When first developed, pneumatic tyres used vulcanised natural rubber (polyisoprene), synthetic rubber took over and now advances in materials science offer tyre manufacturers the chance to significantly reduce their environmental impact, making a product that is ‘greener’ in terms of manufacture and service.
David Read is determined to secure a fair trading environment for flexible packaging in the face of regulatory burdens and rising environmental awareness. The Chairman of the Packaging and Films Association talks to Gary Price about providing a voice for industry.
Dr Gordon Robertson, adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland, Australia, presents opinions and facts on sustainability and packaging materials.
Reviewing a two-day conference and exhibition entitled ‘Energy Materials: Meeting the Challenge’, organised by the Energy Materials Working Group of Materials UK, held at Loughborough University, UK, on 9-10 October. Sessions covered fossil energy, renewables, transmission, nuclear, and distribution and storage, clear and consistent messages and priorities.
A report on carbon capture and storage as part of the energy materials series from Materials UK. There are three main technologies available - post-combustion, oxy-combustion and pre-combustion - all of which are being considered for use in the UK.
In the commercial world, sustainable performance is rapidly becoming a prerequisite for doing business. While it is widely accepted that today’s packaging must make a positive contribution to sustainability, it does not always follow that a new solution is needed for new priorities. Steel cans may be over 100 years old, but there are few materials that can challenge its sustainability credentials.
Derek Allan, chair of the Energy Materials Working Group, reviews the Materials UK Energy Materials Strategic Research Agenda and describes the opportunities it presents.
