The latest news about safe, sustainable and bio-based materials and products

Scientists Discover Phthalate-Degrading Bacteria

Researchers in South Korea have found a bacteria that can degrade endocrine-disrupting phthalates, including dibutyl phthalate.

Environment, InnovationJames EdeFebruary 27, 2019endocrine-disrupting phthalates, Novosphingobium fluvii, Phthalate-Degrading Bacteria, RhodococcusComment

Micro- and Nano-Plastic in the Environment and Nanoparticles Released from Building Materials and Construction Waste Included on EC Committee Emerging Issues List

The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) has released a statement regarding the emerging issues in non-food applications which have been identified as having the potential to impact human health and/or the environment.

Environment, Nanomaterials, NanoEHS NewsJames EdeFebruary 1, 2019European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER), emerging issues in non-food applications, micro- and nano-plastic in the environment and nanoparticles, building materials and construction waste, Vireo AdvisorsComment

Seaweed as an Adsorbent for Wastewater Treatment

A recent review article highlights the potential of biosorption via macroalgae as a wastewater treatment method. Sulfated polysaccharides in the cellular wall allow seaweeds to efficiently bind pollutants, making them potential replacements for activated carbon in wastewater treatment.

Environment, InnovationJames EdeDecember 31, 2018Seaweed as an Adsorbent for Wastewater Treatment, Vireo Advisors, Sulfated polysaccharides, pollutants, activated carbon replacement in wastewater treatment, nitrogen and phosphorous, phenolic compounds, dyes and heavy metalsComment

Canada Bans Asbestos

Asbestos will be prohibited in Canada by December 30, 2018 according to new rules published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in October 2018.

Environment, Events, Guidance, Leadership, Policy, RegulationJames EdeNovember 26, 2018Asbestos, Candada Bans Asbestos, Vireo Advisors, Environment and Climate Change CanadaComment

European Parliament Votes to Ban Single-Use Plastics

The European Parliament approved a ban on plastic cutlery and plates, cotton buds, straws, drink-stirrers and balloon sticks and a reduction in the use of single-use plastic for food and drink containers like plastic cups.

Environment, Guidance, LeadershipJames EdeNovember 5, 2018European Parliament Votes to Ban Single-Use Plastics, food and drink containers, EU, plastic used in cigarette filters, plastic drink bottles recycled, Vireo AdvisorsComment

Green Science Alliance Manufacturing Biodegradable Plastic/Nano Cellulose Composite Material with Enhanced Mechanical Strength

Green Science Alliance Co., Ltd. has established a manufacturing process which mixes nanocellulose with biodegradable plastics such as poly lactic acid (PLA), poly butylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), poly butylene succinate (PBS) and others.

Vireo Participates in National Graphene Association Inaugural Conference on EHS Panel

Jo Anne Shatkin is an NGA advisory board member and will be a panelist on the NGA’s first environmental health and safety panel discussion.

Environment, NanoEHS News, EventsJames EdeOctober 15, 2018Vireo Advisors, Jo Anne Shatkin, National Graphene Association Inaugural Conference on EHS Panel, Austin Texas, EHS, health and safety panelComment

Flushed Contacts found in Surface Water

A recent survey of randomly selected users of disposable contact lenses found that more than 20% of people flush their contact lenses down the toilet or washed them down the sink instead of placing them in the garbage.

Environment, GuidanceJames EdeOctober 1, 2018Flushed Contacts found in Surface Water, combination of poly(methylmethacrylate), silicones and fluoropolymers, disposable contact lenses, waste-water treatment plants, plastic pollution in waterways, Vireo AdvisorsComment

Jellyfish used to Combat Micro-Plastic Pollution

An international consortium of researchers is working to create a “gelatinous solution to microplastic waste” by forming a filter made of jellyfish mucus which could filter microplastics from sea and ocean water.

Innovation, EnvironmentJames EdeSeptember 10, 2018Go Jelly, Vireo Advisors, gelatinous solution to microplastic waste, jellyfish mucus, jellyfish mucus filter, marine systems, microplasticComment

Natural Plant Fibers Used to Make Buildings, Cars and Planes

The Economist published an exciting article looking at the various ways material scientists are using natural plant fibers to enhance everyday materials.

Innovation, Environment, Nanomaterials, SustainabilityJames EdeJuly 3, 2018CelluComp, Vireo Advisors, Lancaster University, nanoplatelets made of carrots, Stora Enso, University of Maryland, lignin, super wood, natural plant fibers, Natural Plant Fibers Used to Make Buildings, Cars and PlanesComment