Mainetti, the global retail solutions provider, has started working with a number of retailers – including Superdry, Nutmeg at Morrisons and Very.co.uk – to provide a ‘world first’ closed loop clear polythene recycling initiative, Mainetti Polyloop.
World Recycling
Cleaning up the plastic pollution pandemic
The pandemic has seen a surge in single-use plastics, with disposable masks, gloves and other PPE equipment ceaselessly washing up on beaches across the globe. If we act now, this could be a pivotal moment.
Microwaves could be the future for plastic recycling
It’s been almost a decade since Jocelyn Doucet first experimented with recycling plastic waste in a microwave. Now he says the technology derived from those early efforts will make it possible to produce plastic almost exclusively from recycled materials.
Divers find Philippine reef covered with single-use face masks
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is washing up on coral reefs close to the Philippine capital, Manila. Environmental groups are warning that the plastic inside face masks is breaking down and being consumed by marine wildlife.
New plant-based plastic can be printed — and fully recycled
A new bio-based plastic has been made by researchers at the University of Konstanz in Germany that can be recycled with near-perfect efficiency, recovering 96 per cent of the starting material.
Turning trash into treasure at a recycling plant in Afghanistan
Afghan businessman Mohammad Zarif Ishaqzai is committed to turning trash into treasure. Ishaqzai, who established a small plant in western Herat province to recycle used items, believes that providing job opportunities could contribute to stabilising security in the country.
Noel Leeming embarks on e-waste recycling trial
Noel Leeming is trialling a free e-waste recycling programme in partnership TechCollect NZ. The recycling programme aims to divert thousands of kilograms of e-waste from landfill.
How ‘green ceramics’ made from glass and clothes are revolutionising manufacturing
Professor Veena Sahajwalla’s innovative thinking has led to the idea of “green ceramics” — products made from technology that is set to revolutionise manufacturing and the way we furnish our homes.
Plastic packaging innovations get recyclability nods
A slew of packaging products – a plastic aerosol can, multi-layer HDPE bottle, bottle and film labels – recently received recognition for their compatibility with plastics recycling processes.
Coca-Cola company trials first paper bottle
Coca-Cola is to test a paper bottle. The prototype is made from an extra-strong paper shell that still contains a thin plastic liner, but the goal is to create a 100% recyclable, plastic-free bottle capable of preventing gas escaping.
Michelin announces first tyre recycling plant
Tyre producer Michelin is beginning construction on its first tyre recycling plant in collaboration with Enviro, a Swedish company that has developed a patented technology to recover carbon black, oil, steel and gas from end-of-life tyres.
Plastic waste not just a ‘developing country problem’
Practically nowhere on Earth has been untouched by plastics. This difficult-to-destruct material has been found at the furthest extremes of our planet, from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of the world’s deepest ocean trench.