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Many biologics are now self-administered by patients at home. A variety of self-injection devices are available, including vials and syringes, prefilled syringes, and spring-driven prefilled pens or auto-injectors. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and different devices suit different patients. For example, some patients have difficulty achieving consistent and successful self-injection due to poor manual dexterity, or experience anxiety at the prospect of self-injection or injection-site pain. These factors can reduce patients' medication adherence and overall experience. Furthermore, while self-injection brings patients many benefits, the proliferation of single-use injection devices has implications for environmental sustainability, including the reliance on single-use plastics, repeated freighting requirements, and need for incineration as hazardous waste. Recently developed, innovative electromechanical auto-injector devices offer technological enhancements over existing devices to overcome some of these issues. Features include customisable injection speeds or durations, consistent rate of injection, electronic injection logs and reminders, and step-by-step, real-time instructions. Indeed, a growing body of evidence points to higher adherence rates among patients using electromechanical devices compared with other devices. Further, with time, the reusability of electromechanical devices may prove to lighten the environmental impact compared with disposable devices, especially as research continues to optimise their sustainability, driven by increased consumer demands for environmental responsibility. This narrative review discusses the differences between prefilled syringes, spring-driven prefilled pens, and electromechanical devices. It also explores how these features may help reduce injection-associated pain and anxiety, improve patient experience, connectivity and adherence, and drive sustainability of biologic drugs in future. Plain Language Summary: Biologics are a type of medicine becoming widespread in the treatment of many diverse diseases. Biologics are injected under the skin and can sometimes be injected by patients themselves at home. Many injection devices are available to help patients with this self-injection, and fall into three broad categories: prefilled syringes, prefilled pens, and electromechanical devices. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and different devices suit different patients. For example, some patients have difficulty achieving consistent and successful self-injection because of limited hand movement or become anxious at the prospect of self-injection or injection-site pain. These factors can reduce patients' ability and willingness to take medication as prescribed and may worsen their overall experience. Further, many disposable devices involve single-use plastics and may pose an environmental toll. Reusable electromechanical devices are the newest of the available devices and offer enhanced features over some earlier devices. These include customisable injection speeds or durations, consistent rates of injection, electronic injection logs, reminders, and real-time instructions. Evidence suggests that patients using electromechanical devices may have higher rates of adherence (i.e. more patients take their medication as prescribed) than those using other devices. Additionally, with time and further research, the reusability of electromechanical devices may prove to lighten the environmental impact compared with disposable devices. Here we discuss the differences between prefilled pens, prefilled syringes, and electromechanical devices, and explore the features that may help reduce injection-associated pain and anxiety, improve patient experience, connectivity, and adherence, and drive greater sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the initially successful transition from regional bottle reuse for mineral water to a widespread bottle reuse system in Germany, its subsequent destabilisation, and what this teaches us about tipping dynamics in packaging systems. Our aim is to understand how the speed of sustainable change is influenced, focusing on key actors from business and policymaking. Building on current research on positive tipping points, our case study demonstrates opportunities to create an enabling environment for change, the role of specific reinforcing feedback loops in accelerating sustainable transitions, and a successful business innovation and technology intervention. However, it also demonstrates the threat of destabilisation from the emergence of competing technologies, in this case single-use plastic bottles, and what we can learn from the unsuccessful business and policy efforts to stop the decreasing market share of reusable bottles. A failed policy intervention illustrates the consequences of rushing into a flawed solution. We reflect on our findings considering current efforts to (re-)establish reuse systems as part of a transition towards a sustainable circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of synthetic single used plastic packaging and mulching films has serious environmental effects due to their non-degradable waste causing pollution. To replace these synthetic materials, high-strength biodegradable polymer composites of Pectin, Luffa Fiber (agro-waste) and Glycerol are synthesized by the solvent casting technique using a universal solvent. The experimentation is carried out using a 3 × 3 factorial design and the tensile behavior (tensile strength and elongation) of composites is analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). The tensile strength of pectin containing 10% glycerol is 11.48 MPa which is increased to 19.34 MPa by incorporation of 15% luffa fiber and this composition is optimized with desirability index method (simultaneously optimization) to achieve the best results for elongation at break (188.89%) as well. The interactions between constituents of composites are characterized by FTIR spectro-scopy and scanning electron microscopic study reveals a uniform distribution of fiber. The composites have sustained thermal stability as all composites are stable up to 260°C in an inert atmosphere under TGA study. The biodegradability of composite films was observed by soil burial method and found completely degradable in 75 days. The present composites of non-toxic components with high tensile properties, sustained thermal stability and complete biodegradability are suitable for green packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To this end, participants explained that there is a need for African countries to invest in gathering qualitative and quantitative data and information about plastics, plastic pollution, and effective plastic management strategies if the continent would be successful in its plastics waste fight. Reliable data on plastic waste generation, consumption, facilities, and management behavior by citizens are all essential in developing plastic waste policies and managing waste systems (He et al., [7]; Nuortio et al., [11]). In response, participants suggested that while plastic policies are essential in the fight against plastic pollution, the policies should be tailored to the specific needs and context of each country. [Extracted from the article]

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, necessitating a focus on consumer behavior to curb this problem at its source. To effectively promote sustainable practices, communication strategies that employ future visions have gained attention. This study examines the effects of a narrative video intervention depicting an optimistic future vision concerning single-use plastic bag consumption in South Africa, compared to a representation of the prevailing status quo. Using a preregistered within-subject design, we assess the psychological and emotional responses to two scenarios of which one is illustrating adaptive behaviors toward reduced plastic bag usage, and the other showcasing current consumption patterns. Parametric analyses revealed a shift in emotional states, characterized by a greater experience of positive emotions and a reduced experience of negative emotions following the exposure to the optimistic future scenario video, as compared to the status quo video. Moreover, engagement with the optimistic future scenario was associated with higher levels of perceived behavioral control and behavioral intentions. No significant changes were found regarding sense of responsibility. These findings point to the potential of optimistic future visions to influence individuals at psychological and emotional levels. This renders optimistic future vision communication as an effective tool for sustainable behavior change, particularly in relation to the sustainable use of plastic shopping bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little were certain about how wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) affected the Japanese riverine microplastic contamination. This study explored the influences of WWTPs on microplastic pollution, assessed ecological risks, and looked at the sources-to-sinks phenomenon (WWTPs-to-rivers-to-marine) in riverine settings in Japan's Yamaguchi prefecture. Fifty surface water samples from the five selected rivers (Koya, Saba, Shimaji, and Fushino, Nishiki) and 11 effluent samples from WWTPs in the rivers' catchment were examined. Microplastics were analyzed using filtration, wet-peroxidation, density-separation, and attenuated reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. Results suggested that the less populated and rural river (Nishiki) was less contaminated compared to the WWTPs and urban areas affected rivers (Koya, Saba, Shimaji, and Fushino). The WWTPs increased microplastic abundance twofold in the downstream regions compared to upstream stations. Microplastic characterization showed that the smaller microplastics < 500 µm, fiber-shaped, transparent, blue, and green color particles were major. Polymer identification demonstrated that the polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were prevalent both for the rivers and WWTP effluents. There was a significant emission of microplastics from WWTPs to rivers (4.671 billion pieces per day; 71.8 kg per day) and rivers to Seto Inland Sea (0.13/billion pieces per day/km2; 7.1 kg per day). The per capita MP emissions to the rivers via WWTPs ranged from 0.02 to 6.49 g per day, which was approximately 2% of per capita single-use plastic wastes in Japan. An assessment of ecological risks showed that the WWTPs posed high ecological risks to rivers, and built up the pollution hotspots to their downstream areas by releasing higher number of microplastics and highly toxic polymers. Overall, the WWTPs influenced the rivers through both abundances and characteristics (shapes-size-color-polymers), increased the complexity of microplastic compositions as well as elevated ecological risks in the rivers. This study contributed to bridging the knowledge gaps about microplastic sources-to-sinks, ecological risks, and pollution management in Japan and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to environmental concerns regarding single-use plastic materials, major efforts are being made to develop new material concepts based on biodegradable and renewable resources, e.g., wood pulp. In this study, we assessed two types of wood pulp fibres, i.e., thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and Kraft pulp fibres, and tested the performance of the fibres in wet-moulding and thermopressing trials. Kraft pulp fibres appeared to retain more water than TMP, increasing the dewatering time during wet-moulding and apparently increasing the compression resistance of the pulp during thermoforming. Additionally, cellulose nanofibres (CNF) were added to the pulps, which improved the mechanical properties of the final thermopressed specimens. However, the addition of CNF to the pulps (from 2 to 6%) had a further decrease in the dewatering efficiency in the wet-moulding process, and this effect was more pronounced in the Kraft pulp specimens. The mechanical performance of the thermoformed specimens was in the same range as the plastic materials that are conventionally used in food packaging, i.e., modulus 0.6–1.2 GPa, strength 49 MPa and elongation 6–9%. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of wood pulps to form three-dimensional thermoformed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-use plastic hygiene control products used during red meat processing can have severe negative impacts on the environment and cannot be processed with offal during rendering into meat and bone meal. However, plastics made from protein could potentially solve this problem as the material would be safe to render. The objective of this work was to prepare blends of blood meal and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) in the absence of water using the interaction between PBAT and protein as the plasticisation mechanism. The ratio of protein to PBAT (1:1.3), as well as the choice of compatibiliser (PBAT-g-IA), was critical to form a homogenous, compatibilised blend with mechanical properties suitable for injection-moulded hygeine control products. This blend had a tensile strenght of 11.2 MPa, a chord modulus of 492 MPa, and 10% elongation at break. Using less PBAT in the blend, or using Surlyn™ as a compatibiliser, resulted in blends that were either too difficult to process or with inferior mechancial properies. Using simulated rendering, the new material was indistinguishable from tallow or meat and bone meal, suggesting that hygeine control products made from this new material will degrade sufficiently to be safe to render with offal after red meat processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing impact on environment due to various kinds of pollution has been growing rapidly over the last three decades. This happens because of the rapid growth in the name of technological development, which also results in disposal of tons and tons of plastic wastes directly to the environment. In India, the biggest problem related to the environment is the improper discarding and management of single-use plastic waste. Much of the plastic waste is thrown directly onto land or into oceans. Globally, 5% of all plastic produced ends up into oceans, causing significant harm to the environment. Great deal of investigations was conducted over the effective waste management systems. On the other hand, construction of structures using cement concrete shows tremendous impact over the environment because of its excessive consumption of raw materials from the natural sources. Over the last few decades, investigations are done to govern the alternative raw materials or alternative techniques. As a concluding remark from the several investigations in the field of construction, it is proposed to make concrete substances having high strength without increasing the quantity of cement concrete, whereas the addition of polymers will take care of the hydration and polymerization process will take place inside the concrete. Fibre Reinforced Polymer Concrete (FRPC) is one among the many techniques, which proves to produce effective results in the field of construction, where it combines the positive benefits of both Polymer Concrete (PC) and Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC).In this study, it is proposed to utilize polyester resin in concrete by keeping that as constant at 12.5% and varying percentages of polypropylene fibres of 0% up to 3% at an interval of 0.5% in M30 and M40 grade FRPC mixes. It is also proposed to replace the natural coarse aggregates in concrete with the recycled plastic aggregates upto 50% at an interval of 10% starting from 0%. Initially, the strength and workability properties of concrete mixtures were determined by conducting experimentation on compressive, split tensile, flexural strengths, slump, compaction factor, v-b consistency. From the observed results, structural performance of RC beams was determined by casting RC beams of size 150×200×1500 mm, tested under two-point linear loading systems, which were made with the optimized dosage of ingredients from the previous stages of investigation. The observed results on structural performance such as load-deflection behaviour and crack study were compared with the numerical results from finite element software of ANSYS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic, has led to a significant increase in plastic waste generation worldwide. This surge encompasses the disposal of plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPEs) and various single-use plastics (SUPs), intricate composition of plastic waste during this crisis has presented challenges in its effective management. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding plastic usage and management among youths during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 youths in the Klang Valley using a self-administered questionnaire distributed through an online platform. Results: The primary sources of plastic waste were PPEs (77.3%), online shopping (68.9%), and food delivery packaging (68.9%). The majority of respondents disposed of PPEs and other SUPs together with mixed waste in the general dustbin, except for plastic bags, which were often reused by most participants. The study revealed that a higher percentage of respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (52%), a good level of attitude (61.3%), and fair practices (55.2%). The knowledge level was found to be associated with age groups and educational level, while attitude was associated with educational level. Furthermore, the study identified a significant association between attitude and practice, as well as between knowledge and attitude, with a p-value of <0.05. Conclusion: This study reveals that the youth have a moderate level of knowledge regarding plastic usage and management. It is noteworthy that this knowledge level significantly influences their attitude towards plastic waste and their practices related to its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in circular economy practices is increasing. A key material that connects the circular economy and wider environmental concerns is plastic waste, which poses environmental, climate, and human health risks. Single-use plastic packaging is particularly problematic because it forms the largest share of the global plastics market, has a short life cycle, and has channelled investment towards the bottom of the waste hierarchy. Given single-use plastic packaging is embedded in global trade, transitioning away from use requires much more than 'behaviour change' from individual producers and consumers. In this article we use social practice theory to show how social change is occurring with regard to single-use plastics. We draw on two food retail case studies of (primarily) business-to-consumer packaging from Aotearoa New Zealand. We show how transitioning away from single-use plastic food packaging requires (1) understanding the function and meaning of packaging materials, and (2) coordinating other materials, skills and meanings to re-craft and substitute the functions that single-use packaging performs across businesses, supply chains and consumers. Our analysis illustrates the significant collaboration and emerging networks needed for change, and signals how investment towards the top of the waste hierarchy in reuse could contribute to a more circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated peoples' awareness on plastic ban legislation and the consistency of their practices in promoting the sustainability of plastic waste management. Specifically, this paper determines the difference between the awareness on plastic ban legislation based on the demographic profile, describing the level of awareness on single-use plastic in relation to plastic ban legislation and threats to the environment; it ascertains the consistency of practice on plastic waste avoidance; establishing the relationship of awareness on single-use plastic and sustainability in practice; and finally, the paper suggests the approaches to enhance the awareness and consistency of practice in promoting sustainable development. The analysis of the survey results from 890 participants during May–July 2021 from different ethnicities concludes that among others, a higher level of plastic pollution-related awareness and knowledge along with positive attitude and skills for its control, increases the adoption of plastic waste management practices. Based on the synthesis of participants' suggestions, this paper proposes a set of six interconnected approaches to address the plastics wastes and its impact on the environment, useful for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mismanaged plastic waste is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in the environment, which can cause riverine pollution problems, adverse ecological effects, and pose risks to human health. In this context, extensive research has been conducted on microplastics (MPs) contamination in surface water in urban water environments. This work detected the abundance and characteristics of MPs in urban canals and sub-river (Mark-Hiao River) in the Vientiane capital. Additionally, the hazard risk to the ecological system posed by MPs was analyzed using calculated risk index values. The results showed that the abundance of MPs in the dry and rainy seasons ranged from 0.38 to 4.61 items/m3 and 1.23 to 7.10 items/m3, respectively. Among them, the most commonly found microplastic polymer types in the water samples were polypropylene (PP) > polyethylene (PE) > polystyrene > polyethylene terephthalate (PET) > nylon > other plastic. The diverse composition of MPs along the canals and Mark-Hiao River indicated medium and low hazard levels. However, it is necessary to take action to mitigate and manage the potential risks caused by microplastic pollution, ensuring the preservation of urban aquatic environment for future generations. Strategies recommended encompass promoting publicity and education, implementing green consumption practices, formulating and efficiently implementing regulations, improving the efficiency of wastewater treatment plant, encouraging the use of biodegradable plastics, refusing single-use and non-degradable plastics, and setting a monitoring standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the increasing buildup of non-organic household waste and the excessive use of single-use plastics cause environmental damage. Several tons of plastic waste dumped into the sea. The increasing accumulation of waste results in polluted air pollution, the spread of disease, and ecological damage. In developing countries there is a lack of information about sustainable products, therefore social media plays an important role in disseminating information about sustainable products and citizen awareness about the environment. This research was conducted in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, a developing country. Furthermore, this study uses SEMPLS software to test the validity and reliability. This research specifically aims dependency on social media for sustainability-related information influence the intention to purchase sustainable products, and also this paper as a recommendation material for companies engaged in manufacturing to use materials that have sustainable principles. Citizen’s trust will be gained if the government succeed in implementing campaigns with the scope of environment awareness, sustainable product usage, and reduction of plastic usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the implemented solution for the organization of a pioneer scouting camp located in Poland on Babinka Lake following the principles of sustainable development. The camp was not located on a camping site or in a scout cabin, but in a place that had to be adequately prepared for the 2-week stay of 50 participants. It was necessary to provide water for drinking and preparing meals, water for washing, sanitary facilities, and waste segregation. Scouts who wanted to act according to sustainable development goals decided to eliminate the use of water in plastic containers. Before the camp, a local inspection of the area was carried out, the possibility of drawing water from a nearby deep well was checked, pilot holes were made in other locations, and water samples were collected and tested for physicochemical and bacteriological parameters. A solution consisting of bringing safe drinking water and using lake water for washing was proposed, and a safe location of latrines and places to store segregated waste was also indicated. Our study proved that it is possible to abandon the use of single-use plastic water containers and other non-eco-friendly solutions during the scout camps and provide a water supply more sustainably. Following this study, organizers can reduce the negative impact on the environment on the campsite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the need for the Global Plastics Treaty to address plastics in building and construction materials, which significantly contribute to plastic pollution. Topics discussed include the environmental and health risks of materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene, the projected rise in plastic use by 2050, and solutions such as replacing plastics with safer alternatives and updating building codes.

This article discusses new types and sources of plastic pollution in marine systems. It highlights the well-known issues of animals getting entangled in plastic and consuming microplastics. The article also introduces novel sources of microplastic pollution, such as weathering polymer-based paints, plasticrusts, pyroplastic, and plastitar. The research aims to increase awareness of these sources and their potential environmental effects, as well as provide information on their distribution and abundance. The article includes three publications focusing on microplastics in deep-sea habitats, microplastic release from ship coatings, and the worldwide distribution of plastitar. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs about Karl Coplan's book "Live Sustainably Now," which advocates for reducing individual carbon footprints and offers actionable strategies for living a more sustainable lifestyle. Topic include Coplan suggests the concept of a "carbon budget" as a framework for limiting greenhouse gas emissions and emphasizes the importance of both individual actions and collective policies in addressing climate change.

This study examines urban plastic waste generation using a citizen science approach in six Latin American countries during a global pandemic. The objectives are to quantify generation rates of masks, gloves, face shields, and plastic bags in urban households using online survey and perform a systematic cross-jurisdiction comparisons in these Latin American countries. The per capita total mask generation rates ranged from 0.179 to 0.915 mask cap−1 day−1. A negative correlation between the use of gloves and masks is observed. Using the average values, the approximate proportion of masks, gloves, shields, and single-use plastic bags was 34:5:1:84. We found that most studies overestimated face mask disposal rate in Latin America due to the simplifying assumptions on the number of masks discarded per person, masking prevalence rate, and average mask weight. Unlike other studies, end-of-life PPE quantities were directly counted and reported by the survey participants. Both of the conventional weight-based estimates and the proposed participatory survey are recommended in quantifying COVID waste. Participant' perception based on the Likert scale is generally consistent with the waste amount generated. Waste policy and regulation appear to be important in daily waste generation rate. The results highlight the importance of using measured data in waste estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do risk preferences play a role when deciding whether to act pro-environmentally? Looking at 28 different behaviors case by case -- including recycling, waste reduction, energy and water conservation, consumer behavior, and environmental policy support -- our data suggest no relation between most of the behaviors and economic risk preferences. However, economic risk preferences appear to have some relevance for travel mode choice and for specific consumer preferences (eco-friendly detergents, organic food, and single-use plastics), perhaps because people are better able to appreciate aspects of these behaviors related to risk (e.g., possibility of traffic accidents, health risks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid economic and industrial growth experienced in the Asian region has significantly increased waste production, particularly single-use plastic. This surge in waste poses a significant challenge for these countries' municipal solid waste management systems. Consequently, there is a pressing need for progressive and effective solutions to address the plastic waste issue. One promising initiative involves utilizing used plastic to produce components for asphalt pavement. The concept of plastic road technology has gained traction in Asia, with 32 countries displaying varying levels of interest, ranging from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale construction projects. However, as a relatively new technology, plastic road implementation requires continuous and comprehensive environmental and health risk assessments to ascertain its viability as a reliable green technology. This review paper presents the current findings and potential implementation of plastic-modified asphalt in Asian countries, with particular attention given to its environmental and human health impacts. While plastic asphalt roads hold promise in waste reduction, improved asphalt properties, and cost savings, it is imperative to thoroughly consider the environmental and health impacts, quality control measures, recycling limitations, and long-term performance of this road construction material. Further research and evaluation are needed to fully understand the viability and sustainability of plastic asphalt roads. This will enable a comprehensive assessment of its potential benefits and drawbacks, aiding in developing robust guidelines and standards for its implementation. By addressing these considerations, it will be possible to optimize the utilization of plastic waste in road construction and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat straws are a globally abundant agro-waste that may play a critical role in the global transition from single-use plastics to green materials as an inexpensive and renewable raw material. Vast amounts of wastewater are produced during the technological process of wheat straw-cellulose/hemicellulose conversion. In this context, this work focuses on wastewater decolorization via activated carbon adsorption. A set of carefully planned experiments enabled the identification of a model that described the relationship between the system's outputs and parameters. While process optimization is frequently connected with identifying process parameters that improve efficiency, this work employed a multi-objective optimization approach from both a technological and economic aspect. Nondominated sorting genetic algorithm versions II and III—NSGA-II and NSGA-III algorithms—were applied. As objectives, maximum efficiency and minimum cost per experiment were followed in different scenarios using pseudoweights and trade-off metrics. When optimizing only the efficiency, the results indicated a 95.54% decolorization yield, costing 0.1228 Euro/experiment, and when considering both the efficiency and cost, different solutions were obtained. The lowest cost was 0.0619, with a 74.42% decolorization. These findings indicate that incorporating an economic perspective into the optimization procedure can improve cost estimation and facilitate managerial decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-use plastics (SUPs) pose a major threat to the environment and public health due to their persistent popularity, exponential growth, and skeptical predictions regarding disposal methods. However, despite the declared importance of this topic in the scientific community, related science popularization efforts remain superficial. Here, we present a novel approach integrating the circular economy (CE) with the quintuple helix model to reveal interlinkages between academics, CE stakeholders and the public to assess how scientists face their responsibility for knowledge brokerage and popularization. SUP related researchers from four EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Poland) participated in a survey, followed by a complementary focus group. Most respondents considered science popularization as very or extremely important, and primarily to be carried out by scientists and journalists. The most popular channels were workshops, press, social media, while target audiences included mainly consumers, policy makers and local authorities. Despite the acknowledgment of the scientific mission (social impact, care for nature), popularization activities are discouraged by lack of time and improper research evaluation. Consumers' decisions are closely linked to environmental awareness which cannot be raised based on often false, easily accessible viral news. Involving the latter in science popularization requires systemic changes that, on the one hand, encourage researchers to leave their ivory towers (e.g., by including popularization achievements into research evaluation) and, on the other hand, provide them with relevant skills. This will hopefully increase trust in science among the public, and ultimately lead to a more rational use of plastics.. • Despite its urgency, plastic related science popularization remains perfunctory. • Scientists have the role of knowledge brokers within a circular economy of plastic. • However, they miss opportunities to target audiences and proper channels. • The lack of communication skills limits interactions with the society. • Inappropriate academic evaluation systems discourage scientists' public engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single Use Cutlery plastic is an item easily obtained from food catering packages, such as tableware and cutlery sets from the catering industry and is very harmful to the environment. Therefore, this study conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis to identify the key factors influencing the replacement of single-use cutlery sets within the catering industry. Data collected from the catering industry in Surabaya were processed using SEM PLS modeling. The results showed that the factors Goal and Scope Definition, Life Cycle Inventory, Impact Assessment, and Result Interpretation impact the Life Cycle Assessment of the Catering Industry in Surabaya City as evidenced by all p-values of the inner model being less than 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general objective was to determine the importance of having pedagogical and didactic experiences to generate the reduction or rejection of the excessive use of single-use plastics in educational institutions in Trujillo-Peru. The research corresponds to a descriptive study with a quantitative design. The unit of analysis consisted of 50 students in the fourth and fifth grades of secondary school in three educational institutions in Trujillo-Peru. It has also been determined that 60 % of the students surveyed do not know the toxic components of plastic bottles, plates and bags and 20 % do not know the toxic components of plastic bottles, plates and bags. The educational communities do not exercise control mechanisms to mitigate the problem, nor do they have pedagogical and/or didactic experiences that contribute to rationalising the use of this waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary times, the food industry is tasked with ensuring that its products maintain good quality, with packaging being one of the most evident challenges. Traditionally, food packaging materials were derived from petroleum, but in recent years, biomaterials have emerged as viable alternatives to fulfill these functions. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these biomaterials compared to conventional packaging. Therefore, this study conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis between traditional packaging and bio-based packaging for food in terms of market, technical aspects, and regulations. Information was gathered from specialized databases, and 59 technical datasheets of conventional packaging and 28 technical datasheets of bio-based packaging were analyzed. The results revealed that certain bio-based packaging materials, such as cellulose, polyglycolic acid, and polyhydroxybutyrate, are excellent alternatives for food packaging, particularly in situations requiring moisture and oxidation resistance, as well as the ability to withstand high temperatures during production and storage. Furthermore, it was found that the bio-based packaging market experiences significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging, government regulations against single-use plastics, and consumer trends. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the food industry considers the use of bio-based packaging as a viable and promising solution to enhance the quality and preservation of their products while meeting environmental requirements and consumer preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of a deposit-return system for certain packaging in Poland, scheduled for 2025 will be a significant change to the system of waste management instruments. The aim of the article is to identify and analyze the economic effects of the introducing such a system, with particular emphasis on plastic beverage bottles. Analysis of the newly introduced regulations, as well as projections based on data on packaging placed on the market and its recycling allowed us to estimate the scale of these effects, in quantitative and monetary terms. We concluded that the introduction of a deposit system in Poland would contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the Single Use Plastic directive; a goal that is unlikely to be met with the current system. This will be done at a lower cost than if the system remained in its current form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The potential effect of the EU Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Directive was evaluated. • The study considered four sampling protocols (ca. 5,000 litter collection events) • Large scale (citizen science) datasets were invaluable to the present study. • In citizen science datasets single-use plastics make up 44 to 68% of all litter. • To reduce plastic pollution considerably, measures in addition to bans are needed. To address environmental pollution by plastic litter, the European Union adopted EU Directive 2019/904, the so called "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD), which bans several single-use plastic products and addresses additional items with measures such as extended producer responsibility and obligatory requirements for product redesign. This study assessed the potential of the SUPD to reduce litter pollution in the environment with three scenarios. The "best case" scenario assumed that all measures of the SUPD completely prevent targeted items from getting into the environment. Another scenario assumed that no measures besides bans were effective. An intermediate scenario assumed partial effectiveness of measures. Data of almost 5,000 sampling events from citizen science protocols (Plastic Pirates, International Coastal Cleanup, Marine Litter Watch) and the OSPAR protocol were used to analyse litter at riversides and coastlines in Germany and the European Union. 44 to 68% of litter items in citizen science protocols consisted of single-use plastics (cigarette butts were the most prominent items). At coastlines sampled by the OSPAR protocol, fishing gear and undefined plastics prevailed. The scenario analysis revealed that substantial litter reductions could be achieved in the "best case" scenario (upwards of 40%), while the intermediate scenario resulted in litter reductions of 13 to 25%. The marginal effect of the "only bans" scenario achieved a reduction of 2–6% in Germany and the European Union, respectively. Thus, depending on implementation and enforcement, the current SUPD can be an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed to effectively prevent plastic waste pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeology of plastic is many things at once: an environmental crisis, a growing impact on existing maritime and terrestrial archaeological resources, an advancement in material culture, and the foundation of future archaeological deposits. It is the shape of things as they are now and the shape of things to come. This article explores the intersection between the environmental crisis of unfettered plastic production and archaeology, with an eye toward understanding archaeology as a platform for activism and public outreach during the continuing climate crisis. It offers new paths forward for addressing plastic pollution in the discipline of archaeology as well as actions concerned citizens can take individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Disposable face masks (single use) are used to slow down the transmission rate of Covid-19 from person to person. • Unprecedented rise in the global production of face masks present a new environmental challenge due to Covid-19 pandemic. • Polymer-based face masks waste management issues are increasing. • Covid-19 is playing a key role in microplastic pollution. • Research and community awareness will be successful in making the public mindful of this problem.

The increasing popularity of single-use wet wipes across a variety of applications has caused environmental and economic challenges. Due to their convenience and low cost, disposable nonwoven wipes have become a necessity in the lives of many. However, consumers rarely consider the end-of-life of these items. Despite efforts from stakeholders, including wipes manufacturers and wastewater experts, there is frequent confusion among consumers regarding appropriate disposal. Many consumers flush wipes that are not compatible with municipal sewer systems, causing considerable damage. Additionally, wipes have poor environmental outcomes, as they often contain non-renewable plastics or are unable to biodegrade under disposal conditions. Previously, the wet wipes industry was projected to grow an average of 6% between 2021 and 2025; however, the use of these disposable items is projected to be much higher due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviews the market, key challenges, and technical properties of single-use nonwoven wipes. An emphasis is placed on the unique properties and associated challenges of flushable wipes. With strong market demands, consumers are unlikely to abandon single-use wipes, and therefore innovative solutions are required to solve the main environmental and technical challenges associated with flushable and non-flushable wipes.