Adrian Higson’s Post

Check out this insightful article from the latest issue of Plastics Engineering - Powered by SPE - discussing the complexities surrounding plastics biodegradability. "Plastics Biodegradability: What Lies Beneath the Label," delves into the common misconceptions consumers have about terms like "biodegradable" and "bio-based." It highlights the intricate factors, such as chemical structure and crystallinity, that truly determine a material's biodegradability, challenging the assumption that products derived from natural sources are inherently biodegradable. A must-read for anyone interested in sustainable solutions and environmental consciousness!

Consumer demand for recycled packaging is on the rise. A new global report from Smithers estimates the annual global market for food-grade post consumer recycled (PCR) plastic resins will expand to nearly 6.7 million metric tons by 2029, with Asia driving the highest growth rates. Freepoint Eco-Systems is leveraging advanced recycling to meet this demand, turning hard-to-recycle plastic into certified-circular, food-grade feedstock for new products and packaging. Learn more about partnering with us to close the loop on plastic: https://lnkd.in/eqBTknRf #CPG #advancedrecycling #pcr #globalrecycling #recycledplastic #sustainablepackaging

With the push for sustainability, use of bio-based and circular raw materials has accelerated quickly. Read our statement and guiding principles on bio-based plastics: https://bit.ly/3SOg0GX #bioplastics #sustainability #plastics

Plastics Biodegradability: What Lies Beneath the Label https://lnkd.in/g2EzH7uR #Biodegradability #Plastics #PlasticsEngineering

🌍 California Plastics: Your One-Stop Shop for PCR and PIR Plastics At California Plastics, we’re committed to driving sustainability in the plastics industry by offering high-quality Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) and Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) plastics. These materials are more than just eco-friendly alternatives—they are essential components in building a circular economy. Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics: These resins are derived from finished products that have completed their lifecycle and are then recycled into new materials. By using PCR plastics, you help divert waste from landfills and reduce dependence on virgin fossil fuels, making a positive impact on the environment. Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) Plastics: PIR resins are created from waste generated during production. These resins offer properties similar to their virgin counterparts and are a cost-effective and efficient alternative. As environmental regulations tighten, using recycled content in plastic applications is no longer an option but a necessity. At California Plastics, we offer a wide range of recycled-content resins, including: Polyethylene (PE) Polypropylene (PP) Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) Polycarbonate (PC) Nylon (PA 6 and PA 66) We even source materials from recycled plastics and commercial fishing nets! 🐟♻️ Let us help you find the perfect recycled resin for your needs. 🌱 Download our line card or contact us today to request a sample. Together, we can shape a more sustainable future for plastics manufacturing. #sustainability #recycling #plastics #circulareconomy #CaliforniaPlastics #environmentalimpact #pcr #pir #recycledplastics #innovation

A next crucial step towards chemical recycling of plastics.

oxo biodegradable plastics are materials that are mainly made of standard conventional plastics such as PE, PP, PET etc. with some “special” additives. These additives are catalytic materials which help the products to biodegrade in a two-step process: oxidation and then biodegradation. A recent Court decision, based on scientific studies available at the time of the Single use Plastics Directive’s adoption, highlights concerns about the low to non-existent level of biodegradation of this material. Find out more here, as oxo-biodegradable plastics head for ban ➡ https://lnkd.in/ePT_htjt

Interesting report that this article cites, but it seems that it's more focused on the sins of the past rather than the recent and future advancements in plastics recycling technology and waste-to-energy conversion techniques. I work directly with or am of a friend of both polymer manufacturers and those who create products from resins, and let me tell you, their use of recycled material is *significant* and is going into products that we use every day at the commercial and household consumer levels. From pyrolysis to scrap reclamation, the amount of material recycled and reused is much more than this report suggests. Not trying to be an industry apologist, but the facts are that the plastics industry is working very hard to move in a direction of sustainable processes and products, and that we should be focused on moving forward and holding the industry to those commitments rather than looking backward. https://lnkd.in/gEqYJ4C5

Our planet is choking on plastics. Some of the worst offenders, which can take decades to degrade in landfills, are polypropylene—which is used for things such as food packaging and bumpers—and polyethylene, found in plastic bags, bottles, toys, and even mulch. Polypropylene and polyethylene can be recycled, but the process can be difficult and often produces large quantities of the greenhouse gas methane. They are both polyolefins, which are the products of polymerizing ethylene and propylene, raw materials that are mainly derived from fossil fuels. The bonds of polyolefins are also notoriously hard to break.

🌍 California Plastics: Your One-Stop Shop for PCR and PIR Plastics At California Plastics, we’re committed to driving sustainability in the plastics industry by offering high-quality Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) and Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) plastics. These materials are more than just eco-friendly alternatives—they are essential components in building a circular economy. Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics: These resins are derived from finished products that have completed their lifecycle and are then recycled into new materials. By using PCR plastics, you help divert waste from landfills and reduce dependence on virgin fossil fuels, making a positive impact on the environment. Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) Plastics: PIR resins are created from waste generated during production. These resins offer properties similar to their virgin counterparts and are a cost-effective and efficient alternative. As environmental regulations tighten, using recycled content in plastic applications is no longer an option but a necessity. At California Plastics, we offer a wide range of recycled-content resins, including: Polyethylene (PE) Polypropylene (PP) Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) Polycarbonate (PC) Nylon (PA 6 and PA 66) We even source materials from recycled plastics and commercial fishing nets! 🐟♻️ Let us help you find the perfect recycled resin for your needs. 🌱 Download our line card or contact us today to request a sample. Together, we can shape a more sustainable future for plastics manufacturing. #sustainability #recycling #plastics #circulareconomy #CaliforniaPlastics #environmentalimpact #pcr #pir #recycledplastics #innovation