sustainability | MLT Analytics

INSIGHTS

Chemical Recycling Gets Boost in Japan

Chemical Recycling Japan, a subsidiary of oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan, has completed construction of a chemical recycling plant for converting post-consumer and post-industrial recovered plastics into oil; at a site in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The plant has aplastic processing capacity of 20,000 tonnes annual and is scheduled to commence commercial operations in April 2026. The company’s proprietary chemical recycling technology is centered on a catalyst-based c

18 hours ago1 min read

Spanish Project Drives Safe, Sustainable Bio-Based Solvents

The Solress project officially kicked off in September in Valencia, Spain, marking a major step toward the development of safer, sustainable, and high-performance bio-based solvents for European industries. Funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) with a contribution of €7 million under a total budget of €9.1 million, the project will run for 48 months under the coordination of AIMPLAS, Plastics Technology Centre. Solress aims to develop an integrate

Dec 2, 20251 min read

Start-up Seeks Funding for Sustainable Circuit Board Material

UK start-up Jiva Materials is seeking funding to further commercialization of a circuit board material made from natural fibers and a hot water-soluble, biodegradable resin. Soluboard cuts lifecycle emissions by 68% versus standard FR‑4 glass fiber/epoxy resin PCBs, makes devices lighter and allows efficient recovery of valuable metals. Soluboard combines natural fibers such as flax or jute with a non‑hazardous, water‑soluble biopolymer and a halogen‑free phosphorous flame r

Nov 24, 20251 min read

U.S. Plastics Pact Releases Position Paper on Physical and Chemical Recycling

The U.S. Plastics Pact (USPP) today released a new position paper on the role of physical and chemical recycling in a circular economy, offering science-based, consensus-driven guidance to policymakers and industry leaders. Developed with input from the full plastics value chain, the position provides clarity on how these technologies can help address hard-to-recycle plastics, while ensuring that they do not displace reduction, reuse, or mechanical recycling efforts. “Too of

Nov 20, 20252 min read

Toppan Launches Hybrid Manufacturing of BOPP and BOPE Films

Japan's Toppan and its India-based subsidiary Toppan Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF), have installed a hybrid manufacturing line capable of producing both biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film and biaxially-oriented polyethylene (BOPE) on the same machine. With an extensive track record in the production of BOPP films, TSF is now launching production of BOPE on the new line to cater to diversifying demand. TSF will begin mass production on the new hybrid line f

Nov 11, 20251 min read

Korean Researchers Pioneers Catalyst that Converts CO2 into Key Ingredient for Clean Fuels

A research team at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) led by Dr. Koo Kee-Young of the Hydrogen Research Department has developed a high-performance copper–magnesium–iron catalyst that efficiently converts carbon dioxide (CO₂)—a major greenhouse gas—into carbon monoxide (CO), a key building block for eco-friendly synthetic fuels. The breakthrough targets the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction, which converts CO₂ and hydrogen (H₂) into CO and water (H₂O). The r

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Propylene-based Elastomer Enables Foam Building Blocks from Mixed Recyclates

Incorporating recycled content into foamed products, particularly in the building and construction sector, can compromise product consistency, mechanical strength, and overall performance. Without effective solutions to process and reuse these mixed plastic streams, designing for recyclability remains a formidable challenge. To address the challenge, a collaborative effort across the value chain was initiated, involving key industry players including Erema, Moxietec, Engel,

Nov 3, 20252 min read

Clariant Unveils Titanium Catalysts for Sustainable Polyester Production

New technology reduces processing temperatures and energy consumption while improving color value, product quality, and production efficiency through its kinetic boosting effect. Clariant presented its new AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions for polyester polymerization at K 2025, the world's premier trade fair for plastics and rubber. Set to launch in 2026, this technology offers a more sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional antimony-based catal

Oct 22, 20252 min read