News Plastech
The plastics processing industry faces the challenge of combining high production efficiency with stringent sustainability requirements. YUDO’s innovative YUDrive Eco system is a compact, advanced servo drive solution for controlling valve pins in injection moulds, offering an alternative to conventional hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Krones scored 91 out of 100 points in the 2026 EcoVadis sustainability assessment, placing it among the top one percent of more than 150,000 assessed companies worldwide.
Reducing packaging use, reusing it and sorting it correctly can cut waste volumes and business costs. The #TotalnieEko campaign also discusses the obligations of companies placing packaged products on the market.
MM Group has been awarded an EcoVadis Platinum medal, placing it in the top 1% of companies assessed worldwide. The company scored 91 out of 100 across environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
A reading of Vaclav Smil’s How the World Really Works highlights the dependence of modern societies on cement, steel, ammonia and plastics, and the systemic limits of rapid material substitution.
World Cleanup Day 2026 highlights the need to keep plastics in the circular economy. PiFA, NGR, Da Fon Environmental Technology and Buy Food with Plastic stress the role of mindset, technology, data and local initiatives in giving waste value.
The BioROOTGUARD research project aims to develop a biodegradable plastic film to protect young tree roots from cockchafer grubs and the invasive Japanese beetle. FKuR leads the consortium funded under Germany’s Sustainable Renewable Resources programme.
The Cold Surface project is developing prefabricated façade systems using photoluminescent materials to reduce heat build-up. The partners aim to lower envelope surface temperatures by up to 2 °C and cut cooling energy demand by 5% to 10%.
Material selection and digital process optimisation are increasingly affecting waste levels in signage production. Both substrates designed for laser processing and software supporting job preparation and execution are important.
Neste will supply renewable diesel for the Tara Ocean Foundation’s first 18-month drift expedition in the Central Arctic Ocean. The fuel will support power generation, heating and propulsion during the 2026-2027 scientific mission.
The Oceanzyme project is analysing new enzymatic recycling solutions for marine waste collected during passive fishing campaigns. The consortium aims to verify the potential for its valorisation and reuse, including in fisheries and aquaculture.
Envalior has published its second sustainability report, covering 2025. The document highlights, among other things, a higher share of renewable electricity, full OCS Europe certification at its European sites, and a 50% reduction in recordable workplace accidents.
At Plast 2026, RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers will present solutions for automotive, e-mobility, electrical and electronics, and water management applications. The company is highlighting co-design, metal replacement, and materials with a documented environmental profile.
Ecomondo 2026 will take place on 3–6 November at Rimini Expo Centre. The organiser announces further internationalisation of the event, development of the conference programme and changes to the exhibition layout, including a new area for the textile sector.
The SOUL project is developing 11 bio-based, soil-biodegradable solutions for agriculture, gardening and sports. AIMPLAS is responsible, among other things, for developing a tool to predict the biodegradability of materials under soil conditions.
Tetra Pak has updated its nature framework after two years of implementation across its value chain. The company is strengthening its focus on responsible sourcing, water resilience and more targeted action in the areas with the greatest impact.
A report on noise in Warsaw points to systemic exceedances of WHO recommendations and national standards. The Polish Tyre Recyclers Association notes that solutions using rubber from recycled tyres can reduce road and tram noise and are ready for implementation.
The ReLoop project combines automated ready-meal dispensing with the return of reusable, traceable packaging in a closed-loop system. The consortium reports a 90–95% reduction versus single-use packaging and targets packaging durability of at least 40 use cycles.
Aimplas is leading the Vegancelio project, which aims to convert organic waste into vegan leather made from fungal mycelium and chitosan microcapsules for cosmetic applications. The project is being carried out with industrial partners from the textile and dermocosmetic sectors.
Bianchi Industry has selected mechanically recycled E-Loop ABS from ELIX Polymers for selected vending machine components. The material is intended to reduce the carbon footprint while maintaining processing performance, surface quality and mechanical strength.
Aimplas closed 2025 with revenue exceeding EUR 26.7 million, more than 300 R&D&I projects, and growth in the number of client and member companies. The centre also points to the development of laboratory services, training activities and environmental measures.
The 9th edition of the Stena Circular Economy Award shows that the circular economy is becoming one of the key development directions for Polish companies, startups and student projects, combining environmental and business benefits.
At Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Poly-clip System will present clip-based packaging systems as an efficient, scalable and more resource-saving alternative to traditional packaging formats for multiple industries, from food to industrial applications.
The European Commission has adopted a delegated act exempting pallet wrapping films and straps from the 100% reuse obligation in certain domestic and intra-group applications. However, EuPF notes that the lack of an exemption for cross-border transport leaves a key reuse target unresolved.
Borealis will invest EUR 4.5 million in upgrading the steam cracker furnaces in Porvoo to increase the share of renewable and recycled feedstocks in ethylene and propylene production. Completion of the investment programme is planned for 2025.
Rising prices of antimony trioxide and regulatory pressure are pushing adhesive manufacturers to seek halogen‑free flame retardant alternatives. Clariant proposes phosphinates as a replacement for ATO in adhesive applications.
UPM started commercial production of industrial sugars at its Leuna biorefinery in Germany. The facility, the largest biochemical investment in Europe, uses hardwood to produce advanced renewable feedstocks.
A 379.47 kWp photovoltaic system financed by employee cooperative MaGeno-Solar eG has been commissioned at the KHS plant in Worms. The system is expected to supply around 342,000 kWh of electricity per year and reduce CO2 emissions by about 236 metric tons annually.
Syensqo has received an A rating for climate and an A- for water security in CDP’s 2025 assessment, placing the company among global leaders in environmental transparency and impact management.
Tetra Pak and García Carrión are launching the first aseptic juice carton with a paper-based barrier, reducing the use of fossil-based raw materials and the carbon footprint of the package.
Borealis is a partner in the EU-funded Electro project, which aims to develop electrified thermochemical processes to convert hard-to-recycle plastic waste into high-quality olefins.
MOL Group’s lubricant subsidiary MOL-LUB has introduced a Bag-in-Box packaging system for selected lubricants and engine oils, cutting plastic use by up to 80 percent compared to conventional 20‑liter canisters and reducing waste volume twelvefold.
At the 6th Techco Forum in Warsaw, representatives of the chemical industry and public administration highlighted the need for coherent regulation, predictable investment conditions and protection of the competitiveness of the European industry in the context of the energy and climate transition.
Italian retailer Iperal has overhauled its fresh food supply chain by replacing single-use transport packaging with Tosca’s automation-ready reusable plastic crates, improving pallet stability, operational efficiency and waste reduction.
Stella Pack is implementing an investment programme worth approx. EUR 15 million, covering the modernisation of recycling plants in Poniatowa and Chlewiska and the expansion of its own regranulate production for film products.
Wacker and SICO Performance Material have launched an application development center for organofunctional silanes in Jining, China, to support high-performance additives for plastics, coatings and adhesives and to accelerate the market introduction of new specialty silane products.