Emerging Technologies

  • New plastic from University of Surrey transforms into gas when heated, reforms when cooled

  • Is chemical recycling economically viable? Key findings from new European Commission report

  • Can seaweed-based films replace plastic?

  • Aldi and Arla aim to boost milk bottle recycling rated with new collaboration

  • Can molded pulp finally challenge plastic?

  • AFYREN receives €3 million grant to upgrade biorefinery for biobased acids

  • Industry backs updated legislation supporting competitive EU biomanufacturing

  • Draft bill exempts compostables and biodegradables from PPWR’s SUP ban

  • MIT uses AI to simulate shipments between warehouses in logistics network

Emerging Technologies

  • University of Surrey

    New plastic from University of Surrey transforms into gas when heated, reforms when cooled

    2026-08-24T16:30:00+01:00

    Researchers at the University of Surrey have revealed a new polymer which breaks down into a gas at 90 degrees Celsius and, when cooled, reforms into the original waterproof polymer with the same properties as before.

  • Small granules of plastic

    Is chemical recycling economically viable? Key findings from new European Commission report

    2026-08-10T07:47:00+01:00By

    In this edition of the Brief, we examine the European Commission’s recent report on the economic viability of chemical recycling, covering the main findings, conclusions and details such as technical considerations, regulatory context and potential policy support. 

  • WhatsApp Image 2026-07-09 at 09.47.55

    Can seaweed-based films replace plastic?

    2026-08-06T07:56:00+01:00

    Noriware recently closed a €4.3M seed round in a bid to scale its seaweed-based transparent film. The company says that its product, Norifresh, has no chemical modifications, adhesives or coatings, can be directly heat-sealed onto cardboard, and is suitable for use on existing production lines. In this interview with Jessica Farda, Noriware’s co-founder and CEO, we learn more about the key functionalities of the solution, its origin story, and its potential to scale.

  • unit installed 2

    Aldi and Arla aim to boost milk bottle recycling rated with new collaboration

    2026-08-03T12:53:00+01:00

    Aldi and Arla are working with Polytag on a project that will track milk bottles through the recycling process using UV-tagging technology.

  • 15679_johnniewalkerfirst70clpaperbasedbottletrialimage2_838349-2

    Can molded pulp finally challenge plastic?

    2026-07-09T08:51:00+01:00

    Molded pulp has been around for decades in the form of egg cartons, fruit trays, and electronics inserts. Everyone in packaging knows what it is, but the question has always been: can it ever truly replace plastic in mainstream packaging applications? Design for Sustainability consultant Zhanar Baishakova takes a closer look at this trend.