Latest news with #plasticwaste
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers create game-changing solution for common problem on grocery store shelves — here are the details
Researchers create game-changing solution for common problem on grocery store shelves — here are the details A new biodegradable bioplastic has been manufactured to counter plastic waste in the produce aisle. The ideal application is to use it for fruit punnets, baskets commonly used for berries and smaller produce. Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia have designed a biodegradable packaging material made from bacteria-derived polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) mixed with the wood fibers of Radiata pine sawdust. The resulting material is biodegradable in multiple natural environments, including fresh water, salt water, industrial composting centers, and soil. This project was created with support from the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing and was created over three years by UQ's School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. This project was funded to specifically tackle the negative environmental impact of single-use plastic punnets in produce, which are made of petroleum. The design incorporated input from the Queensland Strawberry Growers Association in order to match the needs of the growers and distributors, as well as from manufacturer SDI Plastics and Queensland biotech company Uluu. An original trial tested 200 strawberry punnets of the new material to provide proof of concept and has shown that it can withstand real-world usage and degrade as intended. Australia, with a population of just over 27 million, uses 580 million plastic punnets every year, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. With the population approaching 350 million in the U.S. alone, the amount of single-use plastic manufactured for produce is astounding. Production companies favor plastic for its low costs and ease of access. However, plastic is made from fossil fuels, which takes hundreds of years to degrade and ends up as micro- and nanoplastics in our waterways instead. Around the world, 430 million tons of plastic are manufactured every year for everything from produce to toys. When engineers and companies choose sustainability over ease, it makes a big impact on all consumers. If this biodegradable punnet received funding to replace plastic punnets just in Australia, it could save 1 billion plastic containers from entering landfills in less than two years. If you're interested in shopping more sustainably, consider brands that have upgraded to plastic-free packaging, like Kouvolan Lakritsi candy company, or to other eco-friendly materials, like Sea to Summit did with their camping gear. What should America do to fight plastic pollution? Stricter regulations on companies Better recycling More bans on single-use items All of the above Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
These are the 'over packaged' plastic items shoppers are turning against
Shoppers are turning against 'over packaged' supermarket products shrouded in plastic - and avoiding products that come wrapped in needless packaging. More than a third of British shoppers (39%) have chosen not to buy products over unsustainable packaging, according to research by sustainability consultancy Aura. Around 80% of shoppers now believe that there is too much packaging in supermarkets, the survey found. Gillian Garside-Wight, director of consulting at Aura said, 'Packaging is the new pressure point for brands and retailers. It's become a visible test of their environmental credibility, and if they're willing to accept the costs of positive change. Consumers are clearly making decisions based on whether businesses are serious about sustainability,' said. 'It's no longer just about what's inside the package - it's the packaging itself. We're entering a phase where consumer loyalty can be won or lost through trust." But Yahoo News spoke to a recycling expert who said that supermarkets are still failing to make simple steps that could reduce the amount of plastic we use, and build on the success of the plastic bag ban. So what are the packaging items that British people dislike? A separate survey by DS Smith found that 70% of grocery items come plastic-wrapped and half of this could be removed. Research by DS Smith has shown that people would prefer to get fruit in paper bags to plastic punnets (with just 5% comfortable with plastic punnets). Other packaging irritations include meat packaging that has a corner to peel but is extremely difficult to open. Fruit and vegetables that come wrapped in excessive amounts of packaging is another bugbear for British shoppers, alongside packaging that is impossible to open without scissors or a knife. Laundry pods, eggs packaged in plastic and bakery items in plastic also irritate British shoppers, the research from DS Smith found. It's natural that consumers are starting to demand more sustainable packaging, says recycling expert Rachel Watkyn, CEO of Tiny Box Company. But supermarkets are struggling to keep up and not delivering the simple improvements needed to make customers switch from plastic, Watkyn warns. 'For 'dry goods' like fruit, veg, and bread, however, plastic is often unnecessary. Cardboard punnets and paper, corn-starch compostable, or reusable bags can be perfectly suitable. The problem? Supermarkets need to make pricing clearer for loose goods—so shoppers aren't forced to do mental math before printing that dreaded label. 'In 2022, only 19.4% of fresh fruit and vegetables were sold loose - falling short of the UK Plastics Pact target of 30% by 2025. Even though many supermarkets now offer loose options, how many consumers truly "vote with their pound"? If shoppers were consistently choosing unwrapped produce, supermarkets would gladly fill their shelves with more. 'Unfortunately, the current system discourages it. You often have to queue to weigh your loose items, figure out the right option on the digital scales, and then attach the printed label—usually to a plastic bag, ironically defeating the point. 'And don't even get consumers started on eggs in plastic packaging. There's simply no excuse. Cardboard, which can be recycled 4–6 times before the fibres become too short, is ideal for egg boxes—particularly at its 4th or 5th use. If an egg is going to break in transit, a plastic box won't prevent the gooey mess anyway. It's one of the most frustrating and avoidable forms of packaging waste. Why do supermarkets still use plastic packaging? Supermarkets ARE taking steps to reduce plastic packaging, with organisations signing up to the Plastics Pact to reduce packaging. But supermarkets argue that there is a balance to be struck as plastic packaging helps to extend shelf life of food and prevent food waste. For example, using film to wrap a cucumber extends its life in-store from three days to 14 days, and packaging grapes in plastic boxes cuts in-store wastage by 20%. "Packaging plays an important role, acting as a safety barrier against contamination and increasing the shelf life of many food products, reducing food waste," Naomi Brandon-Bravo, sustainability adviser at the British Retail Consortium, told Yahoo News. "Retailers are committed to reducing unnecessary and single-use plastic packaging, and have worked together across the UK to eliminate problem plastics and increase recycling, as demonstrated in the Plastics Pact, an initiative endorsed by the four UK governments." Are there any other schemes in Britain to boost recycling? A new Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers will see consumers paid to return bottles, with pickup points at supermarkets. British people will be paid to recycle plastic and metal bottles and cans under a new bottle-return scheme set to come into force in 2027. Members of the public pay a deposit on drinks bottles, which is then refunded when bottles are turned in for recycling. The government is also consulting on further bans on single-use plastics including plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups. The Government's Simpler Recycling scheme (in force for businesses from 2025 and households from 2026) aims to ensure there is no 'postcode lottery' around plastic recycling. Having one rule nationwide means it's easier to collect, process and recycle many different plastics.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Microplastics and the South African health crisis no one's talking about
According to a 2023 UNEP report, the world produces 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, and 280 million tonnes of it become waste after just one use. Only 9% of discarded plastic is recycled, with over 22% mismanaged, primarily through open burning and uncontrolled dumping[1]. In South Africa, approximately 120 million tons of general waste is generated each year, exacerbating the pressure on the ability of municipalities to manage waste[2]. Fortis X is the only company in Africa that offers bottles and other products produced solely from plants, which are fully biodegradable within 2 months. South Africa is facing a growing environmental and public health challenge from microplastics (tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size) that pervade our water, soil and food supply. Recent studies reveal alarming statistics: over 80% of South African freshwater sources contain microplastic contamination, with concentrations reaching up to 10,000 particles per cubic meter in some urban rivers. Coastal surveys show microplastics in over 90% of sampled beach sediments, threatening marine ecosystems and entering the seafood chain. This problem is compounded by South Africa's high plastic consumption and limited recycling infrastructure, leading to widespread plastic pollution. As plastics degrade, they fragment into microplastics, which are virtually impossible to remove from the environment and can persist for decades. 'Everyday plastic waste, such as bags, bottles and packaging, often ends up in landfills, waterways and the environment, due to inadequate waste management. In addition, urban stormwater runoff carries tire dust, synthetic clothing fibres, and plastic litter into rivers and oceans,' notes Nicholas De Beer, Director of Fortis X. 'Wastewater treatment plants, many of which are outdated or under-resourced, struggle to filter out microplastics from domestic and industrial sources. Additionally, lost or discarded fishing gear along South Africa's coastline contributes significantly to marine microplastic pollution, ultimately seeping into the food chain,' adds De Beer. Microplastics are not just an environmental nuisance, they pose real risks to human health. Globally, individuals are estimated to consume between 11,845 and 193,200 microplastic particles per year, with drinking water identified as the primary source. The toxicity of microplastics stems from both their inherent properties and their ability to interact with other pollutants, such as heavy metals[3]. Scientific research increasingly links microplastic ingestion and inhalation to a range of health issues: Chemical exposure: Microplastics often carry toxic additives like phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals, which can leach into food and beverages, disrupting endocrine functions and increasing cancer risks. Immune system impact: Studies show microplastics can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially impairing immune responses. Bioaccumulation: Microplastics accumulate in the human body over time, with recent findings detecting microplastics in blood, lungs, and even placentas, raising concerns about long-term effects on development and reproduction. Food safety: In South Africa, where bottled water and packaged beverages are widely consumed, microplastic contamination directly threatens consumer health. 'These tiny particles are increasingly being found in drinking water, food, and even the air—raising serious questions about long-term health impacts. Studies suggest that microplastics can carry toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and heavy metals, which may leach into the body once ingested or inhaled. Once inside, microplastics have been shown to trigger inflammation, disrupt cellular processes, and potentially accumulate in organs, though the full extent of harm is still under investigation,' De Beer explains, adding 'given these risks, reducing exposure to microplastics is a critical public health priority'. While conventional plastics are designed to be durable, they degrade into tiny fragments over time rather than fully breaking down. These microplastics persist in the environment, absorbing toxins and entering food chains through marine and freshwater organisms. 'Says De Beer, 'The cumulative effect of these sources is a growing environmental and health concern, especially as plastic use continues to outpace the development of sustainable waste solutions'. Fortis X, a South African sustainable packaging and medical products manufacturer, is addressing this urgent problem head-on. By producing biodegradable bottles and closures made entirely from plant-based, sugarcane-derived materials, Fortis X eliminates the primary source of microplastic contamination in food and beverages: conventional plastic packaging. Fortis X's bio-based packaging releases no harmful plastic additives into consumables, ensuring safer drinking water and beverages free from microplastic-related toxins. 'Our bottles biodegrade completely within just two months when placed in compost, leaving no harmful residues behind. Because they break down naturally and fully into organic matter, they never fragment into smaller plastic pieces like conventional plastics do', notes De Beer. Unlike traditional plastics that fragment into microplastics, Fortis X's materials fully biodegrade within months under composting conditions, preventing environmental accumulation and fragmentation into microplastics. Additionally, these bottles are produced without additives or coatings known to shed microplastics, ensuring a clean, plastic-free packaging solution. By replacing fossil-fuel-based plastics with fully compostable, plant-based alternatives, Fortis X is not only protecting consumer health but also championing environmental sustainability: Reduces plastic pollution in South African waterways and soils by eliminating the source of persistent plastic waste. Supports circular economy principles by returning nutrients to the earth rather than polluting it Helps safeguard marine and terrestrial ecosystems from the devastating effects of microplastic contamination Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowering the carbon footprint and supporting South Africa's sustainability goals. Microplastics represent a hidden but escalating threat to South African health and the environment. Fortis X's innovative, 100% plant-based, biodegradable packaging offers a practical, scalable solution that cuts microplastic exposure at the source. By choosing Fortis X products, consumers and businesses can actively participate in reducing microplastic pollution and protecting public health, both today and for generations to come.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
FedEx Team Members Unite for Local Environmental Clean-Up in Korea
SEOUL, South Korea, July 23, 2025 /3BL/ - Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world's largest express transportation companies, participated in a plogging initiative with the Korea Green Foundation to combat plastic waste pollution and promote environmental responsibility. On June 14, 74 FedEx team members and their family members gathered at Yeouido Hangang Park, collecting over 55 kg of litter, including PET bottles and various plastic waste. As part of FedEx Cares, the company's global community engagement program, this initiative aims to foster a healthier environment and encourage sustainable practices. The Korea Green Foundation actively engages corporate volunteers in plogging activities to raise awareness about plastic waste and inspire citizen-driven cleanup efforts. By organizing these drives and environmental education programs across the nation, the foundation empowers individuals and communities to act, promoting a collective movement towards sustainability. 'This campaign provided a meaningful opportunity for FedEx team members and their families to take care of our environment. It reinforced the idea that small actions can lead to significant positive changes in our communities,' said Wonbin Park, managing director of FedEx Korea. 'We are committed to engaging in environmental and social initiatives with local communities to help build a more sustainable future.' FedEx is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where it operates. On May 31, FedEx team members and their families participated in a tree-planting campaign organized by the Korea Green Foundation, planting nectar-producing trees at Seoul's Noeul Park to support a healthy bee ecosystem and expand urban green spaces. Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from FedEx
Free Malaysia Today
22-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Johari calls for review of plastic waste import system
Acting natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Johari Ghani said the four ministries involved in plastic waste imports have 'very different jurisdictions'. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Acting natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Johari Ghani has called for a review of how Malaysia manages plastic waste imports, saying more effective enforcement is needed across multiple authorities. He told the Dewan Rakyat today that the four ministries involved in plastic waste imports had 'very different jurisdictions'. 'But if we want effective enforcement, all four have to sit at the same table,' he said. Johari was responding to concerns raised by Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) over the misclassification of plastic waste, plastic waste smuggling at ports, and the lack of inspections at recycling factories. Apart from the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry, the other ministries involved in plastic waste imports are the finance ministry; investment, trade and industry ministry; and housing and local government ministry. Johari said many containers with undeclared plastic waste could be entering the country through ports due to limited customs enforcement capacity. He called for tighter oversight, saying all plastic recycling firms must register with the investment, trade and industry ministry and undergo annual licensing. 'Each time they apply to renew their licence, we will review their audited accounts and check how much they sell, how much they export, and what they do with the waste after processing,' he said.
