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UK biotech company Toraphene says it is preparing to unveil the world’s first truly biodegradable, compostable and commercially viable alternative to plastic packaging. It’s because they need specific manmade conditions to biodegrade, and many degrade into microplastics, which contaminate our oceans and food chain for centuries”.
Legislators in Europe seem to be keeping a closer eye on microplastics, with the introduction of European Union (EU) Regulation 2023/2055 in September being a recent milestone. While microplastics are useful, scientists, governments and consumers now recognize them as a major threat to the environment.
Where there's hope for speeding up business action on plastics. Its landmark report, "The New Plastics Economy," sounded the alarm in 2016 that if "business as usual" continues, by 2025 the ocean may hold more plastic than fish by weight. Only five years ago, few corporate leaders had plastic pollution on their official radar.
Dr Rosa Busquets is Associate Professor in Analytical Chemistry and Forensics at Kingston University What are microplastics, why are they such a problem and what can be done to reduce the pollution they cause? From studies involving organisms, we know that microplastics can cause inflammation, which is a common step in many diseases.
Scientists at UBC’s BioProducts Institute find that if you add tannins to a layer of wood dust, you can create a filter that traps virtually all microplastic particles present in water, according to recently reported research. per cent of plastic particles in a column of water, depending on plastic type. per cent to 99.9
Biodegradable vs compostable: Addressing the confusion. Biodegradable vs compostable: Which material would you choose ? As the bio-based industry grows, we’re witnessing an increasing number of biodegradable and compostable claims. As such, this Green Business Bureau article defines biodegradable and compostable.
Disposable plastics are posing serious problems for our planet. Across Europe, a single-use plastic ban will come into effect from 2021, targeting straws, cotton buds, and disposable cutlery, among other products. Biodegradable straws are one of the alternatives available that fit these criteria. What are Biodegradable Straws?
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, used in bottles and food containers, was one of the most common sources of microplastic identified in the study (image caption: Kevin Doncaster , CC BY 2.0 A potential link between microplastics and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been flagged up by a scientific study released in late December.
Enter biodegradable luminescent polymersa dazzling innovation that promises to light up our lives while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet. Luminescent Polymers: The Glow-Up We Need This is where biodegradable luminescent polymers come in. Traditionally, these materials are derived from petrochemicals and are not biodegradable.
Consumer goods giants continue to face growing scrutiny over their reliance on plastics in their packaging, with fresh research published yesterday having found microplastics in products manufactured by almost 90 per cent of the top-selling cosmetics brands. What we do know is that these products, used day-in day-out, contain plastic.
New “bio” ropes made from biomaterials have the potential to replace conventional plastics of fossil origin in mussel and algae cultivation, say the groups behind their development, who claim sustainability advantages including up to 34% carbon footprint reduction compared to ropes made from conventional plastics.
Bioplastics As An Alternative to Petroleum-Based Plastics. The development of bioplastics – plastics that are biodegradable and made of natural materials – provides businesses with eco-friendly alternatives for packaging and products, especially single-use items that contribute a lot of waste.
is aiding the world in the fight against single-use plastic waste by offering a variety of biodegradable organic bamboo products for personal use, homes and businesses. From disposable utensils to dental and hair care, EcoLuxe has an array of eco-friendly alternatives to help you reduce your plastic footprint.
New research combining Planet’s high cadence satellite imagery and other innovative technologies has successfully found the sources and pathways of plastic pollution in the Caribbean Sea. A boom is filled with plastic, and yet was only able to collect small amounts of it due to much of the debris passing it by. km2 to 0.77km2.
University of Edinburgh start-up firm EVA Biosystems has developed a plastic that is described as being able to sense when it’s in the ocean and break itself down without creating microplastics. EVA Biosystems’ innovation involves adding special bacteria to conventional plastics.
The fully biodegradable and compostable packaging innovation has been developed in Edinburgh with support from Innovate UK and Sky Ocean Ventures. As a result, it claims the container is fully biodegradeable and compostable, and can break down in the natural environmental without causing any harmful impact within 12 months.
The spotlight If you’ve read any climate-related news in the past several years, you’re probably familiar with the scourge of microplastics. These tiny bits of plastic end up clogging oceans. The bits of plastic shed from synthetic textiles have their own term: microfibers.
It was only a decade or so ago that scientists first suspected our clothing, increasingly made of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, might be major contributors to the global plastic problem. By one estimate , they account for as much as one-third of all microplastics released to the ocean. This year U.S.
Use less plastic, in all forms. Petroleum-based plastic packaging is derived from our finite supply of fossil fuels and much of it does not break down completely for hundreds to thousands of years. Use 100% biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials. Biodegradable vs Compostable Packaging.
The textile is seemingly produced without the use of toxins and is “organic and biodegradable.” Differently coloured trustmarks indicate whether products and/or packaging are free of plastics and microplastics or are made of recyclates.
It uses an innovative polymer, Hydropol, instead of conventional plastic. Furthermore, if unintentionally released into the natural environment, Hydropol – which is non-toxic and marine safe – will dissolve and subsequently biodegrade. It is already being used in products such as reusable, heat sealable paper mailing bags.
Use less plastic, in all forms. Petroleum-based plastic packaging is derived from our finite supply of fossil fuels and much of it does not break down completely for hundreds to thousands of years. Use 100% biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials. Biodegradable vs Compostable Packaging.
With the launch of the US branch of the Plastics Pact the case for corporates to step up their plastic waste reduction efforts are becoming clearer than ever. Its landmark report, "The New Plastics Economy," sounded the alarm in 2016 that if "business as usual" continues, by 2025 the ocean may hold more plastic than fish by weight.
For years we’ve listened to environmentalists and conservationists talk about the need to reduce plastic waste. This problem does not seem to be going away as quickly as it should.
Guy Fennell, cofounder of environmentally friendly baby wipe company Pura, talks to BusinessGreen about his plans to disrupt the wasteful baby care industry with kerbside nappy recycling and plastic-free baby wipes. With 90 per cent of wet wipes in the UK made from plastic, the products boast carbon intensive production processes.
For years we’ve listened to environmentalists and conservationists talk about the need to reduce plastic waste. Not only do new plastic waste deposits still make it into the ecosystem, but because plastic is not biodegradable, it will take decades to rehabilitate the ocean. More specifically, microplastic.
Not to mention over one-third of microplastics found in oceans come from synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester, along with laundry detergents. Petite Lucette further combats the plastic crisis by shipping orders in recyclable boxes with recycled tissue paper. Organic cotton is less water intensive than conventional cotton.
These brands are manufacturing their shoes from recycled and biodegradable materials and sourcing sustainably while still achieving the durability and comfort that shoe lovers expect. Note : When buying biodegradable products, ensure that there is a facility that can collect these items as biodegradable materials require special processing.
But what if those pesky toothpaste tubes were made of something biodegradable ? But this sustainable toothpaste from Rocc Naturals is aiming to help manage this ever-growing plastic crisis. It’s packaged in biodegradable tubes, which can be a big step toward lessening the plastics nightmare the Earth currently finds itself in.
RECYCLED PLASTIC. Recycled plastic used in construction offers a building material that has a lower carbon footprint and is stronger than brick, all while tackling our plastic waste problem ( 367 million metric tons produced globally in 2020). You can find Tangent Materials green product certifications on their website.
The associated tanning process involves toxic chemicals including mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, and oils and dyes which are not biodegradable and another waterway contaminate source. Overall, toxic fashion contributes to 35% or 190,000 tons per year of ocean microplastic pollution. .
Less than 10% of plastic gets recycled, and we’re now each ingesting a credit cards’ worth of microplastics a week. Be sure to have a hazardous waste recycling policy that stretches beyond simply paper and plastics to ensure the greatest amount of waste is diverted from landfills. Opt for Quality Over Quantity.
The Australian federal government has launched the National Plastic Plan , which seeks to deal with plastic pollution in various areas. According to the government, the plan will be aimed at banning single-use plastics on beaches, ending expanded polystyrene packaging and introducing microplastic filters for washing machines.
A sweeping strategy to boost reuse, repair, and recycling across a multitude of consumer products has been unveiled by the European Commission this week, with stricter rules planned for food, plastics, textiles, construction, and electronics in a bid to cut down on waste and pollution.
A recent study reports plastic pollution has deposited itself into our fossil record. Water bottles, lunch bags and clothing laced with microfibers— welcome to what some are calling the “plastic age.” We all learn in school about the stone age, the bronze age and iron age – is this going to be known as the plastic age?”
New research by The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ has found that the plastic flow into the oceans could triple by 2040 without immediate action. According to the researchers, the methods currently used to deal with plastic pollution are less effective unless they are consolidated and accompanied by new technology and more research.
New research by The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ has found that the plastic flow into the oceans could triple by 2040 without immediate action. According to the researchers, the methods currently used to deal with plastic pollution are less effective unless they are consolidated and accompanied by new technology and more research.
Scientists are predicting that by the year 2050, the ocean may have more plastic than fish. While countries around the world are beginning to take a stand against single-use items and plastics in grocery stores, restaurants and retail chains, there are still measures that consumers can take within their very own households.
Everyone has heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the damage caused to marine life by plastic pollution in the oceans. The plan is to find a way to recycle the recovered plastics so that the project begins to pay for itself. Each year around 600,000 to 800,000 metric tonnes of fishing gear is dumped or lost at sea.
Mexico City-based NOS has come out with a design to address one of the many causes of plastic pollution that consumers tend to overlook: toothbrushes. The company’s Everloop toothbrush combines a reusable, recycled plastic handle with replaceable bristles made from compostable bamboo.
Made of tiny bits of shiny or translucent plastic, they are a significant contributor to ocean microplastics and fashion-derived plastic waste. The dress is entirely carbon-neutral and free from synthetic plastics or dyes. Sequins have long been a source of concern for environmentally conscious fashion designers.
Despite the promises and inflated price tag, biodegradable glitter ends up the same way as old-school glitter — wreaking havoc on aquatic ecosystems. Related: Scientists call for a worldwide ban on the global hazard of glitter Regular glitter is made from PET plastic. Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, U.K.
The associated tanning process involves toxic chemicals including mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, and oils and dyes which are not biodegradable and another waterway contaminate source. Overall, toxic fashion contributes to 35% or 190,000 tons per year of ocean microplastic pollution. .
Decarbonizing packaging Since the 1950s, the world has produced over 9 billion tons (bt) of plastics. Of these plastics, around 36% are used in packaging. Novamont is an Italian company B Corp certified leader in the production of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics from renewable resources.
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