Plastics - List page Publications

Cleaning synthetic textiles in washing machines introduces microplastics to wastewater. This study assesses a method of upcycling this waste through heating, finding it able to produce carbon nanomaterials that may be useful across a range of technologies and industries – and supporting circularity.

Multilayer plastic films, used in packaging, are hard to recycle. This study compares six recycling options. The most effective targets each plastic layer with a different solvent. This method reduces climate impacts by about 40% versus landfill, though its gains drop as material quality declines.

Current recyclability standards treat materials as either recyclable or not. This study redefines recyclability as a measure of how well materials can be repeatedly re-processed, considering quality, economics, and social factors. This definition supports the transition to a circular economy.

This paper explores a plastics sustainability challenge, suggests novel solutions and opportunities to capture value in business transition. It considers biodegradable plastics, an orthopaedics library for product re-use, a plastics ‘value map’ for market regulation and manufacturing efficiency.

Plastic seed trays used to grow seedlings in plant nurseries are a harmful agrifood waste product. This study trialled new seed trays that align with circular economy principles. These alternatives had less environmental impact than traditional trays.

Researchers sampled water from the Venice lagoon and found significant amounts of hazardous pollution was associated with abandoned boats.

Researchers in China have developed a novel method of extracting lithium from spent lithium batteries.

Brochure on EU action against microplastic pollution