Micro pieces of plastic are doing more damage than meets the eye

Jon Sumple • September 18, 2018

Negligence is not a justifiable defense for reckless and profit-driven decisions when it comes to a decades-long reliance on petroleum-derived plastics. 


Pictures speak volumes. And new and disturbing studies point to the devastating effects plastics have on our planet. 


One such report — Ingested Micronizing Plastic Particle Compositions and Size Distributions within Stranded Post-Hatchling Sea Turtles — was released in August 2018 detailing plastic’s impact on loggerhead turtles along the South Florida coastline. The study was conducted by the University of Georgia (UGA) and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMA), and was funded in part by the RWDC Environmental Stewardship Foundation , which has partnered with the University of Georgia’s New Materials Institute to research and develop bio-based , fully biodegradable plastics. 


“The partnership between our foundation and UGA is vital in so many ways,” says Dr. Daniel Carraway, CEO of RWDC, Industries, LLC, and (title) of the RWDC Environmental Stewardship Foundation. “It illustrates a need for truly biodegradable polymers to replace petroleum-derived plastics immediately. Working with UGA in both environmental studies and the development of products that will change the world is important and rewarding work.” 


Companies have long claimed their plastics are biodegradable, but are they really? Even if a plastic degrades to a micro size, does that mean it is biodegradable? 


Absolutely not, as the UGA and LMA study clearly indicates. 


According to the report, plastic is the most common form of marine debris. Globally, at least 690 marine species, including sea turtles, seabirds, seals, sea lions, whales, fish and invertebrates, have reportedly become ill or died following entanglement in or ingestion of marine plastics. 


And the ingestion of micro-sized plastic particles is killing marine life. 


During the study, 96 post-hatchling sea turtles were collected after washing back onto Florida beaches between Vero Beach and Lake Worth. Nearly half of the recovered turtles were rehabilitated by LMC and released back into the ocean. During their time in rehabilitation, all turtles passed some amount of plastic. The remaining turtles died, and 27 of were examined for the study, with 93 percent having some amount of ingested plastic particles in their systems, leading the team to surmise that “many died due to blockages or nutritional deficiencies associated with plastic ingestion.” 


“This is unacceptable in today’s modern world,” says Dr. Carraway. “We need to care more about the environment in which we live, and we must commit to replacing traditional plastics with bio-based, biodegradable polymers that have no impact whatsoever on creatures we share the planet with. RWDC is committed to transformational environmental change. Now. It’s time.” 


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Strategic investment accelerates development of the first commercial-scale PHA facility, driving global adoption of eco-friendly plastics to mitigate environmental and health concerns
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Dr. Daniel Carraway, Co-Founder and CEO of RWDC Industries, recently participated in the "How is Environmental Sustainability Transforming Packaging Today and in the Future?" panel at the Future of Packaging Conference. The panel discussion focused on the urgent need to address the global microplastics problem and the role of sustainable packaging solutions in mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution. During the panel, Dr. Carraway emphasized that while recycling is an important aspect of managing plastic waste, it alone is not sufficient to solve the crisis. In fact, recent studies have shown that recycling processes can contribute to the generation of microplastics, which can then enter the environment and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Dr. Carraway highlighted the potential of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) as a game-changing solution for replacing petroleum-based plastics. PHA is a 100% natural, biodegradable polymer that can be used to create a wide range of packaging products, from rigid containers to flexible films. Unlike traditional plastics, PHA can biodegrade in various environments, including soil, water, and marine settings, without leaving behind harmful residues. The panel also discussed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including global brand owners, legislatures, and single-use plastic manufacturers, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging materials like PHA. Dr. Carraway emphasized that by working together, we can drive the transition away from conventional plastics and create a more sustainable future for packaging. RWDC Industries is at the forefront of this transition, developing a large-scale PHA production facility and partnering with global brands to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions. With the increasing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, the demand for sustainable alternatives like PHA is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to recognize that recycling alone is not the answer. By embracing innovative materials like PHA and working collaboratively to drive change, we can significantly reduce the global microplastics problem and create a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.
September 5, 2023
Next phase of partnership will increase global availability and adoption of natural alternative to petroleum-based plastics
July 18, 2023
Combined expertise will accelerate scale-up of sustainable materials production to reduce global reliance on single-use, petroleum-based plastics
June 9, 2023
Members of RWDC Industries were invited by the United States delegation to attend the second session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (UN-INC2) last month in Paris. Over 1500 delegates were granted access to the general sessions, while more than 3000 additional attendees were on hand to meet with delegates. During a stakeholder session, RWDC Chief Commercial Officer Blake Lindsey presented to the US delegation and Larke Williams, the Lead Plastic Pollution Negotiator at U.S. Department of State, a general overview on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and its benefits. “Attending these events allows us to help create awareness about the value of PHA,” said Lindsey. “RWDC is playing a major role in supporting industry efforts to clarify what PHA is and what it isn’t.” In addition to attending the stakeholder session, RWDC also met with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and members of the White House staff. RWDC is assisting PHA industry leaders like fellow UN-INC2 attendees Dr. Bryan Haynes, of Kimberly-Clark, and Anindya Mukherjee, co-founder of GO!PHA, to help educate and raise awareness about the benefits of PHA so global government officials understand the impact it can have as a replacement for single-use, petroleum-based plastics. “It is important for global policymakers to understand the differences between petroleum-based plastics and biobased alternatives, why replacing is more important than recycling, and why biobased alternatives should not be left off acceptable materials lists supported by government agencies,” said Lindsey. In addition to attending important industry event, RWDC also has joined INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, following an invitation from Kimberly-Clark, meeting with INDA officials during UN-INC2 to further enhance industry exposure. RWDC also has been invited to join The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty as a result of discussions at UN-INC2. The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty brings together businesses and financial institutions committed to supporting the development of an ambitious, effective, and legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. The coalition is convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, in collaboration with aligned businesses and supported by strategic NGO partners. Representatives of this NGO attended the UN-INC2, including government relations representatives for Walmart, PepsiCo, and Coca Cola. We will continue to forge these important relationships until governments, policymakers, lobbyists, global brand owners, and consumers see PHA as THE solution to the global plastic crisis.
May 8, 2023
WAYNE, Pa., and ATHENS, Ga., — Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) and RWDC Industries LLC announced today a partnership to further the development of sustainably advantaged paper and board packaging solutions by bringing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) dispersion technology to target markets. This exclusive agreement builds on the partners’ ongoing efforts to optimize PHA dispersions for paper and paperboard barrier coating applications. Rising regulatory and consumer pressure is driving demand for sustainable replacements for non-recyclable packaging materials and chemistries, such as extruded polyethylene laminates and fiber processing with fluorochemicals. Trinseo and RWDC aim to meet this need using PHA dispersion technology to create water-based barrier coatings that are recyclable in traditional paper processes, organically recyclable via composting, and biodegradable in soil and marine environments. “We are constantly striving to refine our product portfolio to deliver innovative, customer-centric products that solve material challenges with tailored, sustainable solutions,” said Andre Hugentobler, Global New Business Development and Technology & Innovation Director, Latex Binders, Trinseo. “Our partnership with RWDC is a perfect example of a combined approach that allows both partners to focus on what they do best and jointly deliver technical solutions that will benefit our customers and the markets they serve.” “Our new partnership with Trinseo is a critical step in our journey to bring Solon™ PHA forward as an innovative material solution for an application that has high-performance requirements while being environmentally safe,” said Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer for RWDC Industries. “This is an exciting time for RWDC, and we are pleased to be working alongside global leaders like Trinseo to bring both best- and first-in-class materials to the marketplace.” This partnership recognizes the strength both companies bring in providing cutting-edge materials, technical solutions, and development capabilities to answer immediate calls for chemistry that supports sustainable packaging solutions. Together, Trinseo and RWDC Industries will combat the challenges the world faces with single-use, non-recyclable packaging waste and fluorochemical treatments used in barrier coatings. About Trinseo Trinseo (NYSE: TSE), a specialty material solutions provider, partners with companies to bring ideas to life in an imaginative, smart and sustainably focused manner by combining its premier expertise, forward-looking innovations and best-in-class materials to unlock value for companies and consumers. From design to manufacturing, Trinseo taps into decades of experience in diverse material solutions to address customers’ unique challenges in a wide range of industries, including building and construction, consumer goods, medical and mobility. Trinseo’s approximately 3,400 employees bring endless creativity to reimagining the possibilities with clients all over the world from the company’s locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Trinseo reported net sales of approximately $5.0 billion in 2022. Discover more by visiting www.trinseo.com and connecting with Trinseo on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and WeChat. About RWDC Industries RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore, and its operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia. For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, forecasts, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," “believe,” "intend," "forecast," "outlook," "will," "may," "might," "see," "tend," "assume," "potential," "likely," "target," "plan," "contemplate," "seek," "attempt," "should," "could," "would" or expressions of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s evaluation of information currently available and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Factors that might cause future results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully execute our business and transformation strategy; increased costs or disruption in the supply of raw materials; increased energy costs; our ability to successfully generate cost savings and increase profitability through asset restructuring initiatives; compliance with laws and regulations impacting our business; conditions in the global economy and capital markets; and those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part I, Item 1A —"Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our other reports, filings and furnishings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. As a result of these or other factors, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. Press Contacts: Trinseo: Bregje van den Braak bvandenbraak@trinseo.com RWDC Industries: S. Blake Lindsey +1 706 363 3040 x103 +1 678 372 3510 (cell) blindsey@rwdc-industries.com
April 12, 2023
Combined innovation, experience and strengths of Lummus and RWDC offers real solutions for the circular economy
June 13, 2022
Across the globe, many people and businesses do their best to recycle. We all want to keep our earth clean, and trash out of our streets and ecosystems, and recycling is a good way to do that — right? While not for lack of good intentions by many, recycling does not work as sufficiently as one might think. The world has generated seven billion tonnes of plastic waste, but less than 10 percent has been recycled . The 90 percent of plastic that is not recycled should go to a landfill, but often it makes its way into our environment, particularly our waters, where it can persist for hundreds of years. According to a report from the University of Georgia and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. This flow of plastic into our oceans is not expected to slow down either. A report from researchers at the PEW Charitable Trust found that plastic entering the oceans will triple by 2040 if we continue business as usual. Plastic is not just a sore sight; plastic waste also endangers wildlife. According to a fact sheet sponsored by the United Nations , "plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish." In addition, plastic in the ocean micronizes and accumulates in the fish we eat. The fish we eat then become one of many sources of microplastic ingestion by humans , where it can then potentially accumulate in our blood . The obvious answer to plastics' threat to our ecosystems, wildlife and potentially our health is to use bio-based materials like RWDC’s Solon™ PHA , a biovanescent material. This means Solon is entirely marine biodegradable and does not break down into microplastics. The novel material is also a 'drop in replacement' to existing plastic manufacturing processes and is cost-effective. Solon is safe for all life — plants, animals and humans alike. While Solon is the future, presently, individuals and companies must be educated on how and what they recycle. While most types of plastics cannot be recycled effectively, some can. Those materials that can be recycled are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In the United States, individuals can easily find what plastic an item is by looking for the resin identification code, which is a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in chasing arrows. In the U.S., the number 1 is PET, and the number 2 is HDPE. Any other number circled in chasing arrows should be thrown in the trash. It is important to remember that the chasing arrows on your plastic item indicate what type of plastic it is, not that it is recyclable! RWDC's partner Temasek has made a useful infographic that will help you remember which everyday items are recyclable. It also notes that recyclables should always be cleaned before throwing them in the bin! And for those living in Singapore, Temasek has included other important information on the status of recycling in Singapore and where individuals can recycle.
By Jon Sumple March 25, 2022
After years of speculation surrounding the potential health impact of microplastics on humans, the verdict is in: Scientists from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have documented the presence of microplastics in human blood for the very first time. The pioneering research discovered the following plastics in bloodstream samples: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – commonly used to produce plastic water bottles Polystyrene (PS) – widely used for food packaging and food service plastic articles like cutlery Polyethylene (PE) – most often used as a plastic liner in paper coffee cups and carrier bags “It’s really not a surprise, is it? If plastics have been proven to be present in animal organs and bloodstreams for years, it was just a matter of time,” says RWDC CEO Dr. Daniel Carraway. “It’s similar to society’s awareness surrounding smoking cigarettes and the tobacco-related health concerns in the 50s and 60s. We had a pretty good idea it wasn’t good for us, but it took verifiable studies to get us to wake up and understand the severity of the problem.” RWDC Industries’ mission is to replace petroleum-based plastics with a renewable, sustainable, and natural alternative: Solon™ PHA, a biovanescent material that safely and completely biodegrades after its useful life. It is a material that has no human health and safety concerns. For producers of a wide range of articles, including food packaging, food service articles as well as non-woven fibers for products such as face masks, Solon is designed to be a drop-in replacement for existing petroleum-based plastic manufacturing processes. Now is the time for policymakers, manufacturers, packaging designers, influencers, and the public at large to take action. We welcome your inquiries as we seek to support the efforts of all organizations that are prepared to make a difference. Please contact S. Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer of RWDC Industries at blindsey@rwdc-industries.com to learn how RWDC might support your efforts to meet the environmental, and human health and safety commitments of your constituents, partners, and customers.
November 23, 2021
Injection of funds will help the sustainable materials developer scale up in the US and start production in Singapore to speed adoption of its biodegradable biopolymer material for consumer packaged goods
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