Microbeads proved to contaminate fish
17 August, 2016As pressure mounts for a global ban on microbeads, researchers from RMIT University and Hainan University have for the first time shown that these tiny polyethylene particles directly contaminate fish with toxic chemical pollutants.
Victorian approach to waste planning worthy of polite plagiarism
01 August, 2016 by Mike Ritchie, Managing Director, MRA Consulting GroupThe Victorian Government's waste planning reforms are worthy of comment and polite plagiarism by other jurisdictions, according to MRA Consulting's Mike Ritchie.
Research says advertise your products' ethical credentials
19 May, 2016 by Jacquie Fegent-McGeachie, Director – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Kimberly-Clark Australia & New ZealandMany corporate sustainability advisers alike have experienced the dilemma of whether to proactively promote their sustainability credentials. Jacquie Fegent-McGeachie provides comments on what the research says.
Bags not! Finding the solution for Australia's plastic bags
05 April, 2016It is pretty clear that there is finally a national appetite to address single-use plastic bags. Whether agreed or not, it is important that we get the transition right.
Food waste prevention better than biogas production
22 January, 2016Norwegian researchers have been weighing up the benefits of recycling food waste versus preventing it, concluding that the latter is a more effective strategy for cutting emissions.
Microbeads and the need for a national ban
01 December, 2015 by Mike Ritchie, Director, MRA Consulting GroupSmall bits of plastic like microbeads, found in common cosmetics such as face washes, exfoliants and toothpastes, have been wreaking havoc on waterways and soil systems across the world.
EPS — ban it, recycle it or price it?
19 November, 2015 by Mike Ritchie, Director, MRA Consulting GroupNew York City's decision to ban single-use polystyrene foam containers and packaging was recently overturned by the Supreme Court. So did the Big Apple get it wrong, or was the idea of a ban just poorly implemented?
Printed electronics made of compostable materials
14 September, 2015Researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology have developed printed electronics made of compostable natural materials and processes for industrial production.
Banana industry trials re-usable crate that reduces waste
02 September, 2015Recent trials by CHEP Australia in the use of re-usable plastic crates as an alternative to cardboard cartons for the banana industry have returned positive results for growers and other members of the supply chain.
Why existing buildings are the Holy Grail of waste minimisation
03 August, 2015 by Tony Arnel, Global Director of Sustainability, Norman Disney & YoungIf you're on the hunt for Australia's greenest buildings, start with the ones that already exist — says Tony Arnel, Global Director of Sustainability, Norman Disney & Young.
Plastics Project is a success thanks to citizen scientists
16 July, 2015Since Australia Day, citizen scientists in Sydney's Sutherland Shire have been collecting plastic from the local beaches and waterways — and contributing to important research in the process.
Let's talk trash
20 May, 2015 by Nathan Lim*Energy-from-Waste (EfW) is a progressive solution to Australia's growing waste management problem. Australian Ethical International Equities Portfolio Manager Nathan Lim explains.
Future trends for packaging and its role in sustainability
20 January, 2015Packaging has an important role to play in sustainability as it functions to protect and reduce waste of products and raw materials as they move through the supply chains.
Bioplastics production capacities to grow by more than 400% by 2018
04 December, 2014European Bioplastics has presented its annual market update at the 9th European Bioplastics Conference in Brussels. The update finds that there will be an extremely positive growth trend in global bioplastics production capacities.
Standard for manufacturing waste in the works
27 October, 2014ASTM International has proposed a standard to help manufacturers address waste classification issues, providing definitions and methods to eliminate the confusion that currently exists.
