Page 60 - Plastics News April 2025
P. 60
PRODUCT NEWS
Future Directions
Innovations in protein modification and nano-
technology offer solutions to these issues. By
integrating proteins with biopolymers or nano-
particles, researchers can enhance water resist-
ance, mechanical strength, and the controlled
release of active compounds. These advance-
ments are crucial for realizing the full potential
of protein-based films as a sustainable packag-
ing solution. Researchers have made significant
progress, paving the way for next-generation
materials that reduce plastic waste while ensur-
resistance, making them unsuitable for certain ing food safety and quality.
food applications. They also exhibit mechani-
cal weaknesses compared to synthetic plastics, Source – Plastics Engineering
raising durability concerns. Additionally, scalabil-
ity and cost-effectiveness hinder their commer-
cial adoption.
DGrade’s Greenspun Clothing
Turns Plastic Waste into Uniforms
B2B apparel company DGrade, founded in 2010
by Kris and Emma Barber, specializes in creating
clothing from recycled PET bottles. In his youth,
Kris was a surfer and skateboarder. His hobbies
exposed him directly to the effects of marine
and urban pollution. To combat these issues, he
became an active supporter of the UK charity
Surfers Against Sewage.
Eventually, the clothing industry brought the
couple together, with Kris in manufacturing as a
supplier and Emma as a wholesale buyer. When
he came to Dubai and started his company, Kris
his UAE company’s trademarked decided to focus only on recycled fabrics. Now,
Greenspun fabric is making waves with he has developed over 250 fabrics, all made with
Thigh-quality, recycled clothing. DGrade’s signature Greenspun yarn.
60 PLASTICS NEWS April 2025
