BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
Here’s how BRICS expansion could shake the world economy
The expanded BRICS membership will wield significant power due to their control of essential resources such as oil, iron ore, coal, and bauxite, as well as their role in global agriculture. With developed nations reliant on cooperation for addressing climate change and environmental concerns, discussions will likely center around technology, investment, trade, and bridging gaps in environmental priorities. While countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are increasingly focused on sustainable growth, the challenge lies in aligning their interests with the existing BRICS members.
Amid discussions of expanding collaboration, questions about the possibility of a common currency for the BRICS arise. While a universal currency remains uncertain, the prospects of increasing bilateral trade and settlement in respective currencies are more plausible. Russia and China have already established such a system, although it took years for their central banks to develop the necessary mechanisms. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
Further expansion of the bloc remains a possibility, with countries like Kazakhstan and Thailand reportedly expressing interest in membership. Established regional groups like the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization might also receive invitations to join. The next year will shed light on the challenges and potentials the expanded BRICS will bring to the forefront, with the subsequent summit scheduled for Kazan in October 2024 serving as a platform for further exploration.

Agr International is set to showcase its innovative handheld measurement gauge, the ThicknessPen, during the upcoming Pack Expo Las Vegas event
This cutting-edge portable device has been meticulously designed to cater to a wide array of thickness measurement needs within the production environment. Whether utilized within a laboratory setting, on the bustling plant floor, or even in challenging wet conditions at remote job sites, the ThicknessPen proves to be an invaluable tool.
One of the standout features of this device is its patent-pending dual-mode functionality, which grants users the flexibility to operate with or without a target ball. This dual-mode capability not only sets it apart but also enhances its adaptability.
Agr emphasizes that this distinctive design balances the precision indispensable for laboratory applications with the mobility, sturdiness, and safety crucial for real-world production settings. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
When operating in capacitance mode, the ThicknessPen performs single-sided measurements effortlessly through a “touch and go” approach, all without the need for a target ball. This mode caters especially well to scenarios within the plant, as well as situations where using a target ball might not be practical. This encompasses tasks along production lines and measurements involving oversized containers, buckets, thermoformed products, panels, sheet materials, and similar items.
In contrast, the magnetic mode necessitates the presence of a target ball during measurements. Nevertheless, this mode elevates precision to levels comparable to, if not surpassing, traditional hall-effect devices, all while boasting a simpler setup. Here, the device employs only a single target ball, circumventing the use of potent magnetic fields. The magnetic mode shines when gauging non-ferrous materials of all kinds, excelling in intricate measurements and assessments of heavy-walled containers.
What truly enhances the allure of the ThicknessPen is its versatility in application. Users have the option to employ the measurement gauge within its docking station for benchtop measurements. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
On the other hand, the device can seamlessly function as a standalone, portable tool, facilitating critical measurements wherever they are required most urgently.
Enthusiasts and professionals eager to witness the capabilities of the ThicknessPen firsthand will have the opportunity to do so at Agr’s booth, conveniently located at SU-7459 within the Pack Expo Las Vegas event venue. This interactive demonstration promises to unveil the myriad ways in which this handheld gauge can revolutionize thickness measurements across diverse industries.
For those interested in delving further into Agr’s groundbreaking offerings, a visit to their exhibition area will undoubtedly prove insightful. Exploring their array of advanced solutions and technologies can provide a deeper understanding of the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of measurement and quality control.
In conclusion, the imminent debut of the ThicknessPen from Agr International at Pack Expo Las Vegas heralds a new era in portable thickness measurement devices. Its dual-mode functionality, combining capacitance and magnetic modes, ensures unmatched adaptability and precision. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
Whether in laboratory conditions or on bustling production floors, this gauge promises to be an indispensable asset for a wide spectrum of industries. Experience its capabilities firsthand by visiting Agr’s booth at the event and discover how the ThicknessPen is set to redefine thickness measurement standards.

Exploring Innovations in Bio-Based Plastics for Sustainable Packaging
Welcome to an insightful exploration of the transformative world of bio-based plastics, poised to revolutionize the packaging industry through their sustainable attributes. Derived from resources like vegetable oils, corn, and starches, these eco-friendly alternatives are shifting paradigms in packaging design and material choices.
In collaboration with Packaging World, the Emerging Brands Alliance presents “Sustainable Packaging Explained,” an informative guide to sustainable materials, methodologies, and package design. Today, our journey takes us into the dynamic realm of bio-based plastics, uncovering their advantages, challenges, and applications in the packaging sector.
One of the most remarkable features of bio-based plastics is their unique ability to sequester carbon rather than emit it, thus contributing positively to the environment. Furthermore, the continued advancements in developing bio-based plastics with properties akin to petroleum-based plastics have paved the way for “drop-in” replacements. These innovative materials can now be seamlessly integrated into existing recycling streams, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
Let’s explore the real-world applications of these sustainable solutions.
In 2021, Frito Lay introduced an industrially compostable bag for its ‘Off The Eaten Path’ chip brand. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
This breakthrough marked a significant stride in the pursuit of compostable packaging materials. In 2022, global giants Coca-Cola and Suntory demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by unveiling beverage bottle prototypes crafted entirely from 100% bio-based PET. These trailblazing initiatives signify a shift towards materials that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
Reflecting on the past, we recall the pioneering yet ill-fated attempt by PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division in 2010 with its SunChips brand’s compostable bioplastic bag. Despite the initial challenges, PepsiCo persisted in its mission to create a viable alternative to conventional single-use snack bags. This persistence bore fruit in the form of an industrially compostable bag for the ‘Off The Eaten Path’ chip brand. The collaboration between Frito-Lay and Printpack resulted in a bag primarily composed of 85% PLA (polylactic acid) derived from proprietary, non-food plant-based materials. Notably, noise reduction features were incorporated to address the infamous crinkling noise associated with compostable bags. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
Coca-Cola and Suntory’s endeavors stand as monumental achievements. After over a decade of rigorous research and substantial investments, both companies unveiled pioneering beverage bottle prototypes crafted entirely from 100% bio-based PET. Coca-Cola’s breakthrough included the utilization of wood-based biochemicals for producing bio-based Monoethylene Glycol (bMEG), heralding a new era in sustainable packaging. Not long after, Suntory revealed its successful creation of a prototype bPET bottle, utilizing non-food feedstocks like wood chips, thus sidestepping any competition with the food supply chain.
The reach of bio-based plastics extends beyond beverages, penetrating diverse sectors including food, cosmetics, and personal care products. Futamura’s NatureFlex cellulose, designed to replace fossil-based plastics, offers a biodegradable alternative that can be safely composted at home. Canadian pharmaceutical brand Jones Healthcare Group embraced bio-plastics, launching three blister packs with foil-free backings to facilitate recycling. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
However, bio-based plastics face a series of challenges, including production costs, compatibility with existing packaging machinery, and concerns about diverting food resources for plastic production. While these hurdles exist, the benefits of bioplastic packaging, such as recyclability and biodegradability, cannot be ignored. As always, a comprehensive life-cycle analysis is essential to determine the suitability of bio-based packaging for specific applications.
As we conclude this exploration, we invite you to join us on a continued journey towards sustainable packaging practices. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more enlightening content on packaging and operational scalability. Additionally, become a part of the Emerging Brands Alliance, where year-round resources await to nurture the growth of your brand within the realm of sustainability and innovation.
Thank you for joining us on this transformative expedition into the realm of bio-based plastics and sustainable packaging. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics

Chemical recycling tracker
The following is a time chart tracking the chemical recycling innovations and investments announced within the plastics industry.
Details include a brief description along with a link to read more about each announcement.
The following is a time chart tracking the chemical recycling innovations and investments announced within the plastics industry. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
Details include a brief description along with a link to read more about each announcement. Sustainable Plastics will continue to follow and log these developments as they evolve. To help keep us up to date, we invite you to send your announcements, information or news to Sustainable Plastics, at klaird@crain.com and beatriz.santos@crain.com
More…

EQUATE Declares September 2023 MEG India Contract Price at $474/tonne CFR
EQUATE, a prominent player in the worldwide monoethylene glycol (MEG) production sector, has unveiled its nominated MEG India Contract Price (ICP) for September 2023. The company’s announcement places the ICP at $474 per tonne CFR (cost & freight), applicable to India Main Ports.
In comparison to the preceding month, this September nomination exhibits a marginal increase of $2 per tonne. This adjustment reflects the company’s responsive approach to the dynamic nature of market conditions and its commitment to ensuring a consistent supply of MEG.
EQUATE’s pivotal role as a global MEG producer underscores its influence in shaping the pricing landscape. MEG, a vital chemical compound with diverse industrial applications, is a key component in the production of various commodities ranging from textiles to packaging materials. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics
The deliberation behind setting the MEG ICP involves a comprehensive analysis of multiple factors. Market trends, availability of feedstock, demand-supply dynamics, and geopolitical influences collectively contribute to the determination of this price point. EQUATE’s strategic decision to peg the September ICP at $474/tonne CFR demonstrates a strategic balance between maximizing profitability and upholding customer relationships.
This incremental uptick from August’s figure illustrates the complex interplay between global economic shifts and industrial intricacies. As the MEG industry continues to evolve, such price notifications not only reflect EQUATE’s commercial acumen but also the intricate web of factors that define the modern economic landscape.
In conclusion, EQUATE’s declaration of the MEG India Contract Price for September 2023 elucidates the company’s proactive pricing strategy in a multifaceted market. The modest increase from the previous month underscores EQUATE’s adaptability and its dedication to facilitating stable MEG supplies to its valued customers in India. BRICS Bio-Based Plastics

Chemical recycling biopolymers – Can the fashion industry move from recycled bottles to reused threads? 31-08-2023
BRICS Bio-Based Plastics