024 #SMTRE2024 #PWFWE2024 https://lnkd.in/e2K6x6YZ
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One solution to the world’s plastic problem lies in carbon dioxide. We capture the carbon dioxide released during waste incineration and mix it with hydrogen, creating base chemicals such as methane or methanol, which can then be further utilised as raw materials in plastic production. In the future, we will need malleable plastics that can be used everywhere and meet the set requirements, whether it be hygiene, colour, haptic or barrier properties. This leads us to INGA, our biodegradable plastic born entirely from CO2. The quality and properties of INGA are equal to those of traditional fossil-based virgin plastics, and the material is suitable for packages and toys alike. Due to its biodegradable properties, INGA does not leave behind any microplastics, truly making it the next generation of plastics. The article below talks about a new technique which has been discovered, that could be useful when it comes to creating plastics. This technique has been developed by Fortum Recycling & Waste and it shows how innovative this company is, especially in the way that they put the environment first. Follow our LinkedIn page for the latest insights and industry news, on everything within the #sustainablematerials #sustainablechemicals #plasticwastefree sectors; and for the latest updates on our 2024 shows see Sustainable Materials Expo & Sustainable Chemicals Expo (Cologne, 13-14 Nov)! #4eventsin2024 #industrynews #sustainability #closetheloop #TGMSE2024 #SCHLE2024 #SMTRE2024 #PWFWE2024 #SIWE2024 https://lnkd.in/e2K6x6YZ
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Therefore crisis facing our water supply demands immediate attention and action. As individuals, we must reduce water pollution and consumption. As a society, we must invest in advanced water treatment technologies and stricter regulations and safe uses. Only through collective effort can we ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Act now—every drop counts.
Biodegradable plastics are emerging as a promising solution to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Traditional plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose, harming ecosystems and wildlife. In contrast, biodegradable plastics are designed to break down more quickly, turning into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. These eco-friendly materials are made from renewable resources, such as plant-based polymers, and are engineered to degrade under specific conditions. #BiodegradablePlastics #EcoFriendly #SustainableMaterials #PlasticPollution #EnvironmentalProtection Using biodegradable plastics can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. By replacing traditional plastics with biodegradable alternatives, we can decrease the environmental impact of plastic products and packaging. This shift is essential for protecting marine life, preserving natural habitats, and maintaining a healthy planet. Additionally, biodegradable plastics can help address waste management challenges by offering more sustainable disposal options. #WasteReduction #MarineConservation #SustainablePackaging #GreenTechnology #EcoInnovation Despite their benefits, biodegradable plastics face challenges in production costs, performance, and public awareness. Researchers are working to improve the properties of biodegradable plastics, making them more durable and versatile for various applications. Efforts are also underway to increase consumer awareness and encourage adopting these sustainable alternatives. As technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, biodegradable plastics are expected to play a critical role in reducing plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable future. #InnovationInPlastics #SustainableFuture #BiodegradableTech #EnvironmentalInnovation #CircularEconomy (Credit: National Geographic, Science News)
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The Plastic Recycling Crisis: A Call for Change Did you know that only 17% of plastic is recycled? A huge part of this issue lies in the complexity of recycling plastics: Cost – Recycling is expensive, from collection to sorting and processing. Variety – Thousands of plastic types, each with unique properties, make it hard to recycle them together. Contamination – Food, labels, and other residues often compromise the quality of recycled plastics. Capacity – Many regions lack the infrastructure to handle diverse plastic types. With these challenges in mind, it’s clear we need alternatives to traditional plastics. Enter Teysha. Teysha’s innovative natural product polycarbonate platform is paving the way for sustainable plastics. By using renewable, biodegradable materials like saccharides and quinic acid, Teysha creates polymers with adjustable properties, such as strength, toughness, and water resistance. These polymers are not only eco-friendly but also designed to degrade into non-toxic by-products under natural conditions, reducing long-term environmental impact. What sets Teysha apart? Green Materials – Made from renewable resources and biodegradable. Optimizable Properties – Tailor polymers for everything from hard, durable materials to flexible, water-resistant ones. Scalable & Versatile – Compatible with existing production systems, offering easy integration into current manufacturing processes. Teysha’s platform offers a scalable, cost-effective solution to the plastic pollution crisis, replacing petroleum-based plastics with sustainable alternatives that can be used across a variety of industries. The future of plastics is here—and it’s renewable, biodegradable, and customizable. #Sustainability #Innovation #PlasticAlternatives #GreenTech #CircularEconomy #EcoFriendly #RenewableMaterials
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𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟱 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰-𝘁𝗼-𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 ♻️🌍 At the heart of the waste plastic environmental problem is the 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲-𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 of consumption, where plastic products are manufactured, bought, used briefly and then thrown away. Today, such a linear economic system is yielding to a circular paradigm, where disposed and discarded plastics can be converted into 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗶𝗹𝘀. These oils serve as ready feedstocks for manufacturing of new, low-carbon circular plastics, sustainable chemicals and renewable fuels, having applications across various industries including chemicals, transportation and aviation. This shift also paves the way for a 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰-𝘁𝗼-𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆, where hard-to-recycle waste plastics such as single-use polythene bags, flexible packaging films, ketchup bottles with food residues etc. can be endlessly recycled in a closed loop to manufacture new plastics that are identical to virgin polymers manufactured conventionally using crude oil. As we approach 2025, the plastic recycling sector finds itself in a perfect storm, spurred by technology innovations in 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, increasing demand for high-quality recycled content, corporate sustainability mandates and a recognition that the continued perpetuation of the take-make-dispose plastic economy is no longer an available option! 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝟱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰-𝘁𝗼-𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆. #CircularEconomy #ChemicalRecycling #AdvancedRecycling #PlasticRecycling #Sustainability #Pyrolysis #PolyCycl
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sharing my blog on "How biodegradable plastics can bring genuine environmental benefits, and what are its unique properties. What are the challenges in displacing conventional plastics with biodegradable alternatives?" Biodegradable plastics have the potential to bring significant environmental benefits by reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Unlike conventional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable plastics break down much more quickly, often within months or years, into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. This means they have a lower impact on the environment and can help reduce pollution and harm to wildlife.One of the unique properties of biodegradable plastics is their ability to degrade under natural conditions, such as exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture. This makes them a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries. Biodegradable plastics can also be made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, further reducing their environmental footprint.One major challenge is the cost of production, as biodegradable plastics can be more expensive to manufacture than traditional plastics. Additionally, there are concerns about the performance and durability of biodegradable plastics, as they may not be as strong or long-lasting as conventional plastics. There is also a lack of infrastructure for collecting and composting biodegradable plastics, which can hinder their ability to break down properly in the environment.Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of biodegradable plastics for the environment make them an important area of research and development. By addressing these challenges and increasing the availability and use of biodegradable plastics, we can move towards a more sustainable future with less plastic pollution and a healthier planet. #blogwriting #lovelyprofessionaluniversity #schoolofbioengineeringandbiosciences
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It’s not enough to call for the end of #PlasticUse, in order to achieve reduction in production of plastics & build a plastic free future, we need to create a circular economy for plastics, where: - We cut down the amount of plastics we use - Manage plastic waste better - Improve product design to make plastics easy to be recycled - Use sustainable materials to make plastic products #EarthDay #PlasticPollution #EndPlastics Cameron Hepburn Caitlin McElroy Oxford Martin School School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford https://lnkd.in/eFEeQpiU
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We’ve become too used to #Plastic products, and rapidly phasing out all single use plastics by 2030 will take a combination of actions in governance and policy. Read the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment - University of Oxford article on Cameron Hepburn Caitlin McElroy & Nadia Schroeder's publication on how we can work from different angles to reduce #PlasticPollution, namely: - Reduce the amount of plastic products - Improve plastic waste management - Design products looking at its end of life and recyclability - Look at sustainable materials to produce plastic products Read the article on the Nature Portfolio publication: https://lnkd.in/d6VaeD7P University of Oxford Oxford Chemistry #EarthDay #Endplastics
How to keep using (some) plastic without trashing the planet
smithschool.ox.ac.uk
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The Rise of Biodegradable Plastics: A Sustainable Revolution As the world grapples with the environmental consequences of traditional plastics, biodegradable plastics have emerged as a game-changer. These innovative materials offer a sustainable alternative that aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly products. What Are Biodegradable Plastics? Biodegradable plastics are designed to decompose naturally, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under specific conditions. Unlike conventional plastics, they reduce the accumulation of non-degradable waste, helping to combat pollution. Why the Shift Toward Biodegradable Plastics? 1. Environmental Concerns: Traditional plastics take hundreds of years to degrade, polluting ecosystems and harming wildlife. Biodegradable plastics address this issue by decomposing more quickly and naturally. 2. Consumer Demand: Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for products with minimal environmental impact, driving businesses to adopt biodegradable materials. 3. Government Policies: Many countries are implementing regulations and bans on single-use plastics, encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives. Applications of Biodegradable Plastics From packaging and agriculture to medical and industrial uses, biodegradable plastics are revolutionizing various industries. Popular examples include compostable food packaging, biodegradable cutlery, and agricultural mulch films. Challenges and the Way Forward While promising, biodegradable plastics face challenges such as higher production costs and limited availability of proper composting facilities. Continued research, innovation, and investment are critical to overcoming these hurdles and making biodegradable plastics accessible on a global scale. Benefits of Adopting Biodegradable Plastics Reduction in Plastic Pollution Conservation of Resources Support for Circular Economy The Future of Biodegradable Plastics The adoption of biodegradable plastics represents a significant step toward a greener future. With advancements in technology and increasing global awareness, these eco-friendly materials are poised to become a cornerstone of sustainable living. --- #BiodegradablePlastics #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #PlasticPollution #GoGreen #SustainableLiving #GreenRevolution #EnvironmentallyFriendly
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