Photo by Quartzy in article “Adidas is learning it’s not easy to make 100% recyclable sneakers”
TECHNOLOGY
Draper and Sprout have partnered with the EPA to develop a drone that measures microplastics content in the ocean. Known affectionately as the Microplastics-Sensing Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, this machine’s data can serve as a jumping-off point for research and help move us toward developing something like a global map for microplastics. This is especially exciting for us at SeaHive, as Sprout collaborated with our sister company, Pakt, on the signature Pakt One bag. Here’s to excellent partnerships! Read more on Time.
“Invisible barcode” technology could be the way of the future for recycling. This system prints barcodes on packaging that is indistinguishable to the naked eye but scannable for processing centers. It allows processors to quickly identify which materials are recyclable (including food-grade recyclables), and which are not. It’s a pretty amazing technology, being piloted by some major brands such as Procter & Gamble, Nestle, and PepsiCo. Watch the video on it on BBC.
PRODUCTS
Adidas is gearing up to put out its second generation of recycled-plastic sneakers. In the process, the company is running into a number of unforeseen hurdles (pun intended). At the moment, the sneakers are still only made with 10% recycled plastics, while 90% are virgin materials. Regardless, Adidas still considers this a win, as they are learning by trial-and-error as pioneers in this field. Read more on Quartzy.
Product design graduate Lucy Hughes won the 2019 international James Dyson Award for a plastic-alternative made of fish cutoffs and algae. This product solves two problems at once: single-use plastics, and what to do with the 27% of fish that are caught but never used on land. What’s more, unlike most bioplastics, Hughes’ will biodegrade in regular temperatures, meaning it can be composted at home. Read more about Hughes’ product on BBC.
PACKAGING
Dove is taking a new approach to packaging its soap, focusing on recycled and reusable packaging solutions. The Unilever brand “will be launching 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles in North America and Europe (‘where technically feasible’) by the end of the year.” Read more on Cosmetics Design.
Sprite Philippines has announced it will switch from its iconic green plastic bottle to clear bottles, in an effort to increase recycling. Pigmented plastics are often non-recyclable, as they have lower market value and are considered ‘contaminants.’ It is a big move for Sprite to prioritize recyclability over their historical aesthetic. Read more on Business Mirror.
INITIATIVES
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is working to phase out single-use plastics by 2020, in time for Superbowl LIV. Tom Garfinkel - VP, Chairman, and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium - has said he’s hoping to set an example for others. The move will eliminate more than 2.8 million plastic items each year. We’d say that’s a pretty good example. More on Forbes.
Hyatt is also making strides in sustainability. It will begin introducing large-format bathroom amenities instead of small, single-use bottles. It also will reduce single-use plastic water bottles, and instead increase the number of water stations in public spaces for guests to refill their bottles. Read more about Hyatt’s efforts on Modern Diplomacy.
A half-marathon in north Wales is disqualifying runners who drop litter during the race. Run Wales, the event organizers, said the measures were in response to the increasing problem of plastic waste. Read more about the initiative on BBC.
CNN recently did a profile on Plastic Bank, a company that incentivizes people in developing countries to collect plastic waste. Individuals can bring plastic waste and exchange it for goods services, and even school tuition. Read more about Plastic Bank on CNN.
OTHER NEWS
Why is plastic recycling so difficult? Well, factors such as pigmented plastics, muti-layered plastics, and confusing identification codes are just some of the contributors to the nuances of the industry. Read about these factors on Sustainable Brands.
You may be following the U.S. impeachment hearings of Donald Trump - but did you notice George Kent’s massive Nalgene bottle? The internet has gone crazy over Kent’s 64-oz reusable water bottle, displayed prominently on the desk in front of the State Department official. You can read about the craze on Huff Post.
The U.S. has been sending its waste and recyclables to S.E. Asia for years. Much of that waste is not reusable or recyclable, and therefore is burned as fuel for cooking food such as tofu. This process produces deadly chemicals that is polluting the food supply and leading to serious health hazards. There are a couple eye-opening articles on the topic, both on The New York Times and on BBC.
This week, Constantia Flexibles will open the world’s first plant producing 100% sustainable, recyclable flexible plastic. The plant, located in India, is a response to the country’s increased rules and regulations dedicated to eliminating single use plastics. Constantia is the world’s third-largest producer of flexible packaging, and as such, this plant could set an example for those in the packaging industry. Read more on Plastics Today.