Collections
Plastics and polymers
In this collection we explore advancements in plastics and polymers research, covering topics such as polymer synthesis, characterisation techniques, material properties, biodegradable polymers, plastic waste and recycling, and the impact of microplastics and PFAS on the environment and human health.
How tyres are turning green
As the shift to using renewable and recycled materials in car tyres accelerates, Nina Notman talks to the manufacturers driving the change
Clearing up the compostable plastic mess
Rather than a potential triumph, the compostable plastics we use look increasingly like a tragedy. Andy Extance looks at the problems and seeks solutions
Conserving Barbie from degradation
Although she is a cultural icon, conserving Barbie has its challenges: as with most plastic toys and dolls, she was not made to last. Rachel Brazil investigates how conservation scientists are approaching this sticky problem
Editing polymer backbones
Changing the chemical makeup of a polymer backbone could revolutionise how we make, use and even recycle plastics. James Mitchell Crow reports
The wonderful wizards of wood
Clever chemistry can turn humble timber into a sustainable material with many uses, Kit Chapman finds
Better skiing through chemistry
While elite sports have been improved by materials science, for disabled athletes the developments can be life-changing. Aisha Al-Janabi reports
Polymers
Branched polymers protect cell mimics that can interact with biological cells
Dendritic polymers encase coacervate microdroplets, enabling them to closely mimic natural cells
Plastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
Two more European crackers to close
Sabic will not reopen UK plant and Dow will close another in Germany
Polymer membrane separates hydrocarbons, offering alternative to distillation
Microporous membrane enables energy efficient chemical separations
Less than 10% of plastics are produced using recycled materials
Size of the world’s plastic problem laid out
PFAS
Chemours ordered to immediately limit PFAS emissions into Ohio River
US judge grants injunction to reduce Gen-X discharges from West Virginia plant to permitted levels
DuPont and spin-offs settle with New Jersey over PFAS contamination
Proposed deal with the US state includes $875 million in damages, plus clean-up funds
Letters: July 2025
Readers ponder polymorphs, period products, PFAS and more
11 executives jailed over Italian PFAS pollution
Convictions relate to groundwater contamination around Miteni fluorochemicals plant
Iupac project to redefine PFAS comes under fire
Experts on this family of synthetic chemicals worry initiative may be used by parties with ‘vested interests’
Plastic recycling
What happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?
Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution
Negotiations to create a global plastic pollution treaty collapse again
Geneva meeting descends into chaos with hastily revised treaty text rejected by member states
Cheap virgin plastic limits recycling potential
Global plastic treaty negotiations risk being derailed by minority opposed to production caps
Plastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
Less than 10% of plastics are produced using recycled materials
Size of the world’s plastic problem laid out
Microplastics
What happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?
Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution
Plastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
Multi-disciplinary scientists are ready to solve global chemical pollution
Are governments ready to act?
Cellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water
Biopolymer foam remains effective in water with heavy metals and other pollutants
Nanoplastics found to interfere with activity of antibiotic
Microscopic polymer pieces can decrease efficacy of drug
Sponsored
Digital product passports: building radical transparency for polymers in liquid formulations
Industry giants join alliance that is working to develop a digital record that will track a product’s entire lifecycle and environmental impact
Industry and academic leaders unite to drive polymer sustainability
Leading industry figures and academics talk about the challenges faced in the transition to sustainable PLFs
Advances in lignin-derived polymers: Enhancing toughness and creating sustainable thermosets
Join us to discover how the rapid development of bio-based thermosets is transforming polymer science
Evaluating safety and performance of recycled plastics
Download this free bundle now and explore ways to tackle the challenges we face when screening recycled plastics for safety and material properties.
Thermal analysis in the development of long-acting injectable systems
Evaluating new polymers for slow-release drug delivery could deliver better treatment for patients
Is this the future of bioplastics upcycling?
Learn more about chemical methods for a new route to active upcycling of PLA
Sustainability applies to all polymers, not just plastics
Characterisation and process optimisation of recycled resins for the polymer industry
How analytical chemistry is enabling efficient polymer recycling
Driving environmental sustainability across the polymer supply chain with a digital chemistry strategy
OpinionWhat happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?
Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution
RSCDigital product passports: building radical transparency for polymers in liquid formulations
Industry giants join alliance that is working to develop a digital record that will track a product’s entire lifecycle and environmental impact
ResearchBranched polymers protect cell mimics that can interact with biological cells
Dendritic polymers encase coacervate microdroplets, enabling them to closely mimic natural cells
NewsNegotiations to create a global plastic pollution treaty collapse again
Geneva meeting descends into chaos with hastily revised treaty text rejected by member states
OpinionCheap virgin plastic limits recycling potential
Global plastic treaty negotiations risk being derailed by minority opposed to production caps
NewsPlastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
BusinessTwo more European crackers to close
Sabic will not reopen UK plant and Dow will close another in Germany
ResearchPolymer membrane separates hydrocarbons, offering alternative to distillation
Microporous membrane enables energy efficient chemical separations
OpinionGiving companies room to grow
Can shopping centres and offices become urban lab spaces for innovative companies to grow and scale-up?
ResearchLess than 10% of plastics are produced using recycled materials
Size of the world’s plastic problem laid out
BusinessThe problem of scale-up in the UK
What’s the point of knowledge generation if we’re not creating high value jobs, asks Chris Kay
OpinionMulti-disciplinary scientists are ready to solve global chemical pollution
Are governments ready to act?
BusinessUS drops chloroprene emissions lawsuit against Denka
Government says lawsuit stretched legal definitions in pursuit of ‘environmental justice’
BusinessBiomanufacturing proliferates in chemicals
Fermentation can improve sustainability at competitive costs
ResearchAccidental discovery depolymerises commercial plexiglass
Light-triggered process breaks down waste plastic
ResearchSeed oil-based polymer should survive a day in the rain but degrade within years in the sea
Researchers create polyesteramides from brassylic acid and explore their potential as a replacement for polyethylene
ResearchTwo-way polymerisation produces both elastic and rigid recyclable thermoset plastics
One-pot synthesis uses dihydrofuran monomers