ENCINA’s Post

Plastics are often misunderstood in environmental discussions, yet they can be more eco-friendly than many realize when used responsibly and recycled effectively. Unlike many alternative materials, plastics are lightweight, which reduces transportation emissions and energy consumption across the supply chain. In many applications, plastics also have a longer lifespan, which can minimize resource use over time. When we recycle plastics, we further reduce their environmental impact by saving energy, conserving raw materials, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to creating new plastic. Plus, advancements in recycling technology mean that more types of plastic can now be reprocessed and kept within a circular economy. By shifting our focus from single-use to sustainable, multi-use solutions, plastics can be part of a greener, more responsible approach to resource management. Click the link below for a quick read on the climate impact of plastics. #PlasticRecyclingWeek #Recycling #Sustainability #PlasticRecycling #RecyclingisReal https://lnkd.in/eVzW-FYT

Research from the The University of Sheffield, conducted in collaboration with experts from the University of Cambridge and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, reveals that substituting plastics with alternative materials may inadvertently lead to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study, https://lnkd.in/eRckVtEt, published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology, assessed 16 applications of plastics across five critical sectors: packaging, building and construction, automotive, textiles, and consumer durables. These sectors collectively account for approximately 90% of the global plastic volume. The findings indicate that, in 15 out of the 16 applications, plastic products emit 10% to 90% fewer GHG emissions throughout their life cycle compared to their non-plastic alternatives. Futhermore, in certain applications—such as food packaging—no suitable alternatives to plastics exist. For most plastic products, increasing the efficiency of plastic use, extending the lifetime, boosting recycling rates, and improving waste collection would be more effective for reducing emissions. ENCINA is deeply invested in advanced recycling technology to combat the plastic pollution crisis and manage greenhouse gas emissions. We believe a balanced strategy is pivotal for fostering a sustainable future. #Sustainability #GreenhouseGasReduction #AdvancedRecycling

U.S. Plastics Pact recently pushed back its plastic reduction goals from 2025 to 2030. While this shift raises questions, it underscores the complexity of achieving ambitious sustainability targets. The extension should be seen as a moment of recalibration to achieve the ultimate goal: successfully reducing plastic waste. Aggressive timelines can be challenging without significant advancements in recycling infrastructure, material science, and consumer behavior change. However, the core objective remains: reducing plastic waste. I believe the answer likely lies in collaboration. Open communication and shared responsibility across the entire value chain - brand owners, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers - are not just important; they are crucial for progress. Continued innovation in recyclable packaging design will play a key role in our collective efforts. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eTVR3nq5 #USPlasticsPact #PlasticsPact #Danone #CocaCola #Nestle #Innovation #Sustainability #PlasticWaste #Innovation #Plastics #CircularEconomy

We need to replace plastics with plastics-free alternatives! Always? In a study focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, Meng et al. (The University of Sheffield and Kungliga Tekniska högskolan) compared the use of plastic with alternative solutions across 16 applications. The results may surprise some. For 15 out of 16 applications, plastic products emit fewer GHGs than their alternatives throughout their entire life cycle. But does that mean we should always opt for plastics? It's not quite that straightforward. If you've been following our other posts, you'll know we advocate for a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), rather than solely focusing on GHG emissions. However, the core message remains unchanged. Meng et al. note: "[…] care must be taken when formulating policies or interventions to reduce plastic use […]". There's no one-size-fits-all solution. We need to gather data thoroughly and choose the most appropriate technology for each problem. Sometimes, plastic may indeed be the best option. In such cases, our focus should be on "[…] increasing the efficiency of plastic use, extending its lifespan, boosting recycling rates, and improving waste collection […]". If you are looking for the best solution to improve your sustainability, our team LCA experts (lca@comprisetec.de) will gather the data for you and if you want to go even further, the head of our integrated product development team, Lorenz Wruck (wruck@comprisetec.de) will help you with a more circular approach for your products. You can also check our website: https://lnkd.in/efNrbPq7

With only 10% of global plastic waste being recycled, NTU Singapore researchers are tackling the issue head-on. They’re transforming e-waste plastics for biomedical use, converting difficult-to-recycle plastics into hydrogen and carbon additives, and creating energy-efficient processes to break down plastics into valuable compounds. These innovations aim to foster a circular economy, illustrating NTU's dedication to solving the global plastic waste crisis through cutting-edge recycling methods. https://t.ly/GUn1m

In 1950 global plastic production was 2M tonnes, today it is 348M tonnes. 11M tonnes of plastic enters our oceans every year. If we do not constrain, restrain and reduce plastic production then we will produce 700M tonnes in 2040, 40M tonnes will enter our oceans every year by 2050 and plastic production will represent between 21% and 31% of global carbon emissions. A legally binding, international agreement to reduce primary plastic production will encourage responsible use, a circular economy, and adoption of alternative materials with a lower environmental impact. The ‘North Star’ seems like an excellent starting point.

Researchers have discovered a cost-effective way to vaporize plastic waste and turn it into valuable chemicals. This breakthrough could revolutionize the way we handle plastic pollution, transforming waste into a resource and paving the way for a more sustainable future. Innovations like these bring us closer to a circular economy, where every piece of plastic is given a new life. #Sustainability #Recycling #Innovation #CircularEconomy

Did you know the plastic products we use every day might contain thousands of chemicals, many of which aren't even regulated? LitChemPlast is a new database with a goal of sharing info on 3,500+ chemicals found in 47,000 plastic samples, revealing how things like poor recycling practices can lead to harmful substances (like flame retardants) ending up in everyday items, even toys. This tool aims to bring awareness to more responsible usage of plastics by helping us find and phase out harmful chemicals, tracking pollution back to its source and driving better policies for recycling and beyond. If we want a truly sustainable future, we need transparency like this. Recycling isn't enough, we need to #rethink plastic altogether. https://lnkd.in/eGMt92Nr

GHG emissions are an often-overlooked part of the sustainability conversation when it comes to plastics. Studies, like this one from McKinsey, show that plastics are most often the best solution for packaging applications from a GHG emissions perspective. Banning any polymers or plastic packaging applications (Plastic Bags or EPS food service items as examples), will increase carbon emissions. When we discuss the benefits of plastics, the conversation invariably shifts to end-of-life concerns. Yes, we can be more efficient in recycling plastic products, and that will require collaboration between government and industry to address the overall lack of infrastructure. We need to view these issues holistically. We need to reduce GHG emissions through the use of plastics in packaging, and we also need to recycle more plastics. Both can be true. https://lnkd.in/dpa8HYey

We at Efficient Innovations Pvt. Ltd. observe our industry's challenges and opportunities, particularly concerning environmental sustainability. The recent article on Plastics Today, "Planet vs. Plastics: Not All Plastic Problems Are the Same," sheds light on the nuances of our work and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between different types of plastics and their environmental impacts.   Rigid packaging plays a crucial role in preserving goods and reducing waste, but addressing its end-of-life scenario is essential. This means not only advocating for increased recycling and improved mechanical recycling processes but also innovating designs that priorities reusability and recyclability.   At Efficient Innovations Pvt. Ltd., we're committed to minimising our environmental footprint while delivering quality products through our services and leveraging our industry experience to help our clients achieve their innovation sustainability goals. The path to a sustainable future for the plastics industry hinges on collaboration, education, and innovation. Let's continue working together to make a positive impact! #sustainability #rigidpackagingsolution #pcr #plasticsindustry #innovationativedesign #technicalprojectmanagement #monopacakging #costsaving ##lightweighing https://lnkd.in/dKHUuVrs