August 2022

Whether in our cosmetics, in our clothes or on our plates, microplastics are everywhere. In response to this growing pollution problem, American scientists from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have come up with an alternative that is surprisingly sourced from silkworms.

We have been reporting on bioplastics derived from a variety of natural sources as contenders particularly for the five major commodity thermoplastics—PE, PP, PS, PVC, and PET.

Replacing your old extrusion line with a brand new one could improve your bottom line. But there are no guarantees, and you do have other options.

Keeping moldability front of mind from the outset of an injection molding project can save thousands of dollars.

Professor Edward Kosior, CEO and Founder of Nextek and NEXTLOOPP, shares his expertise on innovation in plastics and recycling for the food packaging sector.

Project to recover and coat whey onto plastic film for packaging cheese provides antimicrobial properties to extend shelf life 25 to 50%.

Once again, prices of the five major commodity resins are a mixed bag. Both PE and PP prices are on a downward trend, due to slowed demand and higher supplier inventories, with PVC in a somewhat similar situation, due to supplier inventory buildup yet relatively steadier demand. But sharply rising feedstock costs for both PS and PET are resulting in unprecedented price increases, though demand for the former is dismal compared with the latter.

With plastics recycling now a global growth market, compatibilizing resins and additives are increasingly being used to address challenges in using mixed resins for applications ranging from packaging and consumer goods to construction, agriculture and automotive.

The proprietary technology from Solvay protects polyolefins disinfected via UV-C irradiation from degradation.

Application has begun of a proprietary rubber compound design system that utilizes AI-based compound generation technology. The new system was developed by Yokohama with the cooperation of Hamagomu Aicom, a Yokohama Rubber subsidiary specializing in information system development. The new system’s use of AI to propose a compound with targeted rubber physical property values enables investigation of compounds which humans may not have conceived independently.

Manufacturer Bridgestone has approved plans to strengthen investments in its natural rubber plantations in Southeast Asia. The tire maker plans to invest US$26.7m by 2030 to ensure a sustainable supply of natural rubber for tire production. The company is also seeking to strengthen initiatives to contribute to circular economies and carbon neutrality across the entire value chain through the sustainable operation of its natural rubber plantations.

Myanmar exported 2,900 tonnes of rubber via sea and border trade routes in the second week of July.

In a day, how many times does an average consumer use a product that comes from a sachet or a plastic wrapper? Food, beverage, cookies, cooking ingredients, shampoo, liquid soap come in sachets. Numerous personal items are packaged in plastic –razor, hair brush, cosmetics, hygiene care products, towels, socks. Plus candies and fruits too. The list is long.

Garbage from take-away food and drinks make up 44 percent of plastic waste found at surveyed sites in Vietnam, according to the World Bank.

‘Magik Growth Bag’ or a nonwoven durian wrapping bag is a research innovation developed by The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to prevent pests and solve farmers’ use of chemical pesticides.