From Rubber Tree to Rubber Tyre: A Brief History of Rubber
11.06.2025
Elastic, versatile, indispensable: rubber has had an amazing career – from ritual play ball of the Maya to vulcanisation in the industrial age to high-tech tyres on our roads. But with every kilometre driven, the ecological footprint also grows. Reason enough to take a look back at the eventful history of a special material that keeps us moving to this day.
New Method Enables Rapid Production of Polymer Nanostructures
26.05.2025
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have introduced a method for the rapid and scalable production of polymer nanostructures. Reducing synthesis time from a week to just three minutes, their breakthrough supports high-throughput manufacturing for advanced applications in healthcare, energy and materials science.
Plastic Batteries in the Focus of Research
21.05.2025
The demand for sustainable energy storage systems is growing. However, many conventional batteries rely on critical raw materials such as lithium. Prof Birgit Esser is researching an exciting alternative at the University of Ulm: plastic batteries.
Decarbonisation: CO₂-negative Materials for the Industry
30.04.2025
Sustainability and innovative materials are two key topics in modern plastics processing. The collaboration between the mechanical engineering company Arburg and the industrial raw materials start-up carbonauten promises exactly that: CO₂-neutral and even CO₂-negative masterbatches and compounds for industrial applications.
Durable Plastic Gets a Sustainability Makeover
17.03.2025
Car tires, replacement hip joints, and bowling balls – all these products rely on thermosets, a class of plastics known for their extreme durability. However, their crosslinked polymer structure makes them impossible to recycle, leading to landfill waste and environmental concerns.
International Women's Day: Women in the History of Plastics
26.02.2025
8 March is International Women's Day – the perfect occasion to highlight the role of women in the history of plastics. Although the plastics industry has long been dominated by men, women have made significant contributions to materials research, product development and the application of plastics.
SABIC Introduces LNP™ ELCRES™ CXL Polycarbonate Copolymers
14.02.2025
SABIC has launched its new LNP™ ELCRES™ CXL polycarbonate (PC) copolymer resins, designed to offer exceptional chemical resistance. These materials aim to assist customers in the mobility, electronics, industrial, and infrastructure sectors in managing increased exposure to harsh chemicals that can lead to environmental stress cracking and premature component failure.
Microplastic Degradation by Engineered Bacteria
04.02.2025
Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental issue, as even modern wastewater treatment plants cannot completely remove it. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a solution: they genetically modified natural bacteria from wastewater facilities to break down microplastics.
NKWS: Guidepost for a Resource-Efficient Future
08.01.2025
On 4 December 2024, the Federal Cabinet adopted the National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS). This strategy aims to accelerate the transformation of the German economy towards a more sustainable, resource-conserving model. It aims to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials and orientate value chains towards circular use.
Dow expands Sustainable Footwear Materials Portfolio
13.12.2024
Dow has introduced a suite of low-carbon material solutions designed to assist the footwear industry in producing more sustainable products without compromising performance. This expanded portfolio includes bio-circular materials, reversible cross-linking resins, post-consumer recycled resins, and polyolefin elastomers suitable for artificial leather applications.
Advancing Running Shoe Sustainability with Biopolymers
25.11.2024
Mount to Coast, a leader in ultrarunning footwear, has partnered with BASF to introduce CircleCELL™, an innovative running shoe midsole. The midsole, made from BASF’s ecoflex® BMB, blends sustainability with high performance, offering enhanced durability and energy return. This collaboration marks a significant step toward eco-friendly advancements in sports footwear.
New Leather Alternative Made From Apple Waste: Sustainability in the Fashion and Automotive Industry
25.10.2024
The leather alternative LEAP® uses waste from apple processing and the sustainable INSQIN® technology to create durable and flexible products for a wide range of industries.
Low-Carbon Plastics Production: Infinium and Borealis Partner up
04.10.2024
This collaboration aims to reduce harmful emissions and enhance circularity in the plastics industry by offering environmentally friendly alternatives for consumer goods, packaging, and medical devices.
Virginia Tech develops biodegradable bioplastics from food waste
06.09.2024
This innovative approach not only offers a sustainable solution to plastic pollution but also provides a new life for materials that would otherwise be discarded.
Skills shortage in the plastics industry
24.07.2024
The shortage of skilled labour poses considerable challenges for the plastics industry. In an interview with K-Mag, Sven Weihe from the German Plastics Processing Industry Association (in German: Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie e.V. - GKV) explains the main causes of the shortage of qualified specialists and what measures the association is taking to counteract this.
Global Impact Coalition: Net-zero Chemical Industry
19.07.2024
Charlie Tan has his work cut out for him. The 30-something, London-born Brit/Malay last November became CEO of the newly reconstituted Global Impact Coalition (GIC). The GIC has the stated aim of transforming the global chemical industry to net-zero by 2050.
Closing the loop: turning old tires into new car parts
15.07.2024
In an ambitious move towards sustainability, Covestro, Neste, and Borealis have joined forces to revolutionize the recycling of discarded tires into high-quality automotive parts. This collaboration marks a significant step in driving circularity within the plastics and automotive industries.
World's First Electrically Heated Steam Cracking Furnace
27.05.2024
BASF, SABIC, and Linde have inaugurated the world's first large-scale electrically heated steam cracking furnace at BASF's Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This demonstration plant, which consumes 6 megawatts of renewable electrical energy, is designed to test the technology's potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 90% compared to conventional steam crackers.
SABIC Introduces EXTEM™ RH Resins for Micro-Lens Arrays
06.05.2024
SABIC, a leader in the plastics and rubber industry, is set to launch its latest innovation, EXTEM™ RH resins. These high-performance resins are designed for use in the production and assembly of micro-lens arrays (MLAs), offering advanced scalability and manufacturability in commercial onboard and co-packaged optics.
Stretching Machine for Masterbatch Development
26.04.2024
LyondellBasell, a prominent player in the chemical industry, has recently integrated the state-of-the-art KARO® 5.0 laboratory stretching machine from Brückner Maschinenbau into its research and development facilities in Ohio. This strategic enhancement is set to significantly advance the company's ability to develop and test masterbatch solutions tailored for various oriented film applications.
The rediscovery of plastics in the textile industry
27.03.2024
The textile industry is in the midst of a green transformation, with sustainability and recycling taking centre stage. This change is being driven by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of textile production and consumption. Plastics, particularly synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, are ubiquitous in the industry due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness.
SABIC: Advancing PFAS-Free Material Solutions
22.03.2024
SABIC unveils an expansion of its LNP™ LUBRILOY™ portfolio with innovative internally lubricated compounds, offering high-performance alternatives to PTFE-lubricated materials. This development addresses regulatory and health concerns over PFAS, positioning SABIC as a leader in sustainable material solutions.
Chemical Recycling of Plastics at Waste-to-En
13.03.2024
Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste are produced that are not recycled. The gasification technology from the start-up Waste-to-en offers a promising solution to this problem. The method efficiently converts waste into valuable resources while reducing both landfill fees and electricity consumption, providing a sustainable alternative in waste management.
Enzyme-Powered Recycling of Bioplastics
11.03.2024
Scientists at King's College London have unveiled a novel chemical recycling method, leveraging enzymes found in laundry detergents, to break down single-use bioplastics in record time. Published in Cell Reports Physical Sciences, this innovative approach promises a more sustainable cycle for plastics, traditionally seen as a challenge due to their long degradation period.
Gasification of plastic waste at low temperatures
06.03.2024
The specific requirements and high purity of plastic waste from life science research laboratories make recycling it a particular challenge. Re:Lab AB is tackling this problem with a chemical recycling process based on low-temperature conversion, which is a special form of gasification.
World's First PET Biorecycling Plant
01.03.2024
In a significant advancement for sustainable materials management, CARBIOS has teamed up with De Smet Engineers & Contractors (DSEC), renowned for its Engineering, Procurement, and Construction services in the biotech and agro-processing sectors. This collaboration aims to launch the world's first PET biorecycling plant in Longlaville, France, set to be operational by 2025.
Fluoroplastics in focus
23.02.2024
The debate about fluoroplastics and their environmental impact is reaching new heights. While environmentalists are calling for a ban on PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds), industry associations are warning of the far-reaching consequences for numerous areas of application. A look at the arguments and challenges.
Heat resistant medical polycarbonate from Covestro
22.02.2024
Covestro, a leading developer of polymers and high-performance plastics, presents Apec® 2045, an advanced copolycarbonate. This material combines outstanding features such as biocompatibility, heat resistance, transparency and durability, making it the ideal solution for the manufacture of medical devices.
BASF and Inditex promote sustainable fashion with loopamid®
12.02.2024
The textile industry is facing major changes in sustainability, led by BASF and Inditex through the launch of loopamid®, a new technology for textile-to-textile recycling. This initiative represents a significant step towards a Circular Economy by offering a sustainable solution for the reuse of polyamide 6 (PA6), also known as nylon 6, from textile waste.
Innovative bioplastic from KraussMaffei and Synergy Horizon
02.02.2024
KraussMaffei and Synergy Horizon have jointly developed a new type of bio-based reinforced thermoplastic that prioritises functionality and sustainability.
KORE Low Carbon EPS insulation using Neopor® BMB by BASF selected for major housing project of Braidwater
26.01.2024
KORE Insulation has introduced an environmentally friendly EPS insulation with a reduced carbon footprint to be used in a major housing development in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland. The decision to use KORE's Low Carbon EPS was made by the Braidwater Group. KORE Low Carbon is made from Neopor® BMB by BASF.
Market launch of Impranil® CQ DLU: Innovation for more sustainable textile coatings
12.01.2024
Covestro presents Impranil® CQ DLU, a new aliphatic polyester carbonate polyether polyurethane (PU) dispersion for textile coating in which around 34 percent of the carbon contained is of plant origin. This enables a sustainable textile coating as a replacement for the popular Impranil® DLU, without compromising on quality.
Boosting PET recycling with higher standards for laboratory experiments
12.01.2024
In a study, Gert Weber, Uwe Bornscheuer and Alain Marty have identified standards for laboratory experiments with enzymes for PET recycling. It emphasizes difficulties in upscaling and highlights the promising enzyme LCC-ICCG, which converts 98% of PET in 24 hours, is economically more efficient and proposes new standards for laboratory research on PET recycling.
Saving energy in plastics production: Polytives wins 2nd place in the Lothar Späth Award 2023
05.01.2024
Polytives GmbH, a spin-off of the University of Jena in the field of plastics technology, was awarded second place in the Lothar Späth Award for its cooperation partnership with the university on 16.11.2023. The company, which emerged from Prof. Schacher's working group, develops innovative plastics solutions for energy optimisation in production.
Working in the plastics industry
19.12.2023
The plastics industry offers a wide range of career paths in various disciplines. Each has its own focus and gives the opportunity to promote sustainability in the industry.
LANXESS expands its range for PFAS removal from water
01.12.2023
LANXESS is presenting its new anion exchange resin Lewatit MonoPlus TP 109, which can be used for the efficient removal of contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water. In addition to Lewatit MonoPlus TP 109, the company is also presenting other selective resins that can also be used in combination for pre- and fine cleaning.
Recyclable, repairable and robust: New epoxy resin for the circular economy
02.11.2023
Epoxy resins are used in combination with glass or carbon fibres to make components for aircraft, cars, trains, ships and more. Empa researchers have now developed the first fire-resistant epoxy resin-based plastic that is recyclable.
Start-up recycles plastic lab waste into new test tubes and petri dishes
20.10.2023
LabCycle, co-founded by a University of Bath graduate, opens the UK's first pilot plant for recycling plastic lab waste into new lab consumables and aims to scale the technology for healthcare and research labs. Their process turns plastic waste into high-grade pellets, reducing energy and water use and promoting recycling in a circular economy approach.
Chemical recycling: the supreme discipline for the Circular Economy in the plastics industry?
11.10.2023
Almost 90 % of all plastic packaging today still consists of virgin material. If we want to change this, we have to focus on chemical recycling in addition to mechanical recycling. According to the WWF study "Verpackungswende jetzt", a system change could save more than 20 million tonnes of new plastic by 2040. SÜDPACK is therefore investing in innovative chemical recycling technology.
Bayreuth researcher develops high-performance digital system for tailoring polymers
01.09.2023
Prof. Dr. Christopher Kuenneth at the University of Bayreuth, Germany, together with research partners in Atlanta, has developed a digital system that filters out those materials best suited for targeted applications from among some 100 million theoretically possible polymers. The system, called polyBERT, treats the chemical structure of polymers like a chemical language.
Fraunhofer LBF develops new approach for rapid process stabilization of plastics
22.06.2023
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF see online rheological investigations as a promising method to accelerate the development process by determining the optimal amount of antioxidants more efficiently.
Global chemical companies sign agreement on R&D Hub for plastic waste processing incubated by World Economic Forum
16.06.2023
Seven member companies of the World Economic Forum’s Low-Carbon Emitting Technologies (LCET) initiative have signed a collaboration agreement with the independent research organization TNO to establish an R&D Hub for Plastic Waste Processing. The seven companies include BASF, Covestro, Dow, Mitsubishi Chemical, SABIC, Solvay and Lyondell Basell.
Luminescent solar collectors: Silicone makes power generation more flexible and colourful
22.05.2023
Plastics contribute to climate protection. As fibre-reinforced plastics for wind turbines or films for solar cells, they already play an important role in power generation from renewable energies. But the conventional solutions are not equally suitable for every area of application. This is where a new type of material comes into play that was developed at Saarland University.
Enzyme that breaks down PET plastic: Leipzig scientists increase efficiency
18.05.2023
A research team at the University of Leipzig has further improved the functioning of an enzyme that can degrade PET plastic. Through computer simulations and experiments, they were able to rationally improve the enzyme and are now working on developing the third generation of the enzyme.
Chemists redesign biological PHAs, 'dream' biodegradable plastics
11.05.2023
Colorado State University polymer chemists have created a synthetic Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) platform. These newly designed PHAs are mechanically tough, even outperforming the two most common commodity plastics. Among other things, this is intended to address the thermal instability of conventional PHAs and is a major step toward sustainability.
Better recycling of plastic packaging: New process extracts fragrances
04.05.2023
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed an environmentally friendly process to remove fragrances from plastic packaging. The process is based on pressurized water extraction and removes the fragrance limonene from HDPE packaging. By evaluating the data using machine learning methods, it was possible to optimize the extraction parameters.
BluCon Biotech welcomes strategic investment by major chemical group LG Chem
27.04.2023
The two companies BluCon Biotech GmbH and LG Chem Ltd entered into an investment agreement. Together, they plan to work on a novel process to convert lignocellulosic non-food raw materials into high-purity lactic acid.
First comparative study on automated analysis methods of large data sets in microplastics research
27.04.2023
The lack of standardized analytical procedures for microplastic data has led to significant deviations, especially for small particles with high hazard potential. Researchers from the University of Bayreuth and the Alfred Wegener Institute have compared two automated analysis procedures and called for standardization to improve the comparability of data.
Researchers use light to convert abundant lignin into plastic that can be continually recycled
05.04.2023
Boston College chemists have developed an approach that uses light to transform lignin into sustainable plastics. The findings advance a potential strategy for the waste-free system of polymer manufacture and re-use known as the circular plastic economy.
LANXESS software calculates carbon footprint for Group's own products
05.04.2023
With the "Product Carbon Footprint Engine" developed by LANXESS, the CO2 footprint can be calculated automatically for the Group's products. With this innovation, the speciality chemicals company aims to help its customers achieve their sustainability goals.
Degradation of Plastic Waste using newly Developed Biocatalysts
13.03.2023
A research team from the University of Greifswald, together with scientists from Covestro AG, has identified enzymes capable of degrading polyurethanes and polyvinyl alcohol. The research helps to establish a sustainable and environmentally-friendly process to recycle these polymers.
Stable yet degradable: researchers develop chemical pre-determined breaking points in polymer chains
08.03.2023
We encounter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) every day, for example as detergent packaging or films. HDPE is particularly stable and resistant. In terms of sustainability, however, it still has a long way to go, because its high stability is often accompanied by poor degradability.
Automated simulation software creates a world map of polymer properties
14.02.2023
"Materials informatics (MI), a new branch of materials research that combines materials data with data science, is gaining traction," said co-corresponding author Yoshihiro Hayashi, assistant professor, Institute of Statistical Mathematics in the Research Organization of Information and Science (ROIS).
Bio-based flame retardants for bioplastics in electrical engineering and electronics
06.02.2023
Fraunhofer researchers, in collab with industrial partners, have achieved initial success in the development of bio-based flame retardants in bioplastics. In the future, it could therefore be possible to utilize plastics in electronics and electrical engineering that consist of 100% bio-based materials. Processing was tested by means of compounding, injection molding and additive manufacturing.
Turning plastic waste into a valuable soil additive
02.02.2023
University of California, Riverside, scientists have moved a step closer to finding a use for the hundreds of millions of tons of plastic waste produced every year that often winds up clogging streams and rivers and polluting our oceans.
Silicone sponge captures unknown bacteria
23.01.2023
Microorganisms populate nearly any habitat, no matter how hostile it is. Their great variety of survival strategies is of huge potential in biotechnology. Most of these organisms, however, are unknown, because they cannot be cultivated. To make better use of this "microbial dark matter", the KIT) has now developed a "sponge" made of porous, formable silicone.
From old to new: Evonik produces PEBA from used tires
03.01.2023
Many raw materials deserve a second life, and especially in view of resource conservation and the circular economy, the reuse of raw materials is particularly important. Evonik shows how it's done: The company produces PA-12 elastomers from old tires.
Plastics of the future will live many past lives, thanks to chemical recycling
01.12.2022
A research team at the University of Colorado Boulder has discovered how durable plastics used in the aerospace and microelectronics industries broken down into their most basic building blocks and then formed again into the same material. In the process, they do not lose their physical properties.
Sustainable face masks: recyclable and climate-friendly
21.11.2022
With the development of the first 100 percent recyclable FFP2 mask, the Austrian Grabher Group is taking an important step towards sustainability. The sustainable FFP2 masks made of polypropylene are not only fully recyclable, but also cause significantly fewer CO2 emissions during their manufacture than conventional protective masks.
Shining light on why plastics turn yellow
21.10.2022
A research team has investigated whether intended nanostructures formed by UV light could be the cause of yellowing of polyethylene. The result was that chiral chemical structures form on the surfaces of polyethylene films during exposure to UV light and are a possible cause of the yellow color of old plastics. These findings could help researchers develop plastic products that last longer.
Lessons from natural photosynthesis: conversion of CO2 to raw materials for plastic
21.10.2022
A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has succeeded in producing fumarate from pyruvate and CO2 through artificial photosynthesis. Fumarate can be used to produce biodegradable plastic such as polybutylene succinate. In this process, the carbon is stored in a compact, durable and solid form.
Researchers find a new method for recycling polystyrene
11.10.2022
A research team led by Guoliang "Greg" Liu implemented the goal of making the current main method for recycling polystyrene profitable. By exposing the material to ultraviolet light and adding a chemical catalyst this method creates diphenylmethane (DPM), which has a high economic value. This new recycling method would create an incentive for polystyrene to be collected and recycled.
BASF and ARCUS sign agreement on the production and procurement of pyrolysis oil from mixed plastic waste
03.10.2022
ARCUS plans to start up first commercial pyrolysis plant for mixed plastic waste in Germany and will supply the company BASF SE with pyrolysis oil. This will enable further expansion of BASF's ChemCyclingTM business. The Agreement foresees take-up of up to 100,000 tons of pyrolysis oil per year.
LANXESS: Entire value chain to become climate-neutral
12.09.2022
The chemicals company LANXESS aims to make its upstream and downstream supply chains climate-neutral by 2050. In order to achieve the so-called Scope 3 targets, LANXESS has launched the Net Zero Value Chain Program. The focus is on sustainable raw materials, green logistics and climate-neutral products.
Borealis introduces a portfolio of circular base chemicals
15.08.2022
The Borvida™ portfolio introduces sustainable base chemicals to Borealis' range of product offering. The range will initially be based on non-food waste biomass, and chemically-recycled waste. In the future it will also draw from atmospheric carbon capture. The traceability of the content will be based on Mass Balance, which is ISCC PLUS certified.
TRINSEO introduces sustainable ALTUGLAS™ R-Life Acrylics
15.08.2022
The Trinseo company has launched a new series entitled: ALTUGLAS™ R-Life Acrylics. This comprises chemically and mechanically recycled, reused and bio-based polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for cast and extruded sheets, resins and compounds.
LyondellBasell helps to close the loop on Polypropylene by joining NEXTLOOPP initiative
08.08.2022
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is participating in the NEXTLOOPP initiative, which aims to produce circular recycled food-grade polypropylene (FGrPP) from used packaging. NEXTLOOPP is able to close the loop of polypropylene (PP) by means of a combination of cutting-edge technologies. Polypropylene is separated from the rest and the polymer is decontaminated.
A unique catalyst paves the way for plastic upcycling
25.07.2022
After developing the first process inorganic catalyst to break down polyolefin plastics into molecules, a team led by Ames Laboratory scientists has now developed a strategy to accelerate the conversion without losing the desired products.The result is that larger platinum particles reacted more slowly with the long polymer chain, while the smaller ones reacted faster.
New PET-like plastic made directly from waste biomass
11.07.2022
Scientists from EPFL's School of Basic Sciences have successfully developed a biomass-derived plastic. Similar to PET, it meets the criteria for replacing several current plastics while being more environmentally friendly.
Reusing odor-contaminated plastics
01.07.2022
In the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy (CCPE), the four Fraunhofer institutes are researching odor barrier skins for polymer compounds made from recycled materials. With special additives, odor barrier skins with a skin thickness of 0.25 mm can be effectively realized. The odor-contaminated plastic can be "packaged".
Sabic launches new upcycled resin made with ocean bound plastic waste
14.06.2022
The company SABIC introduced LNP™ ELCRIN™ WF0061BiQ resin, a novel material that uses ocean-bound polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as a feed stream for chemical upcycling into polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. The company has added many different and innovative grades to the LNP ELCRIN iQ portfolio, including glass- and mineral-reinforced products and flame-retardant formulations.
New method to convert plastic trash into clean hydrogen fuel
23.05.2022
To convert plastic waste into hydrogen, researchers at the Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed a new method. The new method is based on pyrolysis, a high-temperature chemical process. The project is also investigating the potential of other new technologies for decentralized waste management.
Made up out of thin air
19.05.2022
Innovations always emerge from something existing, something tried and tested. Approaching them in terms of their content requires a look at the fundamentals. This is also true for the question of how carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaust gases can be used for the production of plastics.
BASF and NEVEON cooperate on mattress recycling
24.03.2022
The first trials on chemical recycling of mattresses by BASF and NEVEON were successful. BASF is developing a wet chemical recycling process for used mattresses made of flexible polyurethane. Mattress take-back pilot is an important step towards circular economy.
Material development: getting there faster with co-pilot AI
24.08.2021
General conditions for chemical and materials companies are changing rapidly. But the thorough research, development and commercialization of new materials can be lengthy. AI can accelerate this process.
The Brazilian plastics market and Braskem's contribution to the Circular Economy
22.07.2021
While the Corona pandemic initially had a negative impact on almost all markets, the plastics industry benefited in the course of 2020 due to the increasing demand for personal protective equipment, to-go packaging for food and household items. The chemical company Braskem is also noticing this development in Brazil.
Do it Yourself plastic anno 1530
09.06.2021
Instructions for the production of artificial cow horn. Almost 500 years old is the recipe for the production of artificial horn and thus currently the oldest known German recipe for plastic.
Protective polymers
21.12.2020
Restrictions have been imposed to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Wearing a mouth and nose mask is part of this, as is avoiding and reducing social contact and maintaining safe distances up to more far-reaching quarantine measures. Where it is difficult to keep a distance, plastics fulfil a key barrier and protective function.