Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Biofoam boxes for Seafood Industry

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Biofoam boxes greening WA’s lucrative seafood industry

Western Australia is known for many things from its beautiful beaches to its vast outback, and, famously, its fresh and tasty seafood.

The WA seafood industry brings in around $1billion of revenue each year, making it one of the state’s most lucrative industries. However, with that revenue comes packaging waste. 

To transport seafood from the ocean to the markets or the shelves, it has historically been stored in #expandedpolystyrene boxes. These have now been banned in WA and are being phased out around the world.  

While some greener, #recyclablepackaging options have been introduced, a new and collaborative local project is looking to move from recyclable, to fully #biodegradable.  

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub (BIH), a joint venture between #MurdochUniversity and #CSIRO, has partnered with #CassMaterials, a Perth biotechnology company, to develop #biofoam #seafoodboxes made from wheat straw.  

“In WA, approximately 10million tonnes of #wheatstraw per year is retained on the farm and, with no tillage systems, most is burnt,” Cass Materials CEO Gary Cass said.  

“With the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, we can convert this agricultural waste into new fossil-free biofoam boxes for fresh food and seafood markets.

Traditional polystyrene boxes take more than 500 years to decompose in landfill, and form microplastics as they break down. 

Biofoam boxes fully break down within a few months and improve the organic matter content of soils. 

This is particularly poignant, as a recent review by Murdoch University discovered that agricultural soils now hold around 23 times more microplastics than oceans.  

The boxes are also lightweight, hydrophobic (able to retain ice and water) and home compostable.  

BIH director Professor Dan Murphy said the Hub’s research is directed by what industry needs and aims to solve real-world problems.  

“We want to improve single use items in the food industry by having biodegradable and compostable materials that replace things like synthetic plastics,” Professor Murphy said.  

By developing these items that can replace synthetic plastic in food transportation, storage and packaging we can help to both lower environmental impacts and address incoming plastic bans. 

The biofoam boxes are currently at TRL4, meaning the laboratory prototypes have been validated. Cass Materials is currently raising capital to scale this technology. 

In preparation for this upscale, BIH researchers are working to develop the entirely waterproof barrier needed to meet final requirements. We are confident that upon scaling-up this product, it will become a commercial success and meet the consumer and industry demand for convenient and environmentally friendly packaging.”  

source : Murdoch University

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Sustainable Graphites

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Imerys introduces SU-NERGY™ , a novel #graphite series featuring biomass-derived raw materials. This innovative product is the first of its kind at industrial scale, representing a significant leap forward towards more #sustainablegraphite manufacturing.

SU-NERGY™ incorporates biomass in its production process and is manufactured using exclusively low-carbon energy sources. The result is a powerful and more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil -based graphites.

Key advantages are:

-->Excellent electrical conductivity

-->Superior thermal management capabilities

-->Up to 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional graphite materials from fossil fuel-based raw materials

-->Increased isotropicity and springback

-->High purity and crystallinity

-->Incredible versatility, meeting the needs of a wide range of industries, including:

-->Mobile Energy Solutions

-->Energy Storage and Conversions

-->Conductive Polymers

-->Powder Metallurgy

-->Engineering Materials and others 

source : Imerys

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Research Update: PFAS found in several reusable period products

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Research Update: PFAS found in several reusable period products

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or #foreverchemicals, are being identified in more places. Period products are on that list, likely because of the resistance to stains and liquids conferred by these chemicals. Building on previously presented research, a team publishing in #ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that some reusable products, namely period underwear and reusable pads, contained #PFAS, which might be absorbed into the body through skin contact.

“We feel that this work is important not only because of the discovery of PFAS in an understudied segment of consumer products experiencing rapid growth, but also because it appears the use of PFAS is entirely unnecessary,” explains Graham Peaslee, the corresponding author of the study.

Previously, Peaslee, Alyssa Wicks, and colleagues screened several period products for the presence of #fluorinatedcompounds (precursors to PFAS) and presented their results at ACS Fall 2023. Many of the tested items, including single-use and reusable options, contained fluorinated compounds, whereas others lacked fluorine altogether. Now, the team has completed a more in-depth analysis, searching for 42 specific PFAS in items sourced from North America, South America and Europe.

Focusing exclusively on reusable products, the team screened 59 different period and hygiene products for the presence of fluorine and then selected a subset of 19 items (spanning all three regions) for PFAS analysis. The products tested included period underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cups, reusable incontinence underwear, and a reusable incontinence pad. They found that:

One-third of the period underwear and one-quarter of the reusable period pads contained fluorine at levels high enough to indicate intentional PFAS addition. 

One-quarter of the period underwear contained at least 1000 parts per million (ppm) of fluorine, with the highest reaching 77,000 ppm. 

All 19 products chosen for further analysis contained PFAS, although several were at very low concentrations and thus were assumed to be unintentional additions to the products.

The high concentrations of PFAS pose a concern for researchers because these “forever” chemicals may leach into wastewater when they’re washed or disposed of. Additionally, other studies have shown that skin contact may allow PFAS to be absorbed into the body.

However, most products (71%), at least one from each category, lacked intentional PFAS. This study’s results, combined with the team’s previous finding of certain products lacking fluorine altogether, suggest to these researchers that PFAS are likely an unnecessary component in the products’ manufacturing.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Indiana University Sustainability Research Development Grant. The New York Times Wirecutter provided product samples for testing.

source : ACS

Agilyx ASA reports Styrenyx analysis shows CO2 emission reductions of up to 86%

Agilyx ASA announces a third-party reviewed Product Carbon Footprint report of Styrenyx, Agilyx’s proprietary recycling technology, shows CO2 emissions can be cut by up to 86% by using depolymerization of waste polystyrene compared to fossil production.

To better assess the carbon footprint of Styrenyx, our advanced recycling, post-consumer waste circular styrene production, #Agilyx commissioned Sphera Solutions, Inc. to perform a cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) consistent with ISO 14067:2018 standards, and compare results to conventional production of #styrene from fossil resources. As announced in March 2025, the results have now been reviewed by a third party, confirming that when #Styrenyx uses renewable energy to recycle #polystyrene (PS) to styrene, it can reduce up to 86% of carbon-equivalent emissions compared to fossil-based production.

At minimum, Styrenyx can save 46% carbon-equivalent emissions when powered by a standard electrical grid. This is higher than the 38% savings originally reported in March 2025.

“Our advanced #recycling technology not only enables a #circulareconomy for plastic, it does so with lower-carbon impact. Investing in and choosing innovative solutions for plastic waste is essential for building the infrastructure needed for a lower-carbon, more sustainable future, and helps solve the #plasticwaste crisis”, said Chris Faulkner, Chief Technology Officer of Agilyx.

source : Agilyx

Analysts assess cost, risk and logistics ahead of China’s Arctic container route launch

 China is preparing to launch the first liner-type container service between Asia and Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in September, prompting shipping analysts to weigh the logistics and costs of what remains a niche venture.

For the first time, a scheduled service resembling a conventional Asia–Europe loop will traverse the Russian Arctic, linking Qingdao, Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan with Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Gdansk.

Intermodal head of research Yiannis Parganas noted that the inaugural voyage, already fully booked, promises an 18-day transit from East Asia to Northern Europe – less than half the time required via the Suez Canal. The service will be operated by China’s Haijie Shipping Co.

According to Mr Parganas, the appeal is clear on paper. The NSR avoids chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and the increasingly volatile Red Sea. “For high-value, time-sensitive cargoes – from fast fashion to consumer electronics – the NSR offers faster delivery, lower inventory costs, and the chance to bypass Europe’s congestion-heavy holiday peak season,” he said.

Experimental stage:

Yet beneath the headlines lies a more complex reality. Banchero Costa head of research Ralph Leszczynski described the project as “quite experimental” and, even if launched, “a rather niche operation.”

Drewry senior manager for container research Simon Heaney echoed this view, characterising the venture as still in “beta testing mode.”

For now, the NSR service is expected to be strictly seasonal, confined to a July–November window until a sufficient fleet of high ice-class container ships can extend operations. This year, only one voyage is planned.

“Even in peak summer, when ice is at its minimum, you still need ice-class reinforced ships, which are scarce and far more expensive than standard vessels,” said Mr Leszczynski. “In many cases, you also need icebreaker assistance, which further drives up insurance and operating costs.”

Logistics and viability:

Compared with the NSR, the Suez Canal still offers year-round reliability and the economies of scale of 20,000+ TEU vessels. “The Arctic’s first liner is launching with a 4,890-TEU ship – large for ice navigation, but modest by Asia–Europe standards,” Mr Parganas explained.

Mr Leszczynski added, “The NSR may save time, but costs per TEU will certainly be higher. For most containerised cargo, low cost and safe delivery matter more than shaving off a few days at sea.”

He further noted that shippers prioritising speed already have established alternatives, “If speed is what you need and you’re willing to pay for it, air freight or the existing China–Europe rail service are viable options.”

Mr Heaney shared the same view: "The route offers clear potential for faster shipping, but the cost of using ice-strengthened vessels and Arctic escorts compared with routes via the Suez Canal or Cape of Good Hope remains uncertain.

Analysts also pointed to persistent risks. Sparse Arctic infrastructure, unpredictable ice conditions, and limited search-and-rescue capacity continue to undermine reliability. “Even today, with Russia’s nuclear icebreakers on standby, insurers and charterers remain wary of a route shaped more by geopolitics than commerce,” Mr Parganas observed.

For now, Intermodal suggests viewing the NSR not as a replacement for the Suez but as a seasonal hedge – a pressure valve that operators, particularly Chinese ones, may exploit under favourable conditions. The shipbroker highlighted the double-edged nature of the route: intriguing as an alternative at a time when supply chains demand resilience, but marginal given its seasonal, small-scale capacity geared only to high-value cargoes.

Geopolitical dimensions:

China’s development of a liner-type service along the NSR has reignited debate over whether the Arctic will emerge as a new arena for global competition.

Mr Parganas noted that Russia has made the NSR a strategic priority, tasking Rosatom with expanding infrastructure and icebreaker support. China, meanwhile, has incorporated Arctic shipping into its Polar Silk Road, deepening ties with Moscow amid mounting Western sanctions. “Recent Chinese investments in Arctic ports such as Arkhangelsk, along with joint plans for new ice-class container ships, show that Beijing is playing the long game.

The NSR also offers China a corridor less exposed to Western naval power and sanctions – a point not lost on European policymakers. “For European nations already concerned about maritime security, a larger Chinese presence in the Arctic will be scrutinised as much politically as commercially,” Mr Parganas added.

Environmental concerns:

The project has also raised alarm among environmental groups. Clean Arctic Alliance lead advisor Dr Sian Prior warned the Arctic is already under severe stress. “Its waters are warming and acidifying faster than the global average. As a result, sending container ships across the Arctic raises a lot of red flags,” she said.

The alliance cautions that increased Arctic shipping would heighten climate impacts through black carbon emissions, disturb wildlife and local communities, and raise the risk of oil spills.

Dr Prior stressed that any vessel on the route should be ice-strengthened, Polar Code–certified, and prohibited from using residual fuels such as VLSFO. Instead, ships should use distillate fuels or other new fuels with low black carbon emissions, and implement noise abatement plans.

source: Riviera

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : UAE to ban single-use plastic products’ import, production, trade from 2026

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

UAE to ban single-use plastic products’ import, production, trade from 2026

The #UAE will implement a comprehensive #ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2026, said Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

This comes as part of the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags.

“This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems,” Dr Amna said on the occasion of World Environment Day which is marked on June 5.

She called on all community members in the UAE to play their role in eliminating unnecessary plastic.

“Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation’s vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives. Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come,” the minister said.

She reiterated that this year's theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution', is a call to action for every member of the community.

Dubai and other emirates imposed a ban on #singleuseplasticbags and implemented 25 fils tariff from January 1, 2024. The ban covered stirrers, Styrofoam food containers, table covers, cotton swabs, straws and single-use Styrofoam cups made of plastic.

Starting January 1, 2026, single-use plastic cups and lids, single-use plastic cutlery, plastic food containers and plastic plates will be banned. 

Plastic in lungs, brains, breast milk

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Thursday warned that plastic pollution is contaminating water supplies, food sources, and the air we breathe. “As plastics break down, they enter the food chain. Microplastics have been detected in human arteries, lungs, brains, and breast milk,” it said.

It said global plastic consumption is projected to reach 516 million tonnes this year, and if current consumption patterns continue, it will rise to over 1.2 billion tonnes annually by 2060.

13 million deaths

The UN body said environmental factors contribute to the deaths of about 13 million people worldwide each year. Almost half of these fatalities are attributed to air pollution. The health and economic costs of unhealthy air pollution currently amount to $2.9 trillion.

source : Khaleej Times