How Lasers Could Solve the World’s Plastic Problem
A team has created a laser technique to break down tough plastics into valuable components, offering a new, sustainable approach to tackling global plastic pollution….
Plastic News
Plastic refers to a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that are moldable and made primarily from polymers. These materials are notable for their versatility, durability, and low cost. Plastics are produced through the polymerization of organic substances, primarily derived from petroleum and natural gas. They can be engineered to exhibit various properties, including flexibility, strength, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity, making them suitable for an extensive array of applications. Common uses include packaging, building and construction, household items, electronics, and automotive components. Despite their utility, the environmental impact of plastics, particularly their persistence in ecosystems and the challenges associated with recycling and disposal, has led to increased scrutiny and a push towards more sustainable alternatives and improved waste management practices.
The Surprising Truth: How Long “Biodegradable” Straws Last in Ocean Waters
Studies show that biodegradable straws made from paper and bioplastics like CDA and PHA degrade in ocean water within 8 to 20 months, offering a…
New Bioplastic Straw Degrades Even Faster in the Ocean Than Paper
Researchers determine the lifetimes of commercial drinking straws in the coastal ocean and develop a prototype bioplastic straw that degrades even faster than paper. A…
Scientists Discover Marine Fungus That Can Eat Plastic
Researchers found that the fungus Parengyodontium album degrades UV-exposed polyethylene in the ocean, suggesting that similar fungi might also break down plastics in deeper waters….
New Plant-Based Plastic Releases 9 Times Less Microplastics
Recent research shows that plant-based plastics release far fewer microplastics than traditional plastics in marine environments, suggesting they could be a more environmentally friendly option….
Breakthrough Enzyme Discovery Could Make Widely Used Plastic Polystyrene Biodegradable
Studying the role of a particular bacterial enzyme has paved the way for the biotechnological breakdown of styrene. Polystyrene, composed of styrene units, is the…
Alarming Discovery: 9936 Chemicals Found in Food Packaging Plastic
Researchers identified as many as 9,936 distinct chemicals in a single plastic food packaging product. Plastic is a very complex material that can contain many…
Breaking the Skin Barrier: Scientists Discover New Health Risks of Microplastics
New research indicates that toxic chemicals added to plastic materials for flame resistance can enter the body through the skin by contact with microplastics. The…
Revolutionizing Plastics: Safer, Greener LDPE Alternatives Unveiled
A new sustainable method replicates the desirable properties of LDPE plastic using less energy, through a novel catalytic process that creates a ladder-like molecular structure,…
World-First Study Reveals That There Is up to 100x More Plastic on the Ocean Floor Than the Surface
New research conducted by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and the University of Toronto in Canada, estimates up to 11 million tons of plastic pollution…
Microbial Magic: Genetic Tweaks Unlock Superior Bioplastics
Engineered bacteria can produce a plastic modifier that makes renewably sourced plastic more processable, more fracture-resistant and highly biodegradable even in sea water. The Kobe…
Unseen Hazard: The Invisible World of Plastics and Oligomers in Your Laundry
Oligomers are released from polyester textiles. Plastic household items and clothing made of synthetic fibers release microplastics: particles less than five millimetres in size that…
The Entire Ocean Ecosystem Is Threatened – Scientists Uncover Shocking Spread of Plastics Beyond Known Garbage Patches
A study by the UFZ has uncovered the presence of microplastics in a remote marine protected region. When plastic finds its way into the ocean,…
Global Warming and Plastic Pollution Are Inextricably Trapped in a “Vicious Circle”
Typically viewed as unrelated problems, global warming and plastic pollution are instead inextricably trapped in a “vicious circle” where one feeds the other, researchers in…
Saving Millions of Dollars – Cutting-Edge Reactor Substantially Reduces Costs for Key Plastics Ingredient
A new way to make an important ingredient for plastics, adhesives, carpet fibers, household cleaners, and more from natural gas could reduce manufacturing costs in…
Eco-Friendly Breakthrough: New Polymers Made From Plant Cellulose
Cellulose, widely sourced from plant matter, can be transformed into molecules for the creation of a novel category of recyclable polymers, offering a sustainable alternative…
Revolutionizing Plastics: How Sugar-Based Polyamides Could Save Our Planet
In today’s fast-paced industrial society, the search for eco-friendly materials is more pressing than ever. Plastics, which are a common part of everyday life, present…
Nature-Inspired Breakthrough: Artificial “Worm Gut” Devours Plastic Waste
A group of researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), has created a artificial ‘worm gut’ capable of decomposing plastics. This innovation presents a…