BARCODING, LABELLING & PACKAGING
WHAT WILL 2025 BRING TO THE PLASTICS SECTOR?
It’s time to work with plastic manufacturers instead of confronting them with bans
T
he plastics industry has for many years been at the forefront of innovation as the sector has become a lightning rod in the debate over our environment. However, it could be that it is the plastics sector itself that is leading the charge
when it comes to a transformative shift towards sustainability.
There can be no doubt that this industry is being driven by huge change and, as we head into 2025, we can expect to see an even greater focus on innovation. This is partly driven by regulation and legislation, but also by changing consumer buying patterns. In driving change and make the case that plastic is here to stay.
Plastic products are immensely useful; they have an excellent LCA. They are made from a required for fuels, it makes sense to use the by-product.
That said, the plastics market is driven by several environmental concerns and regulatory pressures that plastics manufacturers and the industry in general need to be aware of.
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The rise of the circular economy is one of the biggest trends impacting the plastics sector. When a business adopts a circular economy approach, it contributes to reducing the environmental impact of plastics and fosters model.
Central to this is the goal of minimising waste and promoting the recycling and reuse of plastics. Companies are now designing products with recycling in mind, opting for through recycling systems or biodegrading. However, for the foreseeable future, a
into the open environment, where it can lie biodegradable plastic was invented.
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BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS Biodegradable plastics are becoming central to the efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional plastic materials. Ordinary polyethene and polypropylene products can be made to biodegrade much more quickly if they get into the environment, leaving no microplastics behind, simply by making them with a d2w masterbatch at little or no extra cost. At the same time, if they do get collected, they can be recycled. This concerted push towards a more sustainable and environmentally-aware commitment to balancing plastics’ functional advantages with a conscientious approach to
ecological sustainability.
“The rise of the circular economy is one of the
biggest trends impacting the plastics sector.”
REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS Many governments and international regulatory changes to strengthen and enforce responsible plastic management. A central part of this has been increased restrictions on single-use plastics, but restrictions on plastic can steer people toward less sustainable materials such as paper. In the Middle East, governments have instead required a wide range of packaging and other products to be made with d2w or equivalent biodegradable technology.
FEBRUARY 2025 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS SMART PLASTICS
Masterbatch designers such as Symphony Environmental are providing a range of smart plastics today that can protect against insects, of food. From insect-repellent plastic, which protects water irrigation systems in arid environments, to smart plastics that deter rodents, these products are available today and illustrate the supermaterial potential of plastics.
ANTI-MICROBIAL PLASTICS The development of anti-microbial plastics which can kill bacteria and viruses, has timely trend. As a direct result of heightened emphasis on hygiene, particularly within healthcare environments, this innovative pproach involves the integration of substances with anti-microbial or anti-viral qualities into the plastic manufacturing process. Using anti-microbial plastics such as Symphony’s d2p underscores a commitment to advancing public health measures through innovative material solutions.
CONCLUSION
The plastics industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, marked by a convergence of innovative trends that lead to a more sustainable and responsible future. From developing biodegradable and sustainable plastics to integrating intelligent technologies, the sector is adapting to address pressing environmental concerns and societal needs. Add to the mix innovations in manufacturing and recycling and the industry’s commitment material properties becomes clear. It is also clear, however, that by restricting single-use plastics and passing other restrictive regulations, albeit focused on promoting an eco-conscious plastics economy, governments are engaging in virtue-signalling instead of working with innovators in the sector to bring about real change.
Symphony Enviromental
www.symphonyenvironmental.com
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