#plastic recycling processes

[pashupati22]

A Complete Guide to the Plastic Recycling Process

The plastic recycling process is a vital solution to the global plastic waste crisis. It helps reduce environmental pollution, conserve resources, and promote sustainability. With billions of tons of plastic produced annually, understanding how to reduce plastic waste through recycling is more important than ever. This guide explores the key stages of recycling, types of plastics, and its overall benefits.

Why Recycle Plastic?

Plastic is versatile and durable but poses significant environmental challenges due to its slow decomposition. Recycling offers a way to:

Reduce Plastic Pollution: Keeps plastic out of landfills and oceans.

Conserve Resources: Saves raw materials like petroleum and natural gas.

Lower Energy Consumption: Recycling plastic uses less energy than manufacturing new materials.

Protect Ecosystems: Reduces harm to wildlife caused by plastic waste.

Stages of the Plastic Recycling Process

Collection

Plastic waste is gathered from homes, businesses, and public recycling bins.

Collection systems vary by region and can include curbside pickup or drop-off points.

Sorting

Plastics are sorted by type and color, often using automated systems like infrared scanners.

Sorting ensures only recyclable plastics enter the next stage of the process.

Cleaning

Contaminants like food residue, labels, and adhesives are removed.

Clean plastics are shredded into smaller pieces for easier processing.

Shredding and Resizing

Plastics are shredded into flakes or pellets, which can be used in manufacturing.

This step improves material handling and prepares the plastic for melting.

Melting and Reforming

Plastic flakes are melted and reformed into new products or raw materials.

Advanced technologies allow for the creation of high-quality recycled plastics.

Manufacturing New Products

Recycled plastics are used to create new items, such as bottles, clothing, or construction materials.

Types of Plastics Commonly Recycled

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Found in water bottles and food containers.

Easily recyclable and turned into fibers or new containers.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Used in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and pipes.

Recycled into durable goods like benches and bins.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

Found in shopping bags and packaging films.

Often recycled into trash bags and liners.

PP (Polypropylene)

Used in food containers and automotive parts.

Recycled into industrial materials or storage solutions.

How to Reduce Plastic Waste

Choose Reusable Products: Opt for reusable bottles, bags, and containers instead of single-use plastics.

Recycle Correctly: Follow local guidelines to ensure your plastic waste is properly sorted and recycled.

Support Recycled Products: Buy items made from recycled plastic to encourage demand.

Spread Awareness: Educate others about the importance of the plastic recycling process and reducing waste.

Benefits of the Plastic Recycling Process

Reduces Environmental Impact

Recycling prevents tons of plastic from entering ecosystems.

Saves Energy

Recycling plastic uses 88% less energy than producing new plastic.

Creates Jobs

The recycling industry generates employment opportunities in collection, sorting, and processing.

Supports a Circular Economy

Promotes a sustainable system where materials are continuously reused.

The Future of Plastic Recycling

Innovations in technology are making plastic recycling processes more efficient. Chemical recycling, for example, can break down plastics to their original molecules, creating higher-quality recycled materials. Governments and industries worldwide are investing in ways to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling rates.

By participating in plastic recycling and adopting habits to reduce plastic use, we can make a significant impact on the planet's health.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Catalytic process vaporizes plastic bags and bottles, yielding gases to make new, recycled plastics

A new chemical process can essentially vaporize plastics that dominate the waste stream today and turn them into hydrocarbon building blocks for new plastics. The catalytic process, developed at the University of California, Berkeley, works equally well with the two dominant types of post-consumer plastic waste: polyethylene, the component of most single-use plastic bags; and polypropylene, the stuff of hard plastics, from microwavable dishes to luggage. It also efficiently degrades a mix of these types of plastics. The process, if scaled up, could help bring about a circular economy for many throwaway plastics, with the plastic waste converted back into the monomers used to make polymers, thereby reducing the fossil fuels used to make new plastics. Clear plastic water bottles made of polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET), a polyester, were designed in the 1980s to be recycled this way. But the volume of polyester plastics is minuscule compared to that of polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, referred to as polyolefins.

Read more.

[mademoisellesarcasme]

actually i'm still mad about the chairs and i'm going to scream about it

I was drawn in by the caption "recycled plastic" because the colour clarity on them was so lovely, I thought maybe the artist had figured out some way to reclaim and recycle plastic without losing the integrity of hue, but the purple slightly tipped me off: there's not a lot on the market in that shade. I know this because I love it.

So I went on a search for an artist with a deep material and chemical understanding and instead I found a FUCKING MACHINE

and I'm STILL MAD

[just-a-little-unionoid]

Okay yeah that's what I thought

Well maybe then you should read the op again bc it was very much about companies being like "oh we're so proud of using plastic instead of animal products 🥰" like they gave a single shit about it, bc no matter what plastic is STILL bad for the environment, and if they did gave a single shit they would use durable methods of tanning, make more durable products and work only with materials from organic and animal wellbeing focused farms, and makes it so it's still somehow affordable.

Corporations don't give a single shit about animals or environment and that was what the post was about, not about the consumer side of the problem.

companies will be like “we’re so proud we don’t make anything with feathers, leather or fur” and then make stuff out of synthetic materials that will not decompose but will shed micro-plastics with every wash like…..yas so good for the animals so animals rights

[lykaglobal9]

RPET Sheets Manufacturer & Supplier in Gujarat, India - Lyka Global Plast 

In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses seek sustainable solutions to reduce their carbon footprints. Lyka Global Plast, based in Gujarat, India, stands out as a leading manufacturer and supplier of RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) sheets, offering high-quality, eco-friendly materials to industries worldwide. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Lyka Global Plast provides a green alternative to virgin plastics, contributing to environmental conservation and economic efficiency. 

Why Choose Lyka Global Plast for RPET Sheets? 

1. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing 

Lyka Global Plast is dedicated to reducing environmental impact through sustainable manufacturing processes. By recycling PET plastics into RPET sheets, the company minimizes waste, conserves resources, and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. This approach supports a circular economy, ensuring that waste materials are reused rather than discarded. 

2. High-Quality Products 

Lyka’s RPET sheets are durable, versatile, and tailored to meet diverse industrial needs. Whether for packaging, construction, or automotive applications, these sheets deliver exceptional performance while maintaining environmental benefits. 

3. Advanced Recycling Technology 

With cutting-edge recycling facilities, Lyka Global Plast transforms used PET materials into high-grade RPET sheets. These processes not only lower energy consumption but also ensure that the sheets meet global quality standards, making Lyka a preferred supplier for businesses worldwide. 

4. Wide Industry Applications 

Lyka’s RPET sheets are used in various industries: 

Packaging: Food-safe and customizable for different products. 

Construction: Ideal for insulation and durable panels. 

Automotive: Lightweight and strong, reducing vehicle weight and fuel consumption. 

Textiles: Utilized in creating sustainable fabrics. 

RPET Sheets: A Sustainable Choice for Businesses 

Carbon Footprint Reduction 

By using RPET sheets, industries significantly lower their carbon footprints. Producing RPET emits up to 79% less CO2 compared to virgin PET. Lyka Global Plast ensures that every sheet contributes to global efforts to combat climate change. 

Cost-Effective Alternative 

RPET is not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable. Lyka Global Plast provides RPET sheets at competitive prices, helping businesses save costs while aligning with sustainable practices. 

Promoting Circular Economy 

Lyka’s RPET sheets exemplify the principles of a circular economy. By converting waste into valuable products, the company reduces dependency on raw materials and fosters resource efficiency. 

Why Gujarat is the Hub for RPET Sheets 

As one of India’s leading industrial states, Gujarat offers an ideal location for Lyka Global Plast. With its well-established infrastructure, access to raw materials, and proximity to key markets, the state enables Lyka to efficiently serve clients across India and beyond. 

Contact Lyka Global Plast Today 

For high-quality RPET sheets that combine sustainability, durability, and cost-efficiency, trust Lyka Global Plast—Gujarat’s premier RPET manufacturer and supplier. Visit their website at Lyka Global Plast to learn more and place your orders. Make the switch to sustainable materials today! 

[kpmeat]

getting too mad about biodegradable plastics sighing filling the spray bottle with cold water

[dasset-engineering]

Best Manufacturer & Exporter of Self Tapping Screws in India: Dasset Engineering 

Self-tapping screws are essential components in various industries, known for their ability to create their own threads as they are driven into materials. In India, one company stands out for its excellence in manufacturing and exporting these vital fasteners—Dasset Engineering. Renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Dasset Engineering has established itself as a leader in the self-tapping screw industry. 

Why Self-Tapping Screws? 

Before delving into Dasset Engineering’s contributions, it is crucial to understand why self-tapping screws are so valuable. Unlike traditional screws that require pre-drilled holes, self-tapping screws can create threads as they are driven into materials. This feature makes them incredibly versatile and efficient, reducing the need for additional tools and saving time during assembly. They are widely used in automotive, construction, electronics, and woodworking industries due to their convenience and reliability. 

Dasset Engineering: A Legacy of Excellence 

Dasset Engineering has built a strong reputation over the years as a top manufacturer and exporter of self-tapping screws. Their success can be attributed to several key factors: 

Quality Assurance 

Quality is the cornerstone of Dasset Engineering’s operations. The company employs stringent quality control measures at every stage of production, from raw material selection to the final inspection. Their self-tapping screws are made from high-grade materials, ensuring durability, strength, and corrosion resistance. This commitment to quality ensures that their products meet and exceed industry standards, providing customers with reliable and long-lasting solutions. 

Advanced Manufacturing Facilities 

Dasset Engineering boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities equipped with the latest machinery and technology. These advanced facilities enable the company to produce a wide range of self-tapping screws in various sizes, designs, and specifications. Their manufacturing process is streamlined and efficient, allowing for high-volume production without compromising on quality. 

Innovative Designs 

Innovation is at the heart of Dasset Engineering’s product development strategy. The company continually invests in research and development to create innovative screw designs that cater to the evolving needs of different industries. Their self-tapping screws are designed for optimal performance, with features such as sharp cutting edges, precise threading, and superior holding power. This dedication to innovation ensures that Dasset Engineering remains at the forefront of the industry. 

Customization Options 

Understanding that different projects have unique requirements, Dasset Engineering offers customization options for their self-tapping screws. Customers can specify dimensions, materials, coatings, and other parameters to meet their specific needs. This flexibility makes Dasset Engineering a preferred choice for businesses looking for tailored solutions. 

Global Reach 

As a leading exporter, Dasset Engineering has a strong presence in international markets. Their self-tapping screws are in high demand worldwide, thanks to their reputation for quality and reliability. The company has a robust logistics network that ensures timely delivery to customers across the globe, making them a trusted partner for businesses in various industries. 

Customer-Centric Approach 

Dasset Engineering’s success is also driven by its customer-centric approach. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering excellent after-sales support, technical assistance, and responsive service. Their team of experts is always ready to assist customers with their queries and provide guidance on the best solutions for their projects. 

Conclusion 

Dasset Engineering stands out as the best manufacturer and exporter of self-tapping screws in India, thanks to its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Their advanced manufacturing facilities, innovative designs, and customer-centric approach make them a trusted partner for businesses across various industries. Whether you are in the automotive, construction, electronics, or woodworking sector, Dasset Engineering offers reliable and high-performance self-tapping screws that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. 

[mitchelindustri]

Tech Trends: The Latest Innovations in Labelling and Decorating Machines for Plastic Products

In the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape, the labelling and decorating of plastic products have undergone technological revolutions. In this blog, we’ll journey through the most exciting and cutting-edge tech trends, reshaping the world of labelling and decorating machines.

1.    Smart Labeling with IoT Integration:

Picture this: your plastic product communicating its journey from the production line to the consumer’s hands. Smart labelling, powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), transforms how we interact with plastic products. These labels, equipped with sensors and data-sharing capabilities, offer real-time insights into a product’s status, location, and environmental conditions. It’s not just about aesthetics anymore; it’s about creating a dynamic, connected experience for manufacturers and consumers.

2.    Augmented Reality (AR) in Decorating:

Step into augmented reality, where decorating plastic products becomes an immersive and interactive experience. Imagine customers using their smartphones to unlock hidden AR content in product decorations. AR is injecting an element of playfulness and engagement, turning each plastic item into a canvas for creativity. This tech trend creates consumer excitement and allows brands to tell compelling stories through their products.

3.    3D Printing for Customised Designs:

The era of one-size-fits-all is making way for personalised perfection with 3D printing in decorating machines. Manufacturers can now create intricate and highly customised designs on plastic products, meeting the growing demand for unique and personalised items. This printing not only adds a touch of exclusivity but also reflects the consumer’s individuality in the products they choose. From intricate patterns to personalised branding, 3D printing revolutionises how we decorate plastics.

4.    Robotics and Automation for Precision Labelling:

Precision is the game’s name, and robotics are taking centre stage in labelling machines. With advanced robotics and automation, the application of labels on plastic products has reached new levels of accuracy and efficiency. These plastic automation machine systems ensure that you apply each label with the perfect alignment and pressure, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the product. It’s not just about sticking labels; it’s about achieving a flawless and consistent finish every time.

5.     Sustainable Labelling Materials:

In the age of heightened environmental consciousness, the materials used for labelling and decorating machines are undergoing a green revolution. Manufacturers are embracing sustainable and eco-friendly labelling materials, ensuring that the aesthetic enhancements do not come at the cost of the planet. From biodegradable labels to water-based inks, the latest trend is to make plastic products visually appealing and environmentally responsible.

6.    Nano-Technology for Ultra-Fine Detailing:

Enter the microscopic realm of nano-technology, where labelling and decorating machines push the boundaries of detailing to new extremes. This cutting-edge technology allows for ultra-fine precision in designs, enabling intricate patterns and microscopic textures on plastic surfaces. Nano-decorations elevate the visual appeal and offer a tactile experience, transforming how consumers interact with plastic products. It’s a game-changer for industries seeking to make a bold statement through their products.

7.    Machine Learning for Predictive Design Trends:

Combining machine learning and decorating machines is ushering in an era of predictive design trends. These intelligent systems analyse vast datasets to identify emerging design patterns, colour schemes, and consumer preferences. This system allows manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve, creating plastic products with decorations that resonate with current and future trends. It’s not just about what looks good now; it’s about anticipating what will capture hearts and attention.

8.    Responsive Ink Technologies:

Say goodbye to static designs and hello to responsive ink technologies. These inks react to external stimuli such as temperature, light, or touch, bringing an element of dynamism to plastic decorations. Imagine a label that changes colour with temperature variations or a product that reveals hidden patterns when exposed to sunlight. Responsive inks add an interactive and dynamic layer to plastic products, turning them into conversation starters and enhancing the overall consumer experience.

9.    Digital Watermarking for Authentication:

In the era of counterfeits, digital watermarking is emerging as a game-changing technology for product authentication. Decorating machines now embed digital watermarks within the design, uniquely identifying each plastic product. Consumers can verify the authenticity of their purchases through mobile apps or specialised scanners, ensuring they receive genuine, high-quality products. It’s a technological leap forward in building trust and confidence in the market.

10. Collaborative Design Platforms:

Say hello to collaborative design platforms that bring manufacturers, designers, and consumers together in a virtual space. These platforms leverage the power of the crowd, allowing consumers to participate in the design process of their favourite plastic products. Manufacturers can crowdsource ideas, receive instant feedback, and create products that resonate with the diverse preferences of their target audience. It’s a shift from traditional design processes to a more inclusive and engaging model.

11. Augmented Sustainability:

Labelling and decorating machines are incorporating augmented sustainability features in a world increasingly focused on environmental responsibility. This feature integrates eco-friendly materials, such as recycled or biodegradable substrates, into the labelling and decorating processes. Manufacturers embrace sustainable practices in the end product and throughout the production cycle, ensuring that the aesthetic enhancements align with broader environmental goals. This trend contributes to a greener planet and resonates with eco-conscious consumers seeking responsibly adorned plastic items.

12. Haptic Technology for Tactile Experiences:

Move beyond visual appeal with the integration of haptic technology in decorating machines. This technology enables the creation of tactile experiences on plastic surfaces, adding a sense of touch to the aesthetics. Imagine a plastic product with a textured label that mimics the feel of fabric or a character that provides subtle vibrations in response to user interaction. Haptic technology is revolutionising the sensory dimension of plastic decorations, making them more engaging and memorable for consumers.

Conclusion:

As we bid farewell to this whirlwind tour of tech trends in labelling and decorating machines for plastic products, one thing is crystal clear – the future is both fascinating and sustainable. Intelligent labels, augmented reality, 3D printing, robotics, and eco-friendly materials reshape how we perceive and interact with plastic items. The journey from production to consumer hands is no longer a mere transaction; it’s an immersive, connected, and personalised experience.

[teaboot]

I feel like if you're using a lot of disposable plastic bags in your day to day life, you've gotta do something sustainable to make up for it. Like using bamboo toilet paper or eco friendly cat litter or something, yknow

Honestly I exaggerate for comedic effect, while I DO routinely use ziplock bags to hold spaghetti I cook maybe once a month and the bag itself is usually for freezer storage. I actually throw out maybe one bag a week? I DO hate washing plates and tupperware and junk but that usually just means I eat sandwiches without a plate.

I agree though that needless waste should be avoided, and I do avoid it- biodegradable bags and recyclables, empty butter tubs used to store leftovers, etc.

This said, though, not applicable necessarily for myself but for a lot of others- I feel that it's importat to remember that there are many people who legitimately NEED things like plastic straws, or catheters, or pre-packaged foods

And the idea that that's a moral failing that individuals need to personally make up for when a single billionaire blows out more CO2 in a long weekend than I will in my whole life on a superjet meet-cute in the Bolivian rainforest between humvee drag races funded by the river-polluting textiles plants they planted in a third world country to avoid EPA laws and give an entire village stillbirths and stomach cancer is an idea that those very same bigwigs have spent a LOT of time and money investing in planting in the public psyche.

Like- Glass bottles are infinitely recyclable, so why are so many drinks in plastic now? Loads of drinks manufacturers used to buy them back and clean them for re-use, so why did they stop? If they chose to make something out of a limited and environmentally irresponsible material, why is it my failing to track down a correct process of disposal for them? What if there are none in my area? Do I lobby for more recycling plants in my area? Do I set aside some of my limited time outside the pain factory of my job- which I have more than one of, thanks to rising costs of things just like that drink I just emptied- to properly dispose of this company's waste FOR them?

Say coca-cola just rolled up to your town and started dumping millions of empty plastic bottles in the street, going, "wow, you should really think about building and staffing a recycling depot, it would be really shameful of you to just put these in the trash." When companies purposefully use materials with limited lifespans- because yes, even plastic can only be reused so many times- and tell you it's your own fault if it harms the environment- that's essentially what they're doing, just with more steps.

Yes, its important to be as environmentally concious as we can in our day to day life, but responsible sustainability is not catholicism. We don't get good boy points from our lord and savior Captain Planet every time the average low-income household gathers together to hold hands and repent for a single-use plastic that allows them to access something they need.

Entire families could eat trees and shit dead lithium batteries for years and still not do as much damage to the planet as an average dye plant or braindead celebrity does in a week just for fun, and I'm mad about it

...this went on longer than intended.

TL/DR: DO recycle and minimize waste, but don't beat yourself up over the little waste you can't avoid, and follow the money.

EDIT: Part 2

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Month - August 2024

1.Negative Power Prices Hit Europe as Renewable Energy Floods the Grid

European power markets are experiencing a notable shift as renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, become a larger part of the energy mix. On Wednesday, power prices in several European markets, including Germany, dipped below zero due to a surge in green electricity production.

2. Taiwan introduces ban on performances by captive wild animals

Live performances by wild animals held in captivity, including performances by dolphins, tigers, and other non-domesticated mammals, will no longer be permitted in Taiwan under new Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) regulations.

3. FTC bans fake online reviews, inflated social media influence; rule takes effect in October

The FTC voted unanimously to ban marketers from using fake reviews, such as those generated with AI technology, and other misleading advertising practices.

The ban also forbids marketers from exaggerating their own influence by, for example, paying for bots to inflate their follower count.

4. Chinese drones will fly trash out of Everest slopes

Come autumn, Nepal will deploy heavy lifter drones to transport garbage from the 6,812-metre tall Ama Dablam, south of Everest. This will be the first commercial work an unmanned aerial vehicle does in Nepal’s high-altitude zone.

The heavy lifter from China’s biggest drone maker, Da Jiang Innovations (DJI), will take on tasks traditionally handled by Sherpas. Officials believe it will help reduce casualties on Everest.

5. Swiss scientists have found a way to use the whole cocoa fruit to make chocolate and not just taking beans and discarding the rest.

Kim Mishra (L) and Anian Schreiber (R) cooperated on the new chocolate making process

Food scientists in Switzerland have come up with a way to make chocolate using the entire cocoa fruit rather than just the beans - and without using sugar.

The chocolate, developed at Zurich’s prestigious Federal Institute of Technology by scientist Kim Mishra and his team includes the cocoa fruit pulp, the juice, and the husk, or endocarp.

6. Six-year-old boy found in Vietnam forest after five days

A six-year-old boy who was missing for five days has been found deep in a forest in Vietnam. Dang Tien Lam, who lives in the northwestern Yen Bai province, was playing in a stream with his nine siblings on 17 August when he wandered into the hills and got lost, local reports said.

He was found on Wednesday by local farmers who heard a child's cry while they were clearing a cinnamon field close to the forest.

7. Lego plans to make half the plastic in bricks from renewable materials by 2026

Lego plans to make half the plastic in its bricks from renewable or recycled material rather than fossil fuels by 2026, in its latest effort to ensure its toys are more environmentally friendly.

The Danish company last year ditched efforts to make bricks entirely from recycled bottles because of cost and production issues. At the moment, 22% of the material in its colourful bricks is not made from fossil fuels.

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That's it for this month :)

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[gaylienz]

The 7 R’s of Sustainability:

Did you know that ‘recycling’ is step 6 of the 7 Rs of sustainability? The other R’s are just as important even if they are often forgotten.

Rethink- Do I really need to buy this? The point of this step is to stop and think.

Refuse- Does this product damage the environment? If so, refuse to spend your money on it. i.e. single use plastics, harsh chemicals

Reduce- How much of this do I really need? Buy less! Buy in bulk when you can as it often equals less packaging to throw out.

Reuse- Can I use this product again? Can I fix what I have so that I don’t need to buy something new? Reuse that plastic water bottle a few times. And instead of buying new, try thrift shopping, flea markets, yard sales etc.

Repurpose- Unlimited creativity! Does this item have another use? i.e. old torn clothes can be rags or plastic cups can be planters.

Recycle- Can I recycle this? Not everything can be. There are also some important steps to making sure your recycling is done properly. If unsure, look up local recycling regulations.

Rot- Can I compost this? Food waste, yard clippings, newspapers and many other items can be composted instead of being tossed in the trash. Composting is surprisingly simple and helps reduce harmful greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere.

What is the point of the R’s? The number one benefit of the 7 R’s are the reduction of the amount of waste sent to incinerators and landfills. The EPA website provides a lot of useful information. Other benefits that we can reap from implementing these concepts in our life are (as listed on the EPA website): • Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials • Saves energy from not making a new product • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change • Helps sustain the environment and natural resources for future generations • Saves money from processing our waste • Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials • Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States

https://www.northglenn.org/government/departments/public_works/trash/recycling.php https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101 https://www.epa.gov/recycle https://www.northglenn.org/Recycling%20Article.pdf

[pranshucorpseed]

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials on the planet. Everything you can imagine is made of plastic! Plastic can be found in everything from shampoo bottles to tote bags to laptop computers and batteries. Given how widely the element is used, the amount of waste produced by its use is enormous. If this garbage is not properly managed, it can have a wide range of negative effects on the environment and other living things. As a result, how plastic trash is handled is critical. Corpseed assists people by handling all compliances related to the establishment of a plastic waste plant.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Study shows how waste Styrofoam can be transformed into polymers for electronics

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Delaware and Argonne National Laboratory describes a chemical reaction that can convert Styrofoam into a high-value conducting polymer known as PEDOT:PSS. Published in JACS Au, the study also demonstrates how upgraded plastic waste can be successfully incorporated into functional electronic devices, including silicon-based hybrid solar cells and organic electrochemical transistors. The research group of corresponding author Laure Kayser, assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in UD's College of Engineering with a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, regularly works with PEDOT:PSS, a polymer that has both electronic and ionic conductivity, and was interested in finding ways to synthesize this material from plastic waste.

Read more.

[acti-veg]

Leather vs. Pleather: 8 Myths Debunked

Since we are all beyond tired of seeing the same regurgitated leather posts every day, I've compiled and briefly debunked some of the most common myths peddled about leather and pleather… So hopefully we can all move on to talk about literally anything else.

1) Leather is not sustainable.

Approximately 85% of all leather (almost all leather you'll find in stores) is tanned using chromium. During the chrome tanning process, 40% of unused chromium salts are discharged in the final effluents, which makes it's way into waterways and poses a serious threat to wildlife and humans. There are also significant GHG emissions from the sheer amount of energy required to produce and tan leather.

Before we even get the cow's hide, you first need to get them to slaughter weight, which is a hugely resource-intensive process. Livestock accounts for 80% of all agricultural land use, and grazing land for cattle likely represents the majority of that figure. To produce 1 pound of beef (and the subsequent hide), 6-8 pounds of feed are required. An estimated 86% of the grain used to feed cattle is unfit for human consumption, but 14% alone represents enough food to feed millions of people. On top of that, one-third of the global water footprint of animal production is related to cattle alone. The leather industry uses greenwashing to promote leather as an eco-friendly material. Leather is often marketed as an eco-friendly product, for example, fashion brands often use the Leather Working Group (LWG) certificate to present their leather as sustainable. However, this certification (rather conveniently) does not include farm-level impacts, which constitute the majority of the negative environmental harm caused by leather.

2) Leather is not just a byproduct.

Some cows are raised speciifically for leather, but this a minority and usually represents the most expensive forms of leather. This does not mean that leather is just a waste product of beef and dairy, or that it is a completely incidental byproduct; it is more accurate to call leather a tertiary product of the beef and dairy industries. Hides used to fetch up to 50% of the total value of the carcass, this has dropped significantly since COVID-19 to only about 5-10%, but this is recovering, and still represents a significant profit margin. Globally, leather accounts for up to 26% of major slaughterhouses’ earnings. Leather is inextricably linked to the production of beef and dairy, and buying leather helps make the breeding, exploitation and slaughter of cows and steers a profitable enterprise.

3) Leather is not as biodegradable as you think.

Natural animal hides are biodegradable, and this is often the misleading way leather that sellers word it. "Cow hide is fully biodegradable" is absolutely true, it just purposely leaves out the fact that the tanning process means that the hide means that leather takes between 25 and 40 years to break down. Even the much-touted (despite it being a tiny portion of the market) vegetable-tanned leather is not readily biodegradable. Since leather is not recyclable either, most ends up incinerated, or at landfill. The end-of-life cycle and how it relates to sustainability is often massively overstated by leather sellers, when in fact, it is in the production process that most of the damage is done.

4) Leather is not humane.

The idea that leather represents some sort of morally neutral alternative to the evils of plastic is frankly laughable, at least to anyone who has done even a little bit of research into this exploitative and incredibly harmful industry. Cows, when properly cared for, can live more than fifteen years. However, most cows are usually slaughtered somewhere around 2-3 years old, and the softest leather, most luxurious leather comes from the hide of cows who are less than a year old. Some cows are not even born before they become victim to the industry. Estimates vary, but according to an EFSA report, on average 3% of dairy cows and 1.5 % of beef cattle, are in their third-trimester of pregnancy when they are slaughtered.

Slaughter procedures vary slightly by country, but a captive bolt pistol shot to the head followed by having their throats slit, while still alive, is standard industry practice. This represents the “best” a slaughtered cow can hope for, but many reports and videos exist that suggest that cows still being alive and conscious while being skinned or dismembered on the production line is not uncommon, some of these reports come from slaughterhouse workers themselves.

5) Leather often involves human exploitation.

The chemicals used to tan leather, and the toxic water that is a byproduct of tanning, affect workers as well as the environment; illness and death due to toxic tanning chemicals is extremely common. Workers across the sector have significantly higher morbidity, largely due to respiratory diseases linked to the chemicals used in the tanning process. Exposure to chromium (for workers and local communities), pentachlorophenol and other toxic pollutants increase the risk of dermatitis, ulcer nasal septum perforation and lung cancer.

Open Democracies report for the Child Labour Action Research Programme shows that there is a startlingly high prevalence of the worst forms of child labour across the entire leather supply chain. Children as young as seven have been found in thousands of small businesses processing leather. This problem is endemic throughout multiple countries supplying the global leather market.

6) Pleather is not a ‘vegan thing’.

Plastic clothing is ubiquitous in fast fashion, and it certainly wasn’t invented for vegans. Plastic leather jackets have been around since before anyone even knew what the word vegan meant, marketing department have begun describing it as ‘vegan leather’ but it’s really no more a vegan thing than polyester is. Most people who wear pleather are not vegan, they just can’t afford to buy cow’s leather, which remains extremely expensive compared to comparable fabrics.

It is striking how anti-vegans consistently talk about how ‘not everyone can afford to eat plant-based’ and criticise vegans for advocating for veganism on that basis, yet none of them seem to mind criticisms directed at people for wearing a far cheaper alternative than leather. You can obviously both be vegan and reduce plastic (as we all should), but vegans wear plastic clothing for the same reason everyone else does: It is cheaper.

7) Plastic is not the only alternative.

When engaging in criticism of pleather, the favourite tactic seems to be drawing a false dilemma where we pretend the only options are plastic and leather. Of course, this is a transparent attempt to draw the debate on lines favourable to advocates of leather, by omitting the fact that you can quite easily just buy neither one.

Alternatives include denim, hemp, cork, fiber, mushroom fiber, cotton, linen, bamboo, recycled plastic, and pinatex, to name a few. Alternatives exist for everything from materials designed to ensure sub-zero temperatures and specialist motorcycle equipment. There are exceptions in professions like welding, where an alternative can be difficult to source, but nobody needs a jacket, shoes or a bag that looks like leather. For most of us, leather is a luxury item that doesn’t even need to be replaced at all.

8) Leather is not uniquely long-lasting.

The longevity of leather is really the only thing it has going for it, environmentally speaking. Replacing an item less often means fewer purchases, and will likely have a lower environmental impact than one you have to replace regularly. Leather is not unique in this respect, however, and the idea that it is, is mostly just effective marketing.

As your parents will tell you, a well-made denim jacket can last a lifetime. Hemp and bamboo can both last for decades, as can cork and pinatex. Even cotton and linen can last for many years when items are looked after well. While some materials are more hard wearing than others, how long an item will last is mostly the result of how well made the product is and how well it is maintained, not whether or not the item is leather.

[probablyasocialecologist]

Plastic producers have known for more than 30 years that recycling is not an economically or technically feasible plastic waste management solution. That has not stopped them from promoting it, according to a new report. “The companies lied,” said Richard Wiles, president of fossil-fuel accountability advocacy group the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI), which published the report. “It’s time to hold them accountable for the damage they’ve caused.” Plastic, which is made from oil and gas, is notoriously difficult to recycle. Doing so requires meticulous sorting, since most of the thousands of chemically distinct varieties of plastic cannot be recycled together. That renders an already pricey process even more expensive. Another challenge: the material degrades each time it is reused, meaning it can generally only be reused once or twice. The industry has known for decades about these existential challenges, but obscured that information in its marketing campaigns, the report shows. The research draws on previous investigations as well as newly revealed internal documents illustrating the extent of this decades-long campaign. Industry insiders over the past several decades have variously referred to plastic recycling as “uneconomical”, said it “cannot be considered a permanent solid waste solution”, and said it “cannot go on indefinitely”, the revelations show. The authors say the evidence demonstrates that oil and petrochemical companies, as well as their trade associations, may have broken laws designed to protect the public from misleading marketing and pollution.

[mindblowingscience]

Scientists have created a 'living plastic' that self-destructs when the material begins to erode. In the composting process, the novel product breaks down within a month, compared with more traditional versions that take up to 55 days to decompose under the same conditions. The hopeful technology was inspired by the power of plastic-munching proteins, which are naturally produced by a species of bacteria discovered in 2016 at a recycling facility in Japan.

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