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Researchers at North Carolina State University have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastic in salt water. Specifically, the modified organism can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic used in everything from water bottles to clothing that is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in oceans. “This is exciting because we need to address plastic pollution in marine environments,” said Nathan Crook, corresponding author of a paper…

In June 2021, Lego announced amid much fanfare that the first prototype toy brick made from recycled plastic had met its strict quality and safety requirements. That was then. Yesterday, CEO Niels Christiansen told the Financial Times that Lego has abandoned this initiative because bricks made from recycled PET (rPET) would result in higher carbon emissions. The reason, as reported by the BBC, is that the process requires extra production steps…

Atlanta-based Bakelite Synthetics has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LRBG Chemicals Inc., a Canadian liquid phenolic resin manufacturer and developer with facilities in Longueuil (Montreal), Quebec. With the completion of this acquisition, Bakelite Synthetics adds to its portfolio of products and customers, as well as builds on its growth strategy of sustainably delivering innovative solutions to customers. LRBG Chemicals manufactures high-quality resins and derivative products that are used…

Solvay is set to feature its latest innovations in sustainable polymer products in Friedrichshafen, Germany at the Fakuma show on Oct. 17 to 21. One highlight at booth 4213 in hall B4 will be a portfolio of specialty polymer innovations targeting e-mobility “Solvay will launch two new grades of Ryton polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) Supreme resins, bringing enhanced performance benefits in e-mobility applications,” said Brian Baleno, head of automotive marketing. “These…

Spain’s Elix Polymers, a global supplier of specialty ABS materials, is showcasing its new sustainable E-Loop products and services at the Fakuma 2023 show to be held in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on Oct. 17 to 21. Elix has placed all of its circular economy activities under the E-Loop brand name with two strategic programs from Elix Sustainable Portfolio Solutions: Circular Plastics and Responsible Innovation. At Fakuma, the company will introduce its…

Biological evaluation for all medical devices is conducted using guidance provided in ISO 10993-1, the overarching standard for this process. It is the document that gives the general framework for risk assessment and assists in the selection of appropriate biological endpoints for evaluation. It also describes how available information should be applied to determine the need for further testing. ISO 10993-1 is an important reference document for all medical devices…

MGS, a contract manufacturer offering end-to-end services for global medical device and life science OEMs, recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art Innovation Center on the company’s Germantown, WI, campus. The expansion brings an additional 120,000 square feet to company headquarters and represents ongoing investments in growth and expansion to meet customer needs in the pharma, diagnostics, and medtech sectors, said MGS. The MGS Innovation Center will feature collaborative workspaces dedicated…

Global contract manufacturer Tessy Plastics Corp. has tapped company insider Stafford Frearson as its next president. Frearson joined Tessy in 1997 after graduating from the UK’s North Devon Community College. During his education, Frearson worked as a part-time mold maker. Upon relocating to Syracuse, NY, he began learning more facets of the plastics industry and taking on more management responsibilities. As president, Frearson will manage day-to-day operations at Tessy Plastics’ 13…