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Using microbes to remove microplastics

Envirotec Magazine

Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed a seemingly new technique to trap and recover microplastics. The method uses bacterial biofilms, a sticky substance created by micro-organisms, to trap microplastic particles. In bioreactors, this makes the microplastics more convenient to collect, according to Liu.

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Recycling charity expands laboratory analysis and other capabilities

Envirotec Magazine

New laboratory capabilities include microscopy techiques to better support the examination of microplastics. RECOUP currently test members’ plastic packaging samples for sortability at a Materials Recovery Facility, free of charge to members as a benefit of membership.

Recycling 273
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Industry first claimed for “fully recyclable crisp packet”

Envirotec Magazine

It’s described as the first fully recyclable paper crisp packet by The British Crisp Co., Consumers can dispose of the new crisp packet in their normal kerbside recycling collection along with their other paper recyclable items. It uses an innovative polymer, Hydropol, instead of conventional plastic.

Recycling 147
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Using mussels to clean up microplastics: UK laboratory trials nature-based solution

Envirotec Magazine

Scientists at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) have launched a series of in-situ trials of what they describe as a unique microplastic clean-up method using mussels as filtration systems. Microplastics are the tiny plastic fibres and particles prevalent in our seas.

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Using ‘recycled plastic’ in construction materials may not be a great idea after all

Grist

Last month, the American Chemistry Council, a petrochemical industry trade group, sent out a newsletter highlighting a major new report on what it presented as a promising solution to the plastic pollution crisis: using “recycledplastic in construction materials.

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Why the Oil and Chemical Lobby Is Taking Aim at New York’s Plastic Waste Bill

DeSmogBlog

Last week at the New York State Capitol, more than 300 advocates joined lawmakers for a rally to urge the passage of a landmark waste reduction bill that proponents say is the best piece of legislation in the country aimed at lessening plastic trash. Thankfully they have not succeeded so far.”

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Taking an inventory of the global plastics problem

Envirotec Magazine

360 million metric tonnes of new plastic was produced in 2018. A group from the University of Pittsburgh explains, and offers a view on why the world must transform plastic use from linear to circular. In 1950, 2 million metric tonnes of new plastic was produced globally. Where did it all go?

Plastics 130