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 …

Metsä introduces a new plastic-free eco-barrier paperboard for food and food service end uses

Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is introducing a new plastic-free eco-barrier paperboard that can be recycled in paper or paperboard waste streams according to local recycling schemes. According to Metsä Board, consumers and brands around the world are looking for more sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging, with easy recyclability being key and the new …