Zoltan Kish, Ph.D.’s Post

The world is drowning in plastic. Alarming statistics reveal that a staggering amount of plastic waste is generated globally, with only a small fraction being successfully recycled. Here at Fusion One Energy Corp, we're deeply concerned about this growing environmental crisis. Studies like the one by the Smithsonian Magazine (https://lnkd.in/eeGnDg4q) highlight the sobering reality: a vast majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills, polluting our environment for centuries to come. This plastic influx harms wildlife, contaminates ecosystems, and threatens public health. While traditional recycling methods face limitations, Fusion One offers a groundbreaking solution. Our HydroPlas™ technology provides a second life to plastic waste by converting it into clean, usable energy – hydrogen fuel. This innovative approach diverts plastic from landfills and creates a sustainable energy source. We believe that tackling plastic waste requires a multi-pronged approach. We need to: 1) Reduce reliance on single-use plastics 2) Invest in and improve recycling infrastructure 3) Embrace innovative waste-to-energy solutions like Fusion One's HydroPlas™ technology Let's work together to turn the tide on plastic waste. Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. How can we create a future where plastic waste becomes a resource, not a burden? #wastetoenergy #plasticsolution #sustainability #cleantech #FusionOne

How do we stop 52.1 million tons of plastic waste from entering the environment each year? 🤔 A new local-to-global emissions inventory of plastic pollution has been published in nature magazine and is worth the read. The study's outcomes are meant to support negotations for a global plastic treaty. The facts displayed are haunting, to say the least. (Scroll down for the optimistic part, solutions!) 🏘 Households produce 250 million tons of post-consumer waste annually. 20% of this amount, 52,1 million tons, are emitted into the environment. 🔥 The biggest source of plastic pollution is mismanaged waste in low- to mid-income countries. 🇸🇴 The plastic emissions of Mogadischu, Somalia are 680x higher than Hamburg, Germany. 👎 In countries of the Global North, individual littering is the number one emission source. Now, onwards to what can and must be done. 1️⃣ Above all, we have to start upstream and reduce waste generation in the first place. This requires a reduction of plastics produced. 2️⃣ Equally important is the rapid expansion of collection services and waste management infrastructure. 3️⃣ To improve recycling, products and packaging have to be redesigned to be fit for circularity. Obviously we have an incredibly complex problem at hand, which will require a multisectoral approach. But there's also strong signs of hope and improvement, which should fuel our efforts. Here's my personal highlight: 💪 The study finds that informal recyclers, entrepreneurs are already collecting 49,8 million tons of plastic waste per year! This is as much as the entire amount emitted into the environment! Wow! It is a long way to go, but at WILDPLASTIC® we are ready for it. Have a great weekend, everyone. ☀

In preparation to the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution (INC-4) taking place in Canada later this month, the CEO of Dow Chemical wrote this article in Fortune magazine and has some good points, but falls short of real and specific solutions, and nowhere does he say how Dow will help solve the plastic pollution problem. Plastics are essential to our modern world, so no one is talking about banning plastics. In this article he first talks about innovation through design (design for recycling, use less plastic, use more recycled content, make products last longer, etc.), which is a good point. Second, he mentions that recycling technology continues to improve, which is true.  and he says that money will be needed to reduce plastic pollution, also true. At the end, he never really addresses the oversupply of cheap virgin plastic (and low-grade plastic) that creates so much plastic pollution and makes it almost impossible for recycled resins to compete, or that most consumer product companies do not use much recycled resin and therefore the recycling infrastructure in the US is very weak, or that the chemical industry receives billions of dollars in subsidies from governments around the world to produce more plastic year after year, or that there is very little financial support for increasing recycling rates, and that there is not much talk of how we can all use less plastic (and less metal, less glass, less packaging, less materials, etc). There is still so much work to be done, let's hope for a good conference. #recycling #plasticrecycling #plasticsrecycling #sustainability #plasticpollution #plastics #plasticreduction

🌍 Plastic Pollution: A Global Crisis We Must Tackle Together 🌍 Did you know that plastic production is expected to double or even triple by 2050? That's a big problem—not just for our environment, but also for global emissions. In 2019 alone, the plastic industry generated 2.24 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent (GtCO2e)—which represents 5.3% of total global GHG emissions. As plastic production relies heavily on fossil fuels, the emissions from plastic production are on track to consume up to 31% of the global carbon budget necessary to keep temperature rise below 1.5°C by 2050. This means that addressing plastic pollution isn’t just about managing waste—it’s about solving a huge part of the climate crisis. 🛑 At Blue Standard Inc., we're stepping up with innovative solutions like our proprietary Circular Textiles, a material that transforms textile waste into beautiful, fully circular products. This technology: ✅ Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 97% ✅ Slashes wastewater by 99% ✅ Eliminates the need for new plastic production ✅ Can replace nearly any petroleum-based plastic (PP, PET, HDPE, Nylon, and more) Our Vernovo material is another game-changer—made from 100% natural and renewable resources, offering a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics. We are working towards a new standard. A Blue Standard, where every material is circular.🌱♻️ https://lnkd.in/eQ4Kz3Cu #Sustainability #ClimateChange #CircularEconomy #PlasticPollution #Innovation #BlueStandard #RenewableMaterials #GHGReduction #CircularTextiles #Vernovo #circularplus #textilewaste #reduceco2

The plastic waste problem is still growing every year and it's not just waste. Plastic production accounts for 2.24 gigatonnes of CO2 or 5.53% of the total global GHG emissions in 2019 and growing. Plastic production is expected to double or even triple by 2050 based on a 2024 report from Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory. Solutions are needed now. Cost-effective, scalable, and measurable changes have to be made to make the switch with the speed at which it is required to make a tangible difference. I am proud to be a part of a company whose sole focus is on providing solutions to industries to stem the rising tide of plastic pollution at a global level, but we are far from finished! Very insightful report (https://lnkd.in/eBr3kicM)

Study finds four global policies could eliminate >90% of plastic waste and 30% of linked carbon emissions by 2050 Phys.org 11/14/24 A study released in Science determines that just four policies can reduce mismanaged plastic waste—plastic that isn't recycled or properly disposed of and ends up as pollution—by 91% and plastic-related greenhouse gases by one-third. The policies are: - Mandate new products be made with 40% post-consumer recycled plastic - Cap new plastic production at 2020 levels - Invest significantly in plastic waste management such as landfills and waste collection services - Implement a small fee on plastic packaging This policy package also delivers climate benefits, reducing emissions equivalent to taking 300 million gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for one year. The study, "Pathways to reduce global plastic waste mismanagement and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050," (https://lnkd.in/e_FJdNkn) by researchers at the University of California Berkeley and the University of California Santa Barbara, comes in advance of negotiations in Busan, Republic of Korea (11/25/24-12/1/24) where delegates from >than 190 countries are expected to iron out the final details of the world's first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.

Currently, only 9% of plastic worldwide is successfully recycled, while the rest is discarded, incinerated, or pollutes our environment. A recent report by CleanHub, highlights several key barriers to the recycling of plastic waste. A major challenge is that certain plastic materials, such as multi-layer packaging, are not recyclable due to their complex chemical compositions. Furthermore, many regions, particularly in developing countries, lack the necessary infrastructure to effectively collect, sort, and process plastic waste. This combination of material complexity and inadequate recycling systems significantly limits the overall efficiency of plastic recycling efforts. https://lnkd.in/ef9Z9u3K #plasticpollution #recycling #plasticwaste

How waste plastic is converted into fuel Discover the game-changing HiCOP method, turning plastic waste into valuable crude oil,👈✔️ leading the charge towards a cleaner, greener future! In the global quest for sustainable solutions, one innovation stands out as a game-changer in the recycling landscape: the HiCOP method. This groundbreaking technology, pioneered in Japan, is transforming plastic waste 👈into valuable crude oil, paving the way for a greener and more eco-friendly future.✔️ The HiCOP method represents a significant leap forward in recycling innovation. It tackles the persistent problem of plastic pollution by converting discarded plastic materials into a resource with tangible economic and environmental benefits. As we delve into the intricacies of this transformative process, we uncover a world where waste becomes a valuable commodity. Japan’s leadership in plastic recycling is underscored by its embrace of the HiCOP method. This pioneering effort not only reduces the burden on landfills but also addresses the growing demand for sustainable energy sources. By turning plastic waste into crude oil, Japan sets a new standard for sustainability and resourcefulness in waste management practices. The environmental advantages of the HiCOP method are profound. It reduces 👈carbon emissions associated with traditional plastic disposal methods while offering a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This dual impact aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and transition towards a circular economy. Beyond its environmental benefits, the HiCOP method has significant economic implications. It creates opportunities for industries to embrace green technology, driving innovation and job creation in the recycling sector. The shift towards a circular economy not only promotes environmental stewardship but also fosters economic resilience and growth. In a world grappling with plastic pollution and its far-reaching consequences, the HiCOP method shines as a beacon of hope. Its potential to revolutionize global recycling practices and waste management strategies cannot be understated. As we witness the transformative power of innovation, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to safeguard our planet for future generations. Join us on this journey of discovery as we explore the HiCOP method’s impact, from plastic waste to valuable crude oil, and celebrate the ingenuity driving us towards a sustainable tomorrow. https://lnkd.in/eFznJdpg