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Japanese researchers engineer E. coli to make plastic
via Perplexity
Researchers at Kobe University have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to produce pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA), a biodegradable plastic alternative that exhibits superior properties to petroleum-based PET, achieving production levels more than seven times higher than previously reported. The breakthrough, published this week in Metabolic Engineering, represents a significant advance in sustainable materials science as global plastic pollution reaches crisis levels.
Read the full story here: https://www.perplexity.ai/discover/you/japanese-scientists-develop-su-9xRBhGEfT1meWcxjHYJ74w
U.S. Lawmakers Signal Strong Support for Recycling Innovation — What It Means for Plastic Scrap Buyers
As federal lawmakers push for stronger recycling systems, Domino Plastics sees a bright future for the plastic scrap industry. On July 17, the House Energy & As federal lawmakers ramp up support for recycling innovation, Domino Plastics welcomes the attention and action. On July 17, the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing titled: “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth.”
The hearing focused on how recycling—especially chemical recycling and e-waste recovery—can help drive domestic job creation, support manufacturing, and reduce dependence on foreign materials.
Federal Support for Smarter Recycling Systems
At the hearing, members of Congress and industry leaders discussed how modernizing recycling infrastructure is critical to U.S. competitiveness. Much of the focus was on plastics, and how technology and national policy can improve how we recover, process, and reuse materials.
Key points from the hearing included:
- Recognizing chemical recycling as a manufacturing process to remove regulatory roadblocks
- Creating national recycling standards to unify fragmented state and local programs
- Enhancing U.S. participation in global plastic policy frameworks
- Supporting better labeling, consumer education, and access to recycling systems
What This Means for Domino Plastics
Since 1984, Domino Plastics has been helping manufacturers recycle post-industrial plastic scrap. This renewed federal focus reinforces the importance of our work and opens new opportunities for companies that prioritize clean, sorted, and reusable plastic material.
Here’s why it matters:
- Demand for quality plastic scrap is likely to increase as advanced recycling facilities come online
- Clearer recycling standards will make it easier for businesses to comply and participate
- Economic incentives and infrastructure improvements could expand access to new markets
- Public and private investment in recycling technology may increase the value of recovered materials
Our Perspective
Domino Plastics has always believed that recycling is more than just waste management—it’s a vital part of a circular industrial economy. These policy developments confirm that plastic scrap buyers are essential to improving how the country handles materials.
We remain committed to helping manufacturers turn scrap into opportunity with fast service, fair pricing, and decades of experience.
Contact us today to discuss your plastic scrap recycling needs:
Phone: (631) 751-1995
Text: (516) 972-5632
Email: Joe@domplas.com
Sources
U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee – Hearing Summary
Waste Dive – Congressional Hearing on Recycling
Recycling Today – Industry Leaders Testify Before Congress
Your Next Password Could Be a Piece of Plastic
via Gizmodo
Forget fingerprints or two factor authentication, scientists may have figured out a way to log into a computer with a synthetic molecule.
In the new study published in the Cell Press journal Chem, researchers were able to store and decode an 11-character password encoded in the molecular makeup of a piece of plastic. The technology could help us meet our growing demand for energy-intensive long term data storage, the scientists suggest.
“Molecules can store information for very long periods without needing power. Nature has given us the proof of principle that this works,” said study co-author Praveen Pasupathy, an electrical engineer at the University of Texas at Austin in a statement from Cell Press. “This is the first attempt to write information in a building block of a plastic that can then be read back using electrical signals, which takes us a step closer to storing information in an everyday material.”
Read the full story here: https://gizmodo.com/your-next-password-could-be-a-piece-of-plastic-2000602412
Chewing gum can shed microplastics into saliva, pilot study finds
via Eurekalert
SAN DIEGO, March 25, 2025 — Plastic is everywhere. And many products we use in everyday life, such as cutting boards, clothes and cleaning sponges, can expose people to tiny, micrometer-wide plastic particles called microplastics. Now, chewing gum could be added to the list. In a pilot study, researchers found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested.
The researchers will present their results at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Spring 2025 is being held March 23-27; it features about 12,000 presentations on a range of science topics.
Read the full story here: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1076910
Plastic Industry Outlook 2025: Trends and Opportunities for Manufacturers
As we move through 2025, the plastic industry continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for injection molders, thermoformers, and plastic manufacturers. Here’s a look at the current landscape and emerging trends that are shaping the future of plastics.
Market Growth and Economic Outlook
The global injection molded plastics market is experiencing steady growth, with projections indicating an increase from $335.4 billion in 2024 to $439.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%. This growth is driven by increasing demand across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and packaging.
In the United States, the plastics manufacturing industry is showing signs of recovery and growth. Revenues are projected to increase by 4.2%, with a 5.2% rise in capital expenditures. This positive trend is supported by recent Federal Reserve decisions to lower interest rates, which is expected to sustain manufacturing activity and encourage investment.
Technological Advancements
Integration of 3D Printing
One of the most exciting developments is the integration of 3D printing with traditional injection molding processes. This hybrid approach allows for faster prototyping, reduced lead times, and the ability to offer customized products without compromising production speed.
Automation and Robotics
Automation continues to revolutionize the industry, with robots now performing tasks such as part removal, assembly, and quality checks. AI-powered cameras and sensors are providing real-time defect detection, ensuring higher-quality outputs with minimal waste.
The plastic industry is poised for growth and innovation. Manufacturers who embrace new technologies, focus on sustainability, and adapt to changing market demands will be well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. Stay informed, invest wisely, and remain flexible to navigate the evolving landscape of the plastics industry.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of the plastics industry in 2025, it’s crucial for manufacturers to partner with reliable plastic scrap brokers who can help manage waste streams efficiently and provide access to recycled raw materials. Domino Plastics Company stands out as a trusted partner in this arena, offering valuable services to plastic injection molders, thermoformers, and manufacturers.
Domino Plastics Company, with over 40 years of experience in the industry, specializes in purchasing post-industrial plastic scrap from manufacturers and selling recycled raw materials. Our comprehensive services include:
- Competitive pricing for a wide range of plastic scrap materials, including HDPE, LDPE, PP, ABS, PVC, PET, and many more.
- Fast and reliable pickup services across the USA, thanks to strategically located warehouses.
- Expert knowledge in handling various forms of plastic scrap, from regrind and film scrap to off-grade pellets and purge.
- A commitment to sustainability by diverting plastic waste from landfills and supporting recycled plastic innovations.
- Financial stability and a long history of payment integrity, providing peace of mind to their partners.
By working with Domino Plastics Company, manufacturers can not only optimize their waste management processes but also contribute to a more sustainable plastics industry. For competitive quotes and reliable service, contact Domino Plastics at (631) 751-1995 or email Joe@domplas.com with details of your materials.
What to know about the plastic pollution treaty talks in South Korea
What to know about the plastic pollution treaty talks in South Korea
via APNews
A last round of negotiations on a legally binding treaty to address the global scourge of plastic pollution has opened in Busan, South Korea. Here’s what to know about it:
Nations are deciding what actions they’ll take
National delegations still have a lot to hammer out before there is a treaty. Most contentious is whether there will be a limit on the amount of plastic that companies are allowed to produce.
Read the full story here: https://apnews.com/article/plastic-pollution-treaty-negotiations-united-nations-south-korea-870c2dce64527f9de2ff91e423b48aba
Paris to ban single-use plastic at 2024 Olympic Games
Paris to ban single-use plastic at 2024 Olympic Games
via ESPN
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Friday the city planned to ban single-use plastic when it holds the 2024 Olympic Games as part of efforts to tackle a global plastic pollution crisis.
“We have decided to make the Olympic Games the first major major event without single-use plastic,” Hidalgo told a press conference at a session of the International Forum of Mayors against Plastic Pollution.
Read the full story here: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/37733149/paris-ban-single-use-plastic-2024-games
There can be 240,000 plastic particles in a litre bottle of water
There can be 240,000 plastic particles in a litre bottle of water
via New Scientist
A single 1-litre bottle of water could contain 240,000 microscopic plastic particles. The health implications of ingesting plastic are unclear, but early research suggests such particles could travel into various organs within the body.
Millions of tonnes of plastic are produced every year as a result of human activity, such as the fishing industry and domestic waste. Most of this is made up of microplastics, which measure between 1 micrometre and 5 millimetres across.
Read the full story here: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411329-there-can-be-240000-plastic-particles-in-a-litre-bottle-of-water/
A Strange Plastic Rock Has Ominously Invaded 5 Continents
A Strange Plastic Rock Has Ominously Invaded 5 Continents
Plastics are now infecting the Earth’s geology—so much that experts are now calling to formally recognize a new kind of sedimentary rock: plastistone. Deyi Hou, an associate professor at Tsinghua University in China, and his colleague Liuwei Wang recently wrote a paper about the emergence of this new plastic-rock fusion.
Read the full story here: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a46181945/plastistone-sedimentary-rock/
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