Researchers push seaweed bioplastics
Filipino scientists are turning to the ocean for a solution to plastic pollution. During the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology-Philippines (NAST PHL), researchers…
New study finds pathway to biodegrade “indestructible” plastics
New research suggests two of the world's most common plastics, polyethylene and polypropylene, can fully biodegrade in nature without leaving microplastics behind. The findings come from Polymateria, working alongside Imperial…
New EU packaging waste rules applied from August 2026
New European Union rules on packaging and packaging waste took effect on 12 August 2026, reshaping how products across the bloc are packaged. The regulation aims to protect the environment…
Bamboo bioplastic rivals conventional plastic
Chinese researchers have developed a bamboo-based bioplastic that matches the strength of conventional plastics while remaining fully biodegradable. The study, published in Nature, describes a new way of reorganising bamboo…
CJ Biomaterials turns sugar into biodegradable plastic
At a research lab in Woburn, Massachusetts, pebble-sized pellets are being molded into forks, films and packaging. Unlike ordinary plastic, these are designed to disappear rather than persist. The material…
CBE JU-funded projects prepare industry for EU packaging regulation
The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has begun to take effect. The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking is highlighting projects it has funded to help industry prepare. The regulation…
SmartSolve’s bio-based PureNil 0 gains traction in agriculture
SmartSolve is expanding the reach of its bio-based packaging material into agriculture. PureNil 0, a plastic-free, water-soluble pouching material, launched commercially in January 2026. It has already found uses in…
TotalEnergies Corbion launches PLA foam to replace polystyrene packaging
TotalEnergies Corbion has launched Luminy Foam 50F, a high melt strength polylactic acid (PLA) material for foamed food packaging, positioned as a drop-in replacement for extruded polystyrene (XPS). The material…
Sulapac bio-based material chosen for Yom Beauty lip mask packaging
Finnish materials company Sulapac has supplied its Solid bio-based material for Yom Beauty's new lip mask packaging, supporting the UK cosmetics brand's launch of what it describes as the world's…