Plastics & Resins Blog

For a fee, organizers are taking tourists along to study the ocean debris caused by the Japanese tsunami. While the science of tracking the Japanese tsunami debris and how long it will take to break down is critical, is it right to let tourists tag along, even for a price?

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Since the March tsunami in Japan, scientists have been studying and tracking the millions of tons of debris in the ocean. Much research has been focused on the cycle of plastic — where it travels, how it breaks down, etc. For $15,000, you too can join in the research, documenting your observations as well as being a working ship's crew member.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Plastics & Resins, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Plastics & Resins today.

Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have found a way to keep food safe from farm to fork. They've developed an oxygen-sensing package system that will let consumers know when too much air has touched their food, making it unsuitable for consumption. A simple color change on the packaging shows that the food is no longer safe.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Plastics & Resins, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Plastics & Resins today.

The amount of food discarded by consumers is estimated at up to 25% of what is purchased. Should packaging that shows whether food is still suitable for eating be required to help reduce this unnecessary waste? What products would benefit the most from smart packaging?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Plastics & Resins, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Plastics & Resins today.

According to a stunning Columbia University study, the United States is literally throwing away energy, in the form of non-recycled plastics. They estimate that 85.8% of all plastic is landfilled in the 50 states. That's enough to run 6 million cars for a year, or power over 16 million homes with electricity for a year.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Plastics & Resins, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Plastics & Resins today.

A new study shows over 85% of plastic is landfilled in the U.S. With all the initiatives and press about recycling — why aren't Americans recycling more? What will it take to get Americans to stop tossing plastic that could be converted to energy or re-purposed?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Plastics & Resins, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Plastics & Resins today.