Today, fresh as well as convenience food is sold in packages which results in significant environmental impacts and pollution due to the plastic materials associated with the packaging. Current challenge One answer to plastics in packaging are biodegradable materials, on the market for many years and their market share continues to grow. But there are […]
H2020. Micro- and nano-plastics in our environment: Understanding exposures and impacts on human health
Global plastic production has increased exponentially over the past decades. A significant proportion of the plastic produced is not disposed of properly and persists in the environment, especially the marine environment. Specific Challenge Risk assessments and reviews carried out in recent years have concluded that there is evidence that humans are exposed to micro- and […]
H2020. Pilot action for the removal of marine plastics and litter
More than 80 percent of marine litter is plastic. It is estimated that by 2050, more plastic could be in the ocean than fish. Specific challenge Urgent action is needed both for the prevention and for the removal of existing marine litter, notably plastics and microplastics. For this topic, a demonstration of the removal of […]
H2020. Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing and Processing: Upcycling Bio Plastics of food and drinks packaging
Upcycling in this context means transforming them into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value, ensuring that micro-plastics are avoided. This will allow the sustainable recycling or biological degradation in accordance with existing and novel technologies, standards and certification schemes. Challenge The challenge is to develop technologies to deal with […]
Keys to tackle Europe’s waste problem and foster a more circular economy
Improved circular and climate-friendly business models and policies to boost reuse and recycling, plus improved consumer awareness will help the European Union tackle the growing problem posed by plastic, battery, electronic and textile waste, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). Approach European Union Member States face a dilemma on how to deal with the […]