Polymer

Plant-based Biodegradable Microplastics

In recent years, the detrimental impact of microplastics on our environment and health has become increasingly evident. Found in various places from oceans to soil, and even within our own bodies, these nearly indestructible fragments pose a significant threat. However, a groundbreaking solution may be on the horizon, as researchers from the University of California …

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Going Green with Snack Bags: Moving Beyond Plastic Packaging

The UN Environment Programme estimates that each year, humans produce roughly 400 million tons of plastic garbage. Half of that is single-use plastic, such as potato chip bags. A moisture barrier (often biaxially oriented polypropylene) is placed inside most bags for potato chips and other crunchy snacks, followed by a layer of low-density polyethylene in …

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Identifying PFAS in Clothing Labels is an Ongoing Challenge

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, is an umbrella word for a family of thousands of compounds valued for their indestructibility and non-stick qualities. At the last count, there were roughly 12,000 different types of PFAS. For years, clothing manufacturers have used PFAS, often known as “forever chemicals,” to create raincoats, boots, backpacks, and other …

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China is On Track to Achieve Significant Increase in Crude Oil Imports in 2023

In 2023, analysts predict that China will import a record amount of crude oil due to rising gasoline consumption as more people travel as a result of the removal of COVID-19 regulations and the startup of new refineries. The issue is cited from Reuters in early 2023. China’s crude imports may rise by 500,000 to …

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