While we all are counting down the days to return to a post-COVID time, the pandemic has shown that the world can change quickly. So, it goes without saying that COVID has sparked a rush for plastics, bringing substantial shifts in demand – be it the medical PPE kits or facemasks/face shields or even safe food packaging.
These times are a sobering reminder that we cannot afford to become complacent. It is the time to push the boundaries to enable more and more challenging applications of plastics and we are here to help you with our brand-new 2021 Online Courses Program.
Let us walk you through some of the hottest trends and formulation skills which you do not want to miss in 2021 – from material selection to testing and compliance with global regulations.
Recycling Remains the Top Priority
One of the big trends and pressing requirements in the plastics industry is “Recycling”! Lately, we all read a lot about the rising “plastics pollution problem” and thus, it calls for industry to ensure how they can answer the key question “What can be done with waste plastics?”
The need to boost the circular economy, recycling, recyclability & the quality of recycled grades has never been higher. OEMs are now demanding increased recycled content in the final parts and this will drive recycling innovations w.r.t materials, technologies & processes. However, what is difficult is to choose from the large number of possible approaches (depolymerization, pyrolysis, and solvent-based recycling) and tailoring them to the recycling needs of different plastics, applications, and regional waste management systems.
According to Mckinsey, by 2030, up to almost one-third of plastics demand could be covered by production based on previously used plastics rather than from “virgin” oil and gas feedstocks. Projecting to 2050 suggests that nearly 60 percent of plastics demand could be covered by production based on previously used plastics.
What are the Challenges? What Does It Mean for You?
Now when plastics reuse and recycling could become an important driver of profitability, what is difficult is to choose from the large number of possible approaches (depolymerization, pyrolysis, and solvent-based recycling) and tailoring them to the recycling needs of different plastics, applications, and regional waste management systems.
For example, mechanical recycling has demonstrated effectiveness in the recycling of several plastics, but it has certain limitations as well w.r.t. loss of quality, performance and properties of the recycled materials. There is a need for new or optimized solutions to recycle foils, multilayer packaging products, complex films where, mechanical recycling alone proves to be inefficient.
Therefore, whether you are a recycler, manufacturer or compounder, it becomes imperative for you to focus your R&D efforts in the right direction with a clearer view on recycling methods. This year with our renewed program, learn what type or combination of recycling technologies will be more suitable for you to make an easier transition towards a circular economy model.
Safe Food Packaging & Regulations – What Matters the Most!
Last year, the demand for packaging plastics especially disposables for food packaging has spiked tremendously, so does the expectations with respect to food safety and performance. In order to make sure food is not tainted before it reaches the consumer, several regions across the globe have food contact regulatory requirements, which indeed are complex, and you would need to be sure that you are complying with the right standards for your target market.
Chemical Safety Aspects for Commonly Used Materials in Food Packaging
(Source: Science Direct)
As we speak, European Regulations are now much more demanding than before. Formation of NIAS, their migration level & toxicological properties have to be investigated in detail to be demonstrated that despite detectable migration (above 10 µg/kg food) food will still be safe. Certainly, the procedure is complex and expensive.
What Does It Mean for You?
Moving to other regions in the world, increasingly stringent legal requirements defined by FDA, China or Japan require you to have defined food contact testing strategy. But without one single harmonized standard and with ever-evolving regulations & compliance requirements, it can be a complex matter for you to ensure your product complies with all your targeted markets.
Do not let the complexity cost you rejection of your food contact approval application. This year, easily define your testing strategies and be aware of global regulations as well as succeed with your food contact approval application via our exclusive courses on this topic.