Materials and technologies – February 2025

Active packaging reduces mercury in tuna
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a packaging solution that reduces the mercury content in tuna. The technology uses a material that binds to mercury, preventing its absorption into the fish during storage. This advancement addresses concerns over heavy metal contamination in seafood. The study (1.90 MB) is published in Global Challenges.

Reusable and degradable adhesives
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a biodegradable polymer-based adhesive that could replace common superglues in packaging. The material forms strong bonds, can be remoulded and reused multiple times, and degrades under mild conditions. The study (abstract) is published in Science.
University of Reading scientists have developed a new adhesive that simplifies the recycling of plastic bottles by allowing labels to detach more easily during processing. The degradable glue dissolves in water at specific temperatures, ensuring cleaner plastic recyclates and improving overall recycling efficiency. The study (7.68 MB) is published in Macromolecules.

Advancing plastic circularity: Upcycling, depolymerisation, and efficient recycling
A polymer editing technique, developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, transforms plastic waste into higher-performance materials. By selectively modifying polymer structures, the process enhances properties such as strength and adds value to recycled materials. The study (abstract) is published in The Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered that the widely used pigment carbon black, can break down PVC into its original building blocks. The pigment acts as a catalyst for depolymerisation, offering a potential low-energy method for recycling plastics back into virgin-quality materials. The discovery is described in ACS Central Science (5.36 MB) and the Journal of the American Chemical Society (abstract).
Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a new catalyst that improves the chemical recycling of plastics, breaking them down more efficiently into reusable components. The innovation enables lower-temperature processing, reducing energy consumption.

Substitute for plastic foams
A plant-based substitute for fossil fuel-derived materials used in plastic foams has been developed at Washington State University. Made from renewable feedstocks, the new material offers similar performance while being biodegradable. The findings (abstract) are published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.

Research projects about next-generation packaging materials
Chemists at the University of York, in partnership with Synthomer, aim to create high-performance plastics that are both biodegradable and recyclable. The three-year project is co-funded by EPSRC, with a total fund of about €2.5 million.
Another multi-million-euro research project, led by the University of Surrey and Pulpex Ltd, explores the use of natural wood fibres and new barrier coatings to provide a viable solution to plastic pollution. The project is funded by UK Research and Innovation.
 

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