Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a molten-salt process that converts common polyethylene waste into gasoline- and diesel-like fuels at temperatures below 200 degrees Celsius, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The method bypasses the extreme heat and expensive precious-metal catalysts typically required to break down … Read more
According to European Union estimates, approximately 35 kilograms of plastic-packaging waste is generated per person annually, with the majority derived from imported fossil fuels. Despite this massive volume, the recycling sector has historically lagged behind due to low investment levels and stubbornly competitive petrochemical prices that keep virgin plastic cheaper than recycled alternatives. The Fragmented … Read more
The medical practice of using donated human cadaver fat—colloquially termed “zombie filler”—is gaining traction in cosmetic surgery as a solution for patients experiencing rapid weight loss. According to Dr. Anthony Rossi, a New York-based dermatologist and surgeon, the procedure involves injecting processed fat from deceased donors into areas like the face, arms, or buttocks, a … Read more
Artist Ant Hamlyn is exhibiting his latest collection, Soft // Chrome, at the Better Go South gallery in Stuttgart, featuring synthetic botanical sculptures that blend Y2K-era digital aesthetics with post-digital anxiety. According to the gallery, the works utilize hand-sewn metallic fabrics, polyurethane, and architectural fiberboard to explore how humans maintain a connection to nature within … Read more
Sunlight to Solutions: The Future of Plastic Recycling For decades, plastic’s durability – a key reason for its widespread use in medicine, food packaging, and transport – has simultaneously created a monumental environmental challenge. With hundreds of millions of tonnes produced annually, much of it ends up polluting our planet. But a new approach, inspired … Read more
Romania’s Recycling Revolution: A Blueprint for a Circular Future? Just a year ago, Romania was at the bottom of Europe’s recycling charts. Now, a deposit return scheme (DRS) has propelled the nation to an astonishing 94% recycling rate for beverage containers, offering a compelling model for other countries grappling with waste management. The success hinges … Read more
The Rise of ‘Compleximers’: A New Era in Material Science? Scientists at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) have achieved a breakthrough that challenges decades of materials science principles. They’ve created a new material, dubbed a “compleximer,” that combines the best qualities of plastics and glass – impact resistance and easy reshaping – a combination previously … Read more
The Rising Tide of Economic Risk: How Extreme Weather is Redefining Global Stability We’re past the point of debating whether climate change is real. The question now is: how prepared are we for the economic fallout? A groundbreaking multinational study confirms what many already suspected – extreme weather isn’t just an environmental crisis, it’s a … Read more
Ghost Gear and Marine Rescue: What the Future Holds Why ghost gear is still a ticking time‑bomb Every year, an estimated 640,000 tonnes of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) – known as “ghost gear” – slips into the world’s oceans (UNEP, 2023). This invisible threat continues to entangle seals, turtles, sharks and seabirds, … Read more
Turning Trash into Treasure: The Future of Plastic Upcycling The world grapples with a plastic problem. Only a small fraction of plastic waste gets recycled, leaving vast amounts polluting our planet. But innovative companies are emerging to revolutionize the way we think about plastic. This article explores the exciting developments in plastic upcycling and its … Read more