May 2021

Researchers at TU Graz develop green alternatives to fossil raw materials. Bio-based materials are expected to reduce pollution and drive the shift to a more sustainable economy. As a renewable resource, wood offers great potential in the fight against the climate crisis. First, it sequesters large amounts of carbon (1 ton per cubic meter!). Moreover, it is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil based resources, which cause the majority of greenhouse gas emissions.

STADLER has developed in-house the Service Data Cloud, a cloud-based platform, which captures operating and sensor data from the equipment at the customer’s sorting plant. The information is securely stored in the cloud and accessible from anywhere on- or off-site through a web portal. The SDC leverages automation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to optimize and increase the efficiency of processes in STADLER sorting plants and provide better, faster support to its customers.

Stora Enso and packaging technology company Pulpex join forces to industrialize the production of eco-friendly paper bottles and containers made from wood fiber pulp. These renewable products will offer an alternative to PET plastics and glass. The exclusive partnership leverages Stora Enso’s formed fiber technologies and ability to convert end-products at an industrial scale.

Experts from industry, politics and science have been observing the trend towards the substitution of pure plastic packaging by paper composites – i.e. packaging made from a material mix of paper and plastic – for a long time. It is not uncommon for these to be advertised with “less plastic”, suggesting a special environmental friendliness to the consumer. This trend can be observed more frequently, especially for service packaging and higher-priced foods as well as organic items.

Tesco has started rolling out “soft plastic” recycling points so customers can recycle old packaging such as bread bags, pet food pouches and crisp packets. The plastic brought back by customers will be turned into new packaging for food, household and beauty products.

Any company or brand that makes or imports any form of plastic packaging for distribution in South Africa will be required to pay an extended producer responsibility (EPR) fee per tonne from 5 May 2021. Strict government targets have been set for annual collection and recycling over the next five years and the EPR will see investment in collection infrastructure in the country.