Page 28 - Plastics News February 2024

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

NEW INNOVATIONS OR TECHNOLOGY CURRENT OR UPCOMING - STUDIES
Paper or plastic? Cape Cod researchers say prototype plastic straw breaks down faster than
paper

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) in Massachusetts has developed a prototype bioplastic straw derived
from wood pulp that degrades faster than paper straws. This innovation aims to address the environmental impact of
plastic straws commonly found as litter on coastlines. The study compared the degradation rates of various straws
in coastal ocean conditions, with bioplastic straws showing significant degradation. The findings suggest that these
bioplastic straws could be a promising alternative to conventional plastic straws, offering durability while minimising
environmental harm. The research is published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.

An enzyme used in laundry detergent can recycle single-use plastics within 24 hours

Scientists at King's College, London
have devised an innovative method for
recycling single-use bioplastics, such
as those found in coffee cups and food
containers, using enzymes commonly
found in biological laundry detergents.
Published in Cell Reports Physical
Science, the technique breaks down
landfill-bound bioplastics, specifically
polylactic acid (PLA), within 24
hours—84 times faster than industrial
composting. At 90°C, the bioplastics
further degrade into chemical building
blocks that can be reused to produce
high-quality plastic. This breakthrough
addresses the challenge of managing
plastic waste, with current production
rates outpacing recycling capacities. While bioplastics are seen as a sustainable alternative, their production competes
with food-based agriculture. The new method offers a scalable, sustainable solution, potentially revolutionising plastic
production and fostering a circular economy. Dr. Alex Brogan, a lecturer in chemistry at King's College London, highlights
the shift towards viewing waste as a resource, enabling the move away from non-renewable sources. The researchers
are now expanding their efforts to improve recycling methods for other commonly used plastics like water bottles
and packaging. Susana Meza Huaman, a Ph.D. researcher on the project, emphasises the significance of developing
technologies for recycling bioplastics into products of equal quality to virgin material, addressing a longstanding challenge
in plastics recycling.

EPR RECYCLING MANDATES

Plastic Industry Faces Closure as Companies Fail to Comply with EPR Norms

As many as 687 companies, including 168 in New Delhi, engaged in various stages of plastic production, are facing the
possibility of shutting down their operations after receiving notices from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
These notices come as a result of the companies' failure to comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
norms mandated by the Union Environment Ministry in March 2016.

28 PLASTICS NEWS February 2024