In recent years, the conversation around plastics has shifted dramatically. The urgency to transform how we approach plastic waste has never been more pronounced. The U.S. Plastics Pact’s 2023-2024 Impact Report serves as an essential guide for businesses, policymakers, and the public, highlighting the critical need for collaboration and innovative solutions to achieve a circular […]
The Future of Bio-Based Chemicals: Overcoming Challenges for a Sustainable Tomorrow
In an age where climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly alarming, the shift towards bio-based chemicals and materials offers a beacon of hope. Derived from biological resources such as plants, algae, and organic waste, bio-based alternatives promise to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on finite fossil resources. Despite their inherent environmental advantages, […]
Agro2Circular: Pioneering Circular Solutions in the Agri-Food Industry
In the face of escalating waste management challenges, innovative solutions are urgently needed. Agro2Circular, a European project funded by the H2020 Research & Innovation EU programme, is setting the standard for sustainable practices in the agri-food sector. Based in Murcia, Spain, the initiative aims to develop a comprehensive circular economy model that addresses two significant […]
Revolutionizing Packaging: The Films for Future (F3) Initiative
In an age where environmental concerns are at the forefront of consumer preferences, the Films for Future (F3) project stands as a beacon of innovation in sustainable packaging. Launched in 2022, this initiative represents a powerful collaboration between VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, LUT University, and an impressive consortium of 34 industrial partners. Backed […]
The Rise of Digital Product Passports: A Pathway to Sustainable Technology Practices
In today’s fast-paced world, the consumption of electronic gadgets has caught up with our desire for innovation, creating significant environmental challenges. The mounting issue of e-waste, which remains one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams globally, highlights a pressing need for intervention. Recent reports indicate that less than 25% of e-waste produced worldwide in 2022 […]
H&M- and Vargas-Backed Recycling Venture to Hit Commercial Production by Mid-2025
The fashion industry is undergoing significant changes driven by increasing environmental awareness and sustainable practices. One of the most promising developments in this transition is the rise of Syre, a polyester recycling company backed by H&M and the Vargas group. Launched in early 2024, Syre is on track to start its first commercial production facility […]
Ban on Single-Use Vapes: A Necessary Step Toward a Sustainable Future
Single-use vapes have increasingly become a common sight in the lives of many, particularly among young people. However, the environmental consequences of this trend are alarming. The UK government’s recent move to ban the sale of single-use vapes addresses not only the escalating waste crisis caused by these products but also the health concerns surrounding […]
Driving Toward a Circular Economy: The UK’s Path to Effective Plastic Recycling by 2035
The landscape of plastic waste management in the UK faces an urgent call for transformation as the nation strives to achieve its ambitious recycling targets by 2035. Recent insights provided in collaboration with RECOUP outline a clear direction, shedding light on the essential changes required to meet set goals. Irina Ankudinova, the Sustainability & Circularity […]
Unlocking the Potential of Hemp-Based Polymers
In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, the quest for sustainable materials has taken on new urgency. One promising avenue emerging is the use of hemp-based polymers, which offer versatile applications while also contributing to ecological well-being. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, these biopolymers combine functionality with minimal environmental impact, paving the way for a […]
Fashion’s Plastic Addiction in Four Charts
In the past few decades, the fashion industry has undergone a seismic shift driven by the adoption of synthetic materials, particularly polyester. A recent report from the nonprofit organization Textile Exchange reveals alarming statistics that highlight the urgency of addressing the environmental impact of this ubiquitous fabric. Polyester now constitutes nearly two-thirds of the global […]