Materials and technologies – May 2026
Hemp-based plastic as a greener alternative to petrol-based plastics
The University of Connecticut reports on a study by a team of scientists demonstrating a stretchy, hemp-derived thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size. The material has a high glass transition temperature, a quality that allows plastics to stay dry and durable when they come into contact with boiling hot water.
Chitin, cellulose and citric acid do the magic together: a new packaging film
Georgia Tech recently published an inspiring inside article about the development of a new type of flexible packaging film, starting with the serendipitous discovery that chitin might be used for creating transparent packaging films.
Packaging glass material developments fully reviewed
A University of Calabria review synthesises four decades of scientific and industrial developments in packaging glass, integrating structural, technological, and sustainability perspectives. The study (4.1 MB) is published in Materials.
Furanone production no longer requires liquid bromine
Furanone serves as a building block for products such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and flavour and fragrance compounds. Traditionally, producing this substance requires hazardous chemicals. Research led by WUR has now shown that it can also be made using electricity, in a simple setup, without adding risky substances.
Poly Ethylene Furanoate (PEF) status-quo and possible future
PEF is hot – or not? A study led by Dublin City University presents an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of scientific and technological developments in PEF, tracing progress from its early discovery to its current industrial relevance. A special paragraph is dedicated to Avantium. The study (3.98 MB) is published in ACS Polymers.
Fluidised-bed gasification of aluminium-containing multilayer plastic waste
At present, polymer barrier-coated packaging board waste is processed with other paperboard waste, where the cellulose fibre fraction is separated through a re-pulping process and recycled, while the residual plastic-rich fraction containing aluminium is combusted for energy production. VTT researchers studied gasification of aluminium-containing plastic reject for the generation of synthesis gas, which can subsequently be converted to methanol and then olefins, used as feedstock in polymer manufacturing. The study (3.24 MB) is published in the Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management.
RIP by PPWR: which packaging materials might not survive the legislation?
As the PPWR steamroller on packaging and waste regulations moves forward, questions are arising which packaging materials might not survive the coming years. NVC has prepared for an in-house desk study on this topic that will start 1 June 2026 and is expected to be concluded by 1 August 2026. The study is performed in the context of the NVC PUMA Project. Contact project lead Matthijs Jansen to be informed and to share your insights.
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