Materials & Packaging
The latest developments in materials, feedstocks and processes that are transforming the way many conventional products are made and packaged — and eliminating their negative impacts
Latin Innovators Unseating Conventional Leather with Circular, Biobased Alternatives
Polybion and Mabe Bio are future-proofing leather production with local and circular strategies that utilize waste, boost local economies and empower rural communities. ... View More
Meet the Startup Remolding the Future of Fashion
Simplifyber is redesigning fashion production with a cellulose-based, liquid fiber that can be molded for a variety of applications, including shoe uppers — bypassing 60% of traditional manufacturing steps and significantly reducing waste, energy u... View More
How Can Businesses Rethink Packaging to Support Circularity?
Prioritizing packaging made from recycled materials that can be recycled again simplifies sustainable choices for consumers. The easier the process, the more likely consumers are to participate — reducing the chances that packaging ends up as waste... View More
BMW, Volkswagen Eyeing Plant-Based Future for Car Interiors
The auto giants are collaborating with makers of hemp- and flax-based materials that reduce weight and manufacturing emissions and enhance recyclability. ... View More
How Does Consumer Behavior Challenge the Circular Economy?
Economic models shift slowly, and consumer habits are hard to break. A shift from linearity to circularity won’t happen overnight, but there are tangible ways businesses can help consumers shift their behaviors today. ... View More
erthos: Giving the Plastics Industry an AI-Driven, Biobased Upgrade
The Toronto-based startup creates high-performance biomaterials that seamlessly integrate into manufacturing systems and supply chains five times faster than industry standard — eliminating a barrier to widespread adoption. ... View More
Nissan’s ‘Cool Paint’ Will Cut Car-Interior Heat, Energy Use
The paint's cooling performance is most noticeable when a vehicle is parked in the sun for an extended period. Keeping the interior cooler helps reduce load to the A/C — and in electric vehicles, draw on the battery. ... View More
MIT Team Creates Clean Hydrogen with Seawater, Soda Cans, Caffeine
The engineers believe they have discovered the recipe for running a sustainable hydrogen reactor, which they plan to test first in marine and underwater vehicles. ... View More
Sustainable Sailing Puts Its Sail-Recycling Process to Sweet, New Use
The UK startup is partnering with the University of Edinburgh to use waste sails in the creation of high-value chemicals used in everyday products — even, potentially, food ingredients. ... View More
First, Food – Now, Fashion and Furniture: More Innovations in Circular Materials
These two women-owned startups are repurposing waste streams from food manufacturing into striking interior finishes and “leather” handbags and accessories. ... View More
Engineering the Future of Circular Packaging in the US Heartland
A collaboration between Dow and New Energy Blue aims to make a new biomass refinery in Mason City, Iowa a linchpin in a massive, circular shift for the plastics industry. ... View More
Olive Oil’s Packaging Puzzle: Glass or Plastic?
Long shipping routes, rising fuel and transportation costs, and concerns about the carbon footprint of food supply chains have driven many companies to reconsider their packaging options for greater efficiency. ... View More
How Innovations in Materials Science Are Improving Office Spaces
Although some return-to-office policies might still be met with resistance, employees and employers can feel better about returning when buildings are safer and more sustainable — thanks to advancements in materials science. ... View More
US Plastics Pact Unveils Bold New Roadmap to Transform the Use of Plastics
Update to 2025 Roadmap carries forward unfinished targets from the original plan and outlines new steps toward circular design, based on insights from 130+ US Plastic Pact Activators. ... View More
Pernod Ricard Partnership Expands Circular Spirits Distribution
The spirits giant has expanded its partnership with ecoSPIRITS, whose closed-loop packaging system reduces waste and emissions from the production and transportation of bottled beverages. ... View More
Will a Global Plastics Treaty Effectively Curb Plastic Pollution?
Not at this rate: In one corner, industry bodies and petrochemical companies call for enhanced recycling and the increased use of materials with recycled content. In the other, climate campaigners continue to push for cuts in production — an argume... View More
Alternative Packaging Alliance Out to Reshape the Conversation Around Boxed Wine
The group — comprised of seven higher-end wine producers — is bringing a decidedly hip, modern update to a segment with a big perception issue. ... View More
Researchers Tweak Bacteria to Create Strong, Flexible, Sustainable Plastic
Researchers at Kobe University have engineered bacteria to produce a plastic modifier that makes bioplastic more processable, more fracture resistant and highly biodegradable —which holds great potential for enabling sustainable plastic production.... View More
More Beauty Retailers Embracing a Circular Economy for Packaging
New initiatives from Kiehl’s, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and Ulta lay further groundwork for reducing the beauty industry’s massive plastic footprint. ... View More
Major Snack Brands Continue to Cut Plastic in Packaging
While Walkers and the British Crisp Co shift to paper, Mars embraces digital simulation software to slash its amount of plastic needed. ... View More