Sappi achieves the first ever PEFC Forest Management certificate in South Africa

Sappi Limited, a global forest products leader, is proud to announce that its South African division has been awarded the first ever Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) forest management certificate in South Africa. This achievement indicates that Sappi Southern Africa’s forest management practices meet the requirements for sustainable forest management set out …

Mars Food debuts recyclable, food-safe mono-plastic pouch

Mars Food will begin to use the industry’s first recyclable, food-safe, mono-polypropylene plastic (PP) for microwavable rice pouches on its brands.   Launching in the first half of 2021, the business has ambitions to further scale the technology across its portfolio, beginning at the back half of the year.   The use of high-performing mono-PP …

Two rights might not end a wrong

  Plastic production has accelerated in recent years and is forecast to reach 600million tonnes by 2030. Most of this is not biode­gradable, and 30-50% is produced for single-use applications. Plastic waste has become an increasingly pressing issue in recent years.   Biodegradable plastics and better recycling strategies are two promising approaches to address this. …

Constantia Flexibles’ launches recyclable polymeric mono-material for pharmaceuticals

Constantia Flexibles launches its first recyclable polymeric mono-material, Perpetua, for a wide range of uses in pharma packaging applications. Perpetua offers excellent product protection from oxygen, water vapor and light. It is now available worldwide.   High protection levels against moisture, oxygen and heat are important for protecting active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), to provide the …

Enzyme discovery ‘could make plastic biodegradable’

  Researchers working for Carbios, a firm based in France, have created an enzyme that breaks down plastic. The scientists believe the enzyme could eventually make plastics biodegradable.   PET hydrolase is a bacterial enzyme that can break down plastic bottles into chemical parts, and then be used to manufacture other plastic bottles. There are …

Mondi and Hütthaler produce fully recyclable plastic packaging

  Mondi and Austrian meat producer Hütthaler worked together to produce a fully recyclable thermoforming film made from a mono-material for the processor’s meat and sausage products.   The film is made of a mono-material solution that can be fully recycled and provides a barrier to protect the food and extend its shelf life. The independent cyclos-HTP …

Oman to enforce nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags

Oman has announced it will ban the use of single-use plastic shopping bags from January, according to Business Wire. The decision was announced by Oman’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and will apply to the entire Sultanate. Local news sources quoted the ministry as saying: “Companies and establishments are prohibited from using single-use plastic …

Agthia launches region’s first plant-based water bottle and signs sustainability MoU with Veolia at Gulfood 2020

Agthia Group PJSC, one of the region’s leading food and beverages companies, today announced the launch of Al Ain Plant Bottle, the region’s first plant-based water bottle, at a press conference on the sidelines of Gulfood 2020 during UAE Innovation Month, In the presence of H.E. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change …

Young Saudi entrepreneur wins Shell’s top innovator prize for developing an affordable, biodegradable alternative to plastic

Soliman Al-Shoqabi received a prize of $10,000 as winner of one of the 2019 Shell Young Saudi entrepreneur Soliman Al-Shoqabi has taken home one of the 2019 Shell LiveWIRE Top Ten Innovators Awards, after participating in a global competition, which highlights and rewards businesses that demonstrate excellence in innovation as well as gives entrepreneurs a …