Microplastics

New tool offers breakthrough in understanding nanoplastics and their environmental impact

Nanoplastics, particles smaller than one micrometre, are increasing concern for environmental and human health.

Babies consume 10 times as many microplastics as adults

In a study conducted on babies in New York, scientists found that babies contain 10 times as many microplastics as adults - raising serious questions about how exposure happens.

Scientists find “harmful chemicals” in over 75% of makeup

Scientists tested makeup across the US and Canada for harmful chemicals - they found that over 75% of products tested contained PFAS, which are "forever chemicals".

Scientists find way to turn plastic waste into jet fuel

A team of researchers at Washington State University have found a way to turn 90% of plastic waste into jet fuel within the space of an hour.

Let’s learn how to use plastic anew!

Research Professor Ali Harlin urges us to reconsider our plastic use and illustrates how the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is aiming to halve the environmental impact of plastics.

Scientists find microplastics in largest European ice cap

Scientists have discovered microplastics in the largest European ice cap - which can influence the way that glaciers melt and behave, impacting rising sea levels.

Digital solutions to reduce household carbon footprint

Gavin Ellis, Director and Co-Founder of Hubbub, discusses how digital solutions can be used to help households reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

Usable Packaging project: Launching a revolution in bioplastics

Funded by the BBI JU programme within the EU’s Horizon 2020 initiative, the Usable Packaging project seeks to dramatically reduce the use of environmentally harmful fossil fuel-based packaging by developing high-performance bio-alternatives.

Plastic packaging projects receive £16 million from UKRI

UKRI has opened up a new £16 million funding competition for projects to develop sustainable solutions to plastic packaging challenges.

Every day, three billion microplastic particles enter the Bay of Bengal

Researchers have found that the Ganges River could be for depositing three billion microplastic particles into the Bay of Bengal daily - impacting 655 million people.

Scientists find new way to eliminate microplastics from water

They found that electrolytic treatment of wastewater can literally eliminate microplastics - other methods simply separate microplastics from water, creating the problem of unwanted leftovers.

UKRI funds £20 million to address global plastic waste problem

The global plastic waste situation will receive an investment of £20 million from UKRI - research partnerships will begin with 11 countries.

EU Green Deal: Creating a circular economy for plastics

Jennifer Perr, Sustainability Director at Hi-Cone explains how the EU Green Deal can impact the packaging industry and transform plastic use for a more sustainable future.

Is a plastic-eating enzyme the solution to our plastic problem?

The scientists who re-engineered the plastic-eating enzyme, PETase, have now created an enzyme partnership which can digest plastic up to six times faster.

COVID-19 is exacerbating an already worrying plastic pollution problem

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a huge surge in plastic pollution, adding to an already worrying plastic waste problem that is threatening all marine life.

Potential implications of microplastics in human health and biodiversity

Cecilia Van Cauwenberghe from Frost & Sullivan’s TechVision Group, discusses the potential implications of microplastics in human health and biodiversity.

WHO report on microplastics in drinking-water

Jennifer De France from the World Health Organization walks us through what we need to know about microplastics in drinking- water.

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Latest Academic Articles

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