Plastics

Looking to learn more about the damage plastic waste causes marine animals, scientists have found that fish subjected to high concentrations of microplastic fibers can experience profound changes to their respiratory and reproductive systems.

Sea turtles are one example of a creature that regularly consumes plastic trash for dinner, and a new study offers up new answers as to why revealing that they can mistake the smell of plastic for food as part of an “olfactory trap.”

Bioplastics are already a more eco-friendly alternative to their petroleum-based counterparts. Now, scientists have created a clear bioplastic film that not only blocks harmful UV radiation, but that is also more airtight than traditional plastics.

In the chemical-production industry, energy-intensive processes are constantly being used to remove unwanted molecules from liquids. It now looks like much of that energy could be saved, however, by utilizing filters made from plastic bottles.

Scientists are claiming to have combined the best features of bio-based PLA plastic and traditional composite materials, with a new all-PLA composite.

Sports Interactive's forthcoming title Football Manager 2020 will be wrapped in a recyclable cardboard sleeve rather than the typical hard plastic casing.

A new substance is claimed to combine strength and toughness, by mixing wood fibers with spider silk.

A new juice kiosk recycles its own orange peels into the cups used by the customers.

​​One disconcerting consequence of our huge plastic pollution problem is that we really have no idea where the stuff can end up. The latest locale to surprise scientists looking into such matters is the Arctic, who say that snowfall there is bringing tiny fragments of plastic along for the ride.​

Cleanyst is compact household appliance designed to cut plastic waste by allowing users to blend their own shampoo, shower gel, handwash, liquid detergent and dishwashing liquid at home by simply adding water to pre-prepared sachets.

​We've already heard about water-repellant materials that copy the structure of the lotus leaf. Now, however, scientists have created a flexible optical plastic that wards off liquids even better, and it was inspired by something else – the humble Enoki mushroom.

When a cotton gin is used to separate cotton fibers from their seeds, a lot of lint is produced as a waste product. Currently, much of that cotton lint is just burned or put in landfills. Thanks to recent research out of Australia, however, it may soon be converted into biodegradable plastic.