Beijing’s market regulator has assessed 29 types of “biodegradable” plastic bag and found that 19 (or 65.5%) fail to meet industry and national standards.
The standards concern labelling, biodegradation rate, volatile organic compound emissions, and carrying capacity by weight. The regulator emphasised that producers and sellers falling short of these standards face legal consequences.
Humanity produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, two-thirds of which comprise short-lived products that soon become waste, according to the UN Environment Programme. In 2019, China accounted for one-fifth of global single-use plastic waste, more than any other nation, though the per capita figure is a fraction of that in Australia and the US, reports the SCMP. Polyester Feedstocks
To tackle China’s plastic pollution during 2021-2025, the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a five-year plan in September 2021.
A summary of the plan states: “By 2025, key sectors such as retail, e-commerce, and express delivery, are expected to drastically cut the unreasonable use of single-use plastics.” The plan also promotes use of alternatives to non-biodegradable plastic “such as bamboo, wood, paper, and degradable plastics“.
“Biodegradable plastic substitution was previously a popular solution, but the [five-year] plan proposed that its true value in solving plastic pollution needs to be scientifically evaluated to avoid unreasonable capacity expansion,” Dr Tan Yiki of Tsinghua Circular Economy Research Centre, recently told the media. Polyester Feedstocks
Hybrid Solar Sheets for Perpetually Clean Drinking Water and Hydrogen
In a world grappling with environmental challenges, innovative technologies are emerging to address pressing issues like clean water scarcity and sustainable energy production. One such breakthrough is the development of hybrid solar sheets that not only harness solar energy efficiently but also contribute to the production of perpetually clean drinking water and hydrogen. Polyester Feedstocks
These hybrid solar sheets integrate photovoltaic cells with advanced water purification and electrolysis systems, creating a multifunctional solution for two critical global needs. The photovoltaic cells capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, powering the water purification process and electrolysis simultaneously.
The water purification system utilizes advanced filtration techniques, ensuring that the collected water is free from contaminants and safe for consumption. This innovative approach allows communities in water-scarce regions to access a sustainable source of clean drinking water, mitigating the impact of waterborne diseases and improving overall public health. Polyester Feedstocks
Simultaneously, the electrolysis component of the hybrid solar sheets splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This process yields hydrogen gas, a clean and versatile energy carrier with various applications, including fuel for vehicles and power generation. By harnessing the power of the sun to produce hydrogen, these hybrid systems contribute to the advancement of green and sustainable energy solutions.
One of the key advantages of this technology lies in its scalability and adaptability. Hybrid solar sheets can be deployed in both urban and remote areas, providing a decentralized and reliable source of clean water and hydrogen. This makes them particularly valuable for regions with limited access to centralized infrastructure.
As the world seeks innovative solutions to combat climate change and ensure access to essential resources, hybrid solar sheets represent a significant step forward.
By integrating solar energy, water purification, and hydrogen production into a single, efficient system, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. Polyester Feedstocks
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