Waste

Article (14)
  • Green polymer chemistry
    The term ‘green polymer chemistry’ is being used here to describe the production of established thermoplastics and elastomers from renewable sources, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), epoxy resin and polyurethane.
  • Councils recognised for tackling e-waste
    Last week, the Senate unanimously passed the Product Stewardship Bill, a major milestone in the delivery of Australia’s long-term National Waste Policy. With over 90% of a mobile phone and its accessories recyclable, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association is committed to the development of a long-term, integrated, e-waste collection service that is funded by industry, accepts all types of electronic waste and is free to all Australians. The efforts of over 300 local councils across Australia in tackling mobile phone e-waste were recognised at the MobileMuster Local Government Awards during the National General Assembly for Local Government in Canberra, on 21 June 2011.
  • Advance towards making biodegradable plastics from waste chicken feathers
    In a scientific advance literally plucked from the waste heap, scientists have described a key step towards using the billions of waste chicken feathers produced each year to make one of the more important kinds of plastic. They described the new method at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, which was held in Anaheim in March 2011.
  • Beverage containers made from by-products
    PepsiCo announced last month a beverage container packaging called the Green bottle to compete with the PlantBottle which was announced by Coca-Cola Company in 2009 and is already in use. Both the bottles are being made from by-products of each company’s food production facilities.
  • Clean energy from contaminated land
    A team of Australian and Chinese scientists has pioneered a new way to make clean energy from land contaminated with toxic waste.
  • The rising tide of plastics in landfill
    Australia is now sending more than 1 million tonnes of plastic waste to landfill each year. This figure will continue to rise, reaching at least 1.5 million tonnes by 2030, due to increasing plastics consumption and an increasing proportion of durable plastic goods entering the waste stream.
  • Shopping centre recycles food waste
    Erina Fair shopping centre is set to recycle 250 tonnes every year with waste management technology.
  • Sustainable packaging: eco-friendly and unbreakable
    Sustainability is steadily gaining in importance for consumers. They want ethically and ecologically impeccable products, packaged in a resource-conserving manner that nevertheless ensures their perfect condition when purchased. This is a major challenge to packaging producers, as the industry wants to save on materials without compromising the stability of the packaging in any way.
  • Chemical building block from waste gases
    LanzaTech has produced 2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD), a key building block used to make polymers, plastics and hydrocarbon fuels, using its gas fermentation technology.
  • A commitment to sustainable packaging
    Since 2000, the National Packaging Covenant (Covenant) has been an innovative and unique national approach to dealing with packaging waste. It has engaged the packaging supply and recovery chains, governments and community groups. There was a specific target to divert high-embodied energy materials from landfill and through these activities contribute to a reduction in GHG emissions.
  • Inspiring smarter solutions
    The Plastiki, a 60-foot (18.2 m) catamaran made from plastic bottles, sailed into Sydney Harbour on Monday 26 July. Designed to raise awareness of the amount of plastic waste in the ocean and plant the seed in everyone’s mind to think about minimising waste and re-using materials intelligently, the Plastiki expedition is the creation of adventurer and environmentalist David de Rothschild and his organisation, Adventure Ecology.
  • Sewage gas providing green energy
    Methane gas from Glenfield Sewage Treatment Plant is being converted to green energy under new technology being rolled out at sewage treatment plants across Greater Sydney, NSW Minister for Water, Phil Costa has announced.
  • The biomass alternative
    Industry is being challenged to reduce carbon emissions and its reliance on non-renewable fuel sources. Spurring this on has been volatile oil prices as well as the likely introduction of schemes such as the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). In this article, Juergen Peterseim* and Prof Dr-Ing Udo Hellwig** from ERK Eckrohrkessel GmbH describe technologies that are available and can make use of biomass as an alternative fuel source for industry.
  • Sustainable packaging - a growing consumer issue
    A new report from independent market analyst Datamonitor identifies that sustainable packaging is a growing consumer issue that has the potential to benefit numerous stakeholders. At present, consumer interest in packaging is relatively low in general; however, a high proportion of consumers are interested in the sustainability aspect of packaging.
Feature (2)
  • Paperless proof, the e-government magic act
    A French-developed security platform which turns email into the electronic equivalent of registered mail could help deal with the bureaucratic paper mountains throughout Europe.
  • Power from waste
    Electricity from a power plant which is run on waste gas from a Hunter Valley coal mine will soon supplement the local grid as Energy Australia has agreed to buy the electricity generated from a new power plant
Product (9)
  • Rayoface NB films for linerless packaging label
    Innovia Films, producer of Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films and cellulose substrates for a variety of labelling techniques, has launched a range of films suitable for linerless label applications, called Rayoface NB. As the label is applied directly to the pack, a reduction of over 30% to the labelling waste and weight is claimed to be achieved.
  • NatureFlex cellulose-based biofilm
    Innovia Films has announced that its cellulose-based biofilm NatureFlex meets the Australian AS4736 standard for biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial treatment.
  • Cardia Bioplastics certified compostable bags
    Cardia Bioplastics launched an extensive range of certified compostable bags at Auspack Plus 2011. The functional and easy-to-use bags will be sold direct to the public or through authorised distributors in Australia and New Zealand.
  • OnVu ICE time temperature indicator
    The OnVu ICE time temperature indicator can be used on food packaging to monitor the cold chain for chilled and deep-frozen food. Manufacturers, retailers and consumers will be able to tell at a glance whether ice-cream, pizza, fish or any other products were kept constantly deep-frozen or should rather be discarded because the cold chain was interrupted significantly.
  • Innovia Films NatureFlex N913 cellulose-based packaging film
    The NatureFlex N913 is the latest grade of NatureFlex cellulose-based packaging film. Derived from renewable resources, the film has a sealant layer for enhanced sealability and seal integrity. Other advantages of the product include providing a barrier to moisture, gases and aromas; and certified to meet the European EN 13432 and American ASTM D6400 composting norms.
  • Zenergy PWR waste to energy
    The Plasma Waste Recycling (PWR) process uses high-temperature thermal plasma to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) to syngas, molten metal and vitreous slag - there is no ash. Air emissions are said to be lower than the combustion of natural gas and are within US EPA standards.
  • Lightweight packaging board
    Snowcard Bleached Board with ECF, PEFC and ISO certification is a lighter weight board for packaging. It is two-side coated folding boxboard combining visual smoothness with high brightness and an equal white shade on both sides. Suitable for point-of-sale, paperback, food and beauty product packaging, folders, covers and more, the lightweight boards consume fewer raw materials, decrease transport volumes and produce less waste.
  • Lightweight wine bottles
    The Lean+Green lightweight process is now available for 750 mL claret and burgundy bottles manufactured in French Green from the O-I Adelaide plant. Using modified designs and narrow neck press and blow (NNPB) technology, the bottles will be between 18 and 28% lighter than current offerings.
  • CIJ printer with ink system
    The Linx 6900 Solver CIJ printer is claimed to able to reduce solvent usage by as much as 40%. It features a purpose-built ink system and software which adapts to the production requirements and uses solvent only as it is needed.
News (26)
  • O-I champions glass as consumer favourite
    CEOs, environmentalists and parents have joined an Owens-Illinois (O-I) marketing campaign to champion glass as a sustainable consumer choice.
  • Pineapple and banana fibre for car making
    Scientists in Brazil have developed a more effective way to use fibres from pineapple, bananas and other plants in a new generation of automotive plastics that are stronger, lighter and more ecofriendly than plastics now in use.
  • Sustainable food packaging films launched
    Wipak has released a range of sustainable food packaging films using Cardia Biohybrid technology.
  • SITA completes WSN purchase
    SITA Environmental Solutions (SITA) has said its acquisition of the former state government-owned WSN Environmental Solutions (WSN) signalled a new era for resource recovery and recycling in the New South Wales waste management industry.
  • Salvos stores launch ‘shopping with a conscience’ month
    From 20 January 2011, Australians will be able to access hundreds of one-off fashion and unique items from local Salvos Stores around the country thanks to the launch of Salvos Stores online, the first charity online shopping website of its kind in Australia.
  • Cardia sets up subsidiary to commercialise novel CO2 starch technology
    Cardia Bioplastics has announced that it has established a 100% subsidiary - CO2Starch Pty Ltd - which will be used to commercialise the company’s patented novel CO2 polymer-starch blending technology.
  • SITA consolidates market position with the acquisition of WSN
    SITA Environmental Solutions (SITA), a 60:40 Suez Environnement (France) and Sembcorp Industries (Singapore) joint venture, has announced the acquisition of the New South Wales Government's waste services firm, WSN Environmental Solutions (WSN).
  • Green accreditation for chute system
    Wastech Engineering has achieved a Product Assessment Certificate from Ecospecifier for its Smoothtubes chute system. In addition, a GreenRate Green Building Scheme pre-assessment has been conducted and it was found that this product is likely to contribute to the achievement of Green Building rating tool credits.
  • New China supply deal for Cardia Bioplastics
    Australian manufacturer of sustainable packaging products and resins Cardia Bioplastics has struck a major agreement with a Chinese bag manufacturing company - its third China deal in three months.
  • AIFST convention to discuss sustainabilty
    Over 100 international and local experts from the world of food will converge on Melbourne in July for the 43rd annual Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology Convention. Sustainability in food packaging will be discussed during the conference.
  • National Waste Report 2010 released
    Australia's first comprehensive report on waste and resource recovery was released on Friday 7 May - the National Waste Report 2010.
  • Education is the key to environmental solutions
    SITA Environmental Solutions opened its Elizabeth Drive Education Centre on 22 February.
  • Swift action needed to save recycling jobs
    Environment Victoria has called on the state government and the Opposition to stop treating the recycling industry as a political football and work together to support Victoria’s struggling recycling industry.
  • National Waste Overview released
    The Environment Protection and Heritage Council has released a National Waste Overview providing a summary of key facts and figures on waste and recycling in Australia.
  • Collaboration to penetrate high-end packaging market
    Plantic, a company engaged in the development and commercialisation of biodegradable plastics from naturally occurring high amylose starch, has announced a formal collaboration with German packaging supplier Kesko.
  • Compostable film for packaging
    In a strategic move away from traditional polyethylene (PE) films, Intellipack, in conjunction with German manufacturer Storopack, have created an environmentally sustainable film that has the strength and composition properties of PE-based films, while being made from base material corn. It is said to be 100% renewable.  
  • CBD building keeps 91% of waste out of landfill
    Sydney recycler WSN Environmental Solutions has achieved great success in the first year of its GreenStep contract with the Gateway building in Sydney, with its resource recovery program keeping 91% of the building’s waste out of landfill.
  • Carbon offset provider rated 'outstanding'
    Perth’s Southern Metropolitan Regional Council has been recognised as an outstanding carbon offset provider by Choice in an independent ranking.
  • Wastewater projects win international prize
    Two of Murdoch University’s PhD students have won international Huber Technology Prizes in Munich, Germany. The prize rewards ideas, concepts and results of research that are a contribution to the re-use of energy and valuable materials from wastewater.
  • Scholarship awarded
    Waikato University postgraduate student Lisa van den Berg is one of three recipients of a Dick and Mary Earle Scholarship in Technology for 2008. Lisa’s thesis investigates the bio-resins derived from waste proteins of the meat industry.
  • National carbon committee for waste industry
    The Waste Management Association of Australia has moved to strengthen the voice of the waste industry in forming a National Carbon Committee as the government finalises the Australian Emissions Trading Scheme (AETS).
  • Competition presents eco-future of home appliances
    A compact washing machine that uses nuts that grow on trees rather than laundry detergent; a device that turns plastic shopping bags into compost; and a detergent-free compact dishwasher that uses the cleaning power of water alone are the products emerging from Electrolux’s Design Lab competition.
  • Environmental champions honoured
    Nominations are now open for the 2008 Green Ribbon Awards, which honour New Zealand’s environmental heroes, according to Environment Minister Trevor Mallard.
  • Next Big Thing Award 2008
    Clever innovators, inventors and creative small businesses can win over $50,000 in cash and prizes by entering Innovic’s Next Big Thing Award 2008 before applications close on 14 March 2008.
  • Conference gets government support
    Enviro 08, Australia’s Environmental and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition is set for Melbourne Exhibition Conference Centre 5 -7 May.
  • Fly-ash a valuable resource
    It is time Australia stopped treating fly-ash from coal-fired power generation as a waste — and started to regard it as a valuable resource with many end uses, according to Professor Colin Ward of the CRC for Coal in Sustainable Development and University of NSW.
Case Study (9)
  • PEF to cement kiln
    SITA-ResourceCo has signed a 15-year offtake agreement to supply 75,000 tonnes per annum of process engineered fuel (PEF) to the Adelaide Brighton Cement kiln in Birkenhead, South Australia.
  • Waste-to-energy plant
    WSN Environmental Solutions and joint venture partner LMS Generation will boost the export capacity of their waste-to-energy project at Eastern Creek Waste and Recycling Centre, providing green power for an extra 1000 homes.
  • Renewable product packaging
    Dell is shipping its Dell Inspiron Mini 10 and Mini 10v netbooks in packaging made from bamboo, a renewable material that serves as a good alternative to moulded paper pulp, foams and corrugate often used in packaging.
  • Shopping centre waste to power homes
    General waste from Sydney’s newest shopping centre, Top Ryde City, is scheduled to be recovered and re-used to create renewable electricity, thanks to a waste management process implemented by Veolia Environmental Services. It is looking to recover up to 60-65% of all general waste and recyclable materials, once the centre launches in November.
  • Document management infrastructure
    Energex partnered with Fuji Xerox Global Services (FXGS) in 2003 to streamline the company’s document management infrastructure. It has since achieved a 23% cost reduction by consolidating its existing printer fleet and introducing more efficient multifunction devices. It has also reduced the number of devices it relies on by almost 30%, despite the company’s strong growth.
  • Harnessing energy in roads
    Sydney construction and sustainability consultancy VIM Sustainability is the Australian distributor for the Road Energy System (RES), an innovative heating/cooling system using roads as a heat source.
  • Greener networking
    Linksys, a division of Cisco, has reduced packaging for its consumer networking products and it has received Energy Star certified ratings on power adapters included with more than 30 of its products.
  • Recycling wood waste into fuel
    The Ripper, developed by SCS Ltd, Christchurch, is a solid waste wood shredder/grinder and screening plant in one compact unit. The machine reduces wood waste to hog fuel (boiler fuel)
  • Turning waste cardboard into fuel
    CSIRO has developed an innovative solution to two very different problems confronting two industries in the remote community of King Island in the Bass Strait
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