Ep. 36: Addressing Additives in Plastics to Improve the Circular Economy w/ Dr. Kara Lavender Law and Dr. Margaret Sobkowicz

This month, Recycled Content host, Kara Pochiro, is joined by APR’s Technical Director as a co-host of the pod, Scott Trenor. Kara and Scott welcome authors of the “Untangling the chemical complexity of plastics to improve life cycle outcomes” study, Dr. Kara Lavender Law, Research Professor of Oceanography at Sea Education Association, and Dr. Margaret Sobkowicz, Professor of Plastics Engineering at University of Massachusetts Lowell. The team explores the role of chemical additives used in plastic production and the need for better collaboration across the value chain. With insights into the benefits and uses of additives, the potential environmental impacts, and the challenges faced by manufacturers, this episode sheds light on the path toward a more sustainable and circular plastic economy. Tune into this episode as we unravel the science surrounding plastic use and recycling!

Link to the Study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41578-024-00705-x

More on this topic in Plastics Recycling Update: https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2024/10/16/group-encourages-public-private-partnership-in-plastics/