The missing consensus: An analysis of problem definitions and key motivations in the first zero draft for a global plastics treaty

Cambridge Prisms Plastics, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 2

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

Abstract With the ongoing negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in marine environment, and frustration at end of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3), analyzing zero draft text, which formed basis this negotiation round, is crucial. This analysis examines to what extent conveys a clear problem definition as foundation internationally pollution. We find that lacks definition. Additionally, we investigate how balances focus between environments other affected areas discusses implications governance strategies. focuses particularly fishing gear hence has downstream perspective, while upstream measures are equally important. Furthermore, study delves into key motivations driving treaty negotiations, revealing health environmental concerns predominate. In comparing our results with previous research, align recent publications INC submissions onsite statements. addition, identify significant differences tackle pollution issues EU level. These disparities, evident economic arguments prioritized, reflect varied approaches combating across political spheres.

Язык: Английский

Processing and Properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoate/ZnO Nanocomposites: A Review of Their Potential as Sustainable Packaging Materials

Polymers, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 16(21), С. 3061 - 3061

Опубликована: Окт. 30, 2024

The escalating environmental concerns associated with conventional plastic packaging have accelerated the development of sustainable alternatives, making food a focus area for innovation. Bioplastics, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), emerged as potential candidates due to their biobased origin, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. PHAs stand out good mechanical medium gas permeability properties, them promising materials applications. In parallel, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) gained attention antimicrobial properties ability enhance barrier (bio)polymers. This review aims provide comprehensive introduction research on PHA/ZnO nanocomposites. It starts importance current challenges packaging, followed by discussion opportunities bioplastics PHAs. Next, synthesis, application areas ZnO NPs are discussed introduce use in (bio)plastic packaging. Early nanocomposites has focused solvent-assisted production methods, whereas novel technologies can offer additional possibilities regard industrial upscaling, safer or cheaper processing, more specific incorporation matrix surface PHA films fibers. Here, solvent casting, melt electrospinning, centrifugal fiber spinning, miniemulsion encapsulation, ultrasonic spray coating produce is explained. Finally, an overview given reported effects NP thermal, mechanical, barrier, UV based poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate). We conclude that functionality be improved optimizing process complex interplay between intrinsic dispersion quality, matrix–filler interactions, crystallinity. Further regarding efficiency migration (simulants) End-of-Life will determine market active material.

Язык: Английский

Shale Gas Extraction in Pennsylvania

Sustainable development goals series, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown, С. 89 - 108

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

Язык: Английский