Bioplastics have long been used in medical applications. The stitches you got after cutting your hand-slicing onions were likely made of a bioplastic thread that harmlessly dissolved into your body.
But the nascent bioplastics industry envisions a far bigger role for materials made from corn, sugar, vegetable oils and other renewable materials in the hope of grabbing a larger share of a nearly $600 billion global plastic market.
Since large-scale production began in the 1950s, fossil fuel plastics have made food safer to consume and vehicles safer to drive, for example. Yet plastics are seen as one of the world’s leading environmental threats with its production responsible for emitting million tons of greenhouse gases each year.
Of the 9 billion tons of fossil fuel plastic produced since the 1950s, only 9% percent has been recycled, studies have shown. The rest has been buried in landfills, burned or has polluted land and waterways. The chemical structure of fossil fuel plastic means it can never fully disintegrate and instead breaks down into smaller and smaller particles.
For now, bioplastic represents just 1% of global plastic production. If plastic made with fossil fuels is the enormous Mall of America in Minnesota, bioplastics would be a 7-Eleven.
Companies and investors see opportunities. Data from i3 Connect show investment in bioplastic manufacturing reached $500 million in the first three months of 2022, exceeding the previous high of $350 million in the last quarter of 2021. The money is coming in from both corporations and venture capitalists.
Esta historia es de la edición August 12, 2022 de AppleMagazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 12, 2022 de AppleMagazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Next Gen - iOS 18: PERSONALIZATION & INTELLIGENCE ACROSS MULTIPLE FEATURES & APPS
At this year’s WWDC, Apple introduced iOS 18, a significant update set to redefine the user experience on iPhone.
Mac mini - SMALL IN SIZE, POWERFUL, AND ENGINEERED FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE
The new Mac mini with the M4 and M4 Pro chips offers unparalleled computing power in a sleek, tiny frame of just five by five inches.
AirPods 4 - THE FAST EVOLUTION OF THE POPULAR WIRELESS EARPHONES
AirPods have transformed how we experience audio. With the introduction of the fourth generation, Apple is pushing the boundaries of innovation further, delivering immersive sound and connectivity.
AI Access - APPLE'S CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS TO PRESERVE USERS' PRIVACY
OpenAI has emerged as a leader in the AI industry, prompting Apple to integrate its tools into its operating systems. The integration aims to enhance productivity while upholding Apple’s core commitment to user privacy.
iPhone 16 - THE STANDARD MODEL HAS NEVER BEEN THIS CLOSE TO PRO PERFORMANCE
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus usher in a new era of tech powered by cutting-edge Apple Intelligence.
16 Pro - AI-ORIENTED IMPROVEMENTS ON THE NEW IPHONE FLAGSHIP
At this year’s September Event, Glowtime, Apple unveiled new Apple Watches, AirPods, and iPhones.
AI Awake - WWDC 2024: APPLE INTELLIGENCE REVEALED, COVERING THE ENTIRE ECOSYSTEM
It may have taken longer than many people had wanted, but Apple has finally launched Apple Intelligence, a groundbreaking personal intelligence system designed to revolutionize how users interact with their iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
2024 THE DAWN OF THE APPLE INTELLIGENCE PRODUCTIVITY
2024 has been a groundbreaking year for Apple, with the tech giant continuing to deliver premium products catering to diverse users.
JAPAN'S NISSAN RESHUFFLES MANAGEMENT TO FIX ITS MONEY-LOSING BUSINESS
Embattled Japanese automaker Nissan has tapped Jeremie Papin, who was overseeing its U.S. operations, as its chief financial officer in a major management reshuffle billed as key to a turnaround.
AUSTRALIA PLANS TO TAX DIGITAL PLATFORMS THAT DON'T PAY FOR NEWS
The Australian government said it will tax large digital platforms and search engines unless they agree to share revenue with Australian news media organizations.