Category
Environment
The ins and outs of using post-consumer resin in packaging
Driven by consumer demand, eco-friendly packaging that uses post-consumer resin is gaining traction on the shelf. But for packaging designers trying to meet extremely specific brand standards, working with this material poses some challenges.
New study reveals how microplastic pollution travels
The research from Princeton University reveals that microplastic particles get stuck when traveling through porous materials such as soil and sediment but later break free and often continue to move substantially further.
Nova, Pregis partner to support clean water initiative
Nova is donating film resins to Pregis for the production of its Inspyre brand line of protective packaging, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Uzima Clean Water Mission.
Feds allow Ontario, New Brunswick to use their own carbon-pricing systems for big industrial emitters
As reported by The Canadian Press, the two provinces will use their own carbon-pricing systems, which are facility-specific instead of being based on the type of industry.
Researchers detect micro- and nanoplastics in human organs, tissues
In an analysis of 47 human liver and fat tissue samples, researchers from Arizona State University found plastic contamination in the form of monomers, or plastic building blocks, in every sample.
Mastercard launches new sustainable cards made from biodegradable, ocean-bound and recyclable plastics
The sustainable cards produced by Mastercard are available to consumers in more than a dozen countries, with over 60 financial institutions issuing cards made from approved materials.
EU approves tax on nonrecycled plastic waste
The tax is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2021.
Rubbermaid, Terracycle partner to recycle food storage containers
Once collected, the Rubbermaid containers are cleaned and melted into hard plastic or glass that can be remolded to make new recycled products.
KFC Canada to replace plastic buckets with bamboo by 2021
Using bamboo poutine buckets will allow it to eliminate 55 tonnes of plastic waste annually, the restaurant chain said.
Canadian Plastics podcast: Resin supply, demand and pricing during COVID-19, Part 5: Engineering resins
Resin supply, demand and pricing during COVID-19 – A…
Good Natured Products launches plant-based flexible packaging products
The products are made from 51% plant-based materials derived from rapidly renewable sugarcane and are chemically equivalent to conventional #4 LDPE.
SC Johnson rolls out new cleaning bottles made from 100% recycled ocean plastic
The new Mr Muscle Platinum Window & Glass cleaner product is part of SC Johnson’s global partnership with Plastic Bank to reduce plastic waste in the world’s oceans while also helping to alleviate poverty.
New payment card made with up to 98% upcycled plastic
Called the Earthwise High Content Card, the card combines post-industrial rPETG with the essential, non-plastic components.
New fibreglass-reinforced watches made from ocean plastic waste
The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic line features a case comprised of 70 per cent plastic debris derived from fishing nets collected in the Indian Ocean, strengthened with 30 per cent fibreglass.
Nova reports progress on its sustainability strategy
Nova’s new 2019 Sustainability Report highlights four areas of the Calgary-based company’s long-term strategy: circular economy, citizenship, climate care, and sustainability in operations.
Chemists create faster-degrading plastic to reduce marine litter and ghost fishing
The new plastic is similar to nylon 6,6 in sturdiness but can degrade under any conditions with sunlight.
“Stop the Spread” business information line now open in Ontario
The province has launched a toll-free line to provide support to businesses that have questions about the recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces over COVID-19 fears.
“Superworms” that eat polystyrene might help plastic pollution problem
Researchers in Beijing have discovered that scavenger worms will eat Styrofoam, which is one of the most difficult plastic materials to biodegrade.
Project STOP wins oil and gas industry award
Co-founded by Borealis and SYSTEMIQ in 2017, the Project STOP initiative partners with cities to stop plastic waste leaking into the ocean.
Dow Chemical agrees to $77 million environmental settlement in Michigan
The proposed settlement compensates for damage to natural resources caused by pollution from Dow’s plant in Midland, Mich.
Consumer goods giant Unilever vows to halve virgin plastics use by 2025
The business, whose brands include Dove, Ben & Jerry’s and Lipton, said it would achieve this by cutting its “absolute use of plastic packaging” by over 100,000 tonnes and “accelerating its use of recycled plastic.”
Nova Chemicals just got even more sustainable
With the new position of director of sustainability filled by Sarah Marshall, the Calgary-based polyethylene resin maker is walking the walk when it comes to advancing the circular economy.
Sobeys plans to remove plastic bags from all stores in 2020
The Stellarton, N.S.-based national grocery chain said it will adopt paper and reusable bags at its 255 outlets across the country by January.
Nova Chemicals announces new sustainability strategy
The Calgary-based chemical maker’s new six-pronged sustainability commitment is designed to help eliminate plastic waste.
P.E.I. becomes the first province to ban plastic bags
The province’s Plastic Bag Reduction Act officially came into effect earlier this month, and prohibits businesses from offering single-use plastic bags at the checkout.
Sidel joins Ellen MacArthur’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment
This worldwide initiative was launched in 2018 with the goal of addressing the plastic waste and pollution crisis at its source and keeping plastics within the economy.
Straw maker Stone Straw fights back with bioplastic straws
Traditional plastic straws are an endangered species nowadays, which is why this well-known Brantford, Ont.-based extruder is making the move to an eco-friendly plant-based alternative.
Mexico City passes ban on plastic bags, single-use utensils
Set to come into force in December 2020 or January 2021, the ban will include such articles as non-biodegradable plastic bags, straws, cutlery, cups, and coffee capsules.
Thousands of responses to Newfoundland and Labrador plastic bag ban survey
The province’s Environment department says that a decision on the possibility of banning single-use plastic bags is coming in the “near future”.
Ocean Cleanup project hits a snag
98% of European plastics production covered by Operation Clean Sweep
The international program is designed to prevent plastic pellets, flakes, and powder from being lost from factory floors and winding up in lakes and oceans.
Newfoundland and Labrador seeking public input on possible plastic bag ban
The province has established a survey asking residents and others about their opinions on the possibility of banning single-use retail plastic bags.
