This series of products is labeled with the LG Chem environmental brand “LETZero” logo, which is an environmental material brand to be launched by LG Chem in 2021, implying LG Chem's commitment to “realizing zero environmental pollution and zero growth in carbon emissions”. “LETZero is the brand name of LG Chem's eco-friendly materials to be launched in 2021. 

LG Chem Bio-Balanced Synthetic Rubber (Bio-Balanced BR) has three major advantages: high performance, sustainability, and stable raw materials:

01 High Performance

Sports shoes need to be wear-resistant, non-slip and aesthetically pleasing, so the soles must be made of rubber with good abrasion resistance and non-slip properties. LG Chem's Bio-Balanced BR not only has a high degree of transparency in its appearance, DIN friction loss of less than 50mm3, and excellent resistance to yellowing, abrasion, flexing, and ease of processing, but it also conforms to the market's demand for environmentally friendly materials that is gradually expanding. It is also in line with the expanding market demand for environmentally friendly materials. 

In addition, Bio-Balanced BR materials are used in industrial rubber products such as tires, golf ball cores, conveyor belts, rubber isolators and scaffolding. 

02 Sustainable

LG Chem's Bio-Balanced BR is an environmentally friendly material that utilizes bio-renewable raw materials extracted from waste cooking oil, plant by-products, etc. mixed with fossil raw materials, and it has received ISCC Plus international certification. It effectively reduces the use of fossil raw materials and significantly lowers the carbon emissions generated during the production process, with a carbon reduction effect of 138.7% of petroleum-based BR materials.

03 Stable supply of raw materials

LG Chem is building Korea's first first-generation bio-oil (HVO) plant in a joint venture with Italy's ENI Group ENI, with an expected annual production scale of approximately 300,000 tons. When HVO is used as bio-naphtha, it can provide a stable supply of raw materials for the production of Bio-BR, SSBR, SAP, and PVC.

The collaboration between Sicomin and MADskis sets new standards in winter sports manufacturing, demonstrating maximum sustainability, high yield strength slope performance and environmentally friendly working conditions. GreenPoxy® 56 has the highest bio-content, provides excellent mechanical properties and meets MADskis' challenging production and environmental requirements. It also provides a cleaner and safer production environment for the MAD production team as they use hand laminated wood tops, natural fibers and European wood cores in their boutique shop.

MADskis was co-founded by renowned professional skier and Class40 Ocean Racing World Champion, Aurélien Ducoz. Ducoz's Class40 yacht was constructed using Sicomin GreenPoxy resin and flax fibers, which highlights the resin's durability. Ducroz will now be applying similar processing techniques and materials to create cutting-edge, low-impact skis at MAD. Ducroz will now apply similar processing techniques and materials at MAD to create cutting-edge, low-impact skis.MAD's revolutionary UNDO-REDO process utilizes bio-based resins and natural wood topsheets that allow skiers to repair or replace the top layer of their skis, significantly extending the life of their skis, reducing waste, and promoting environmental responsibility.

Scandinavian Bioproducts Group's partnership with Southern European distributors is designed to respond to the EU's stringent regulation of hazardous ingredients and traceability in cosmetic products, as well as to meet consumer demand for safer, more environmentally friendly products; MCC, as a sustainable ingredient sourced from renewable wood resources, has great potential to meet these demands, as exemplified by the discontinuation of sales of Johnson & Johnson's baby powder due to the presence of talc in the product and the Titanium dioxide is banned for use in food in Europe due to its environmental hazards and cancer risk, and a recent enforcement program by the European Chemicals Agency found that 6% of cosmetics tested contained banned hazardous substances; MCC holds the promise of replacing these traditional ingredients with safer, greener solutions.

In the future, NBG and C.Q. Massó plan to collaborate to promote the widespread use of MCC in the beauty and personal care industry, replacing traditional ingredients such as talc and titanium dioxide, and exploring innovative formulations to meet consumer demand for high performance and sustainability. The two companies may also expand their partnership and strengthen research and development collaboration to enhance the performance and sustainability of MCC; furthermore, this collaboration will drive the beauty and personal care industry in a more sustainable direction and may contribute to the development of industry standards to provide consumers with better product choices. In order to remain competitive, NBG needs to continue to innovate and optimize its production processes to meet market challenges and reduce MCC production costs.

Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG)

Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG) is a Finland-based company specializing in the production of biobased products such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC); it has the world's first continuous MCC production line with a capacity of up to 10,000 tons per year, and uses an advanced, environmentally friendly production process that results in zero solid-waste emissions and far lower consumption of chemicals, water and electricity than conventional processes.

C.Q. Massó

C.Q. Massó is a Spanish and Portuguese distributor of chemicals and cosmetic ingredients that shares NBG's commitment to driving the beauty and personal care industry in a safer and more sustainable direction.

(1) TotalEnergies Corbion and Jiangsu Yue Sheng Technology Co., Ltd (“Yue Sheng Technology”) have announced a strategic partnership that will allow the two companies to promote degradable EPLA (Expanded Poly Lactic Acid) technology globally, share application development and market insights, and collaborate on new product innovations. The two companies will promote degradable EPLA (foamed PLA) technology globally, share application development and market insights, and collaborate on new product innovations.

EPLA is a new generation of sustainable, high-performance foams made from Luminy® PLA bioplastic.EPLA is suitable as a bio-based, industrially compostable material for packaging, thermal protection and other molded applications. 

EPLA foam products are lightweight, protective and durable for packaging, food service and cold chain applications. The material is fully decomposable to water, carbon dioxide and biomass under industrial composting conditions with no environmental burden. It meets both performance requirements and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, as well as consumer demand for environmentally friendly materials. 

(2) TotalEnergies Corbion and Benvic, a specialist in compounding technology, have announced a partnership to promote the market adoption of sustainable Luminy® PLA-based composites, with the aim of expanding the penetration of plant-based solutions in durable applications such as automotive, medical devices, cosmetic packaging, home appliances, and electrical and electronics. and help the industry transition to low-carbon manufacturing. 

By integrating Benvik's Plantura® range of products with Total Energy Corbijn's Luminy® PLA technology, the two companies will introduce bio-based alternative materials with significantly lower carbon footprints to replace traditional ABS, PS and PP plastics. By compounding and modifying Luminy® PLA with other bio-based materials, the new products represent a breakthrough in functionality and performance, providing innovative solutions for environmentally friendly manufacturing worldwide.

Metpack's Ezycompost liner is made of BASF biopolymer ecovio® 70PS14H6, which offers a number of advantages: FDA-approved for food contact, excellent barrier to liquids, oils and fats, stable in boiling water at 100°C, no microplastics in home composting after use, and can be organically recycled in the food waste stream. 

The laminates can be used in food contact scenarios such as cold drink cups and microwave trays, and can be produced on standard molding lines. Its lamination speed is faster than PLA, the film layer is 40% thinner than PLA, and the lamination speed is comparable to that of PE; it does not stick to the cooling rollers, has good sealing and printing performance, and does not require adhesives for single/co-extrusion. Ezycompost's strength is comparable to that of PE laminated paper, and it is compostable and free of microplastics, making it faster to process and home compostable than PLA, said Metpack's director. 

Developed by Rightway New Material, PLA offers key advantages over traditional plastics and breaks down faster. Studies have shown that PLA breaks down more than 90% in industrial composting, while traditional plastics take hundreds of years to break down, and Santan's PLA-coated paper cups are certified for home composting, providing commuters with a more convenient and environmentally friendly waste disposal solution.

The program is currently being rolled out in Malaysia and Thailand and is planned to be extended to the seven airlines in the AirAsia Group. By adopting PLA, Santan is setting an example to others in the industry of what is possible when combining high quality service with environmentally friendly solutions.

Santan recognizes the challenges faced by the waste management segment, where disposable packaging is critical for hygiene and operational efficiency. As a result, the company is using artificial intelligence to optimize food resource management and is moving towards the use of compostable tableware. By facilitating forecasting and reducing overproduction, this approach minimizes food waste while improving supply chain efficiency and ultimately leading to more sustainable resource use and operations.

Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group) is an investment holding company with a portfolio of synergistic travel and lifestyle businesses that leverage data and technology, including the AirAsia SuperApp, fintech company BigPay and logistics startup Teleport.AirAsia (AirAisa) is the airline subsidiary of Capital A. The company is a member of the AirAsia Group.

Recently, in Germany, the SKZ Research Center, together with the RWTH Aachen University and Peiler&Klein Kunststofftechnik, conducted a study focusing on this topic. 

The goal of this research is to accelerate the natural degradation of polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating specific enzymes, such as proteinase K and keratinase ICCG, into manufactured products, and using zeolites that are “immobilized” by peptide adhesion enhancers for these enzymes.

However, what can be done to avoid the material starting to biodegrade during the lifetime of the artifact? The researchers explain that enzyme-loaded zeolites are converted into PLA zeolite masterbatch through a specially developed extrusion process. 

These enzymes are introduced into the PLA matrix in an inert form and are only activated after a change in the environment and after the material wears out or melts; at which point they accelerate the PLA degradation process. 

By targeting and modularizing the activation of enzymes, we hope to provide the industry with a solution that will allow companies to produce plastic products that are mechanically stable during use, as well as degrade more quickly and efficiently in the environment after the product's function has ended,” said Alexander Rusam, researcher and project manager at SKZ. ” The results of the initial tests conducted were promising. 

With the help of a microextruder, samples could be prepared in PLA and finely ground zeolite. The results of the analysis show that the porous material zeolite is very well distributed in the polymer matrix.

In addition, the researchers found that the addition of the enzyme did not adversely affect the mechanical properties of the PLA, which is a key goal in achieving industrialization of the product.

Rusam concludes, “These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the process and open up attractive prospects for the development of plastics that are both functional and sustainable.”

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations PPWR｜Status Update

On January 22, 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (REGULATION (EU) 2025/40). This landmark regulation aims to address the growing problem of packaging waste and promote the packaging industry's transition to sustainable development.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations PPWR｜Timeline

November 2022: The European Commission formally presents the draft PPWR. It seeks to promote more efficient resource recycling and lower waste generation rates by comprehensively updating the existing regulatory framework. The proposal not only addresses the reduction of single-use packaging, but also further clarifies the environmental standards of the packaging industry by setting mandatory reuse targets, recycled content requirements, and restrictions on hazardous substances. 

The proposed regulation was formally adopted by the European Parliament in November 2023, with detailed discussions and adjustments to its specific content and objectives. The changes proposed by the Parliament emphasized increasing the recycling rate of packaging, limiting the use of single-use plastic packaging, and providing consumers with more environmentally friendly options. Despite the differences of opinion, the Parliament finally reached a consensus and adopted the proposal. 

In December 2023, the Council of the European Union (EU) also formally adopted a proposal for the regulation, with amendments and additions at various points. The Council's focus on the Packaging Waste Regulation was on balancing economic and environmental objectives and ensuring that member states are not unduly burdened by the economy in its implementation. Several rounds of consultations with the EU Parliament resulted in this broadly consensual regulation. 

On December 16, 2024, the Council of the European Union formally adopted the PPWR, meaning that this regulation has completed the final step of the ordinary legislative process. 

The regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on January 22, 2025 and entered into force on February 11, 2025, with an 18-month transition period (from August 12, 2026 onwards). 

2026-2028: Implementation begins in member countries and enterprises adapt. 

2030: Key targets come into effect, including returnable packaging, reduction targets, recycled plastic content requirements, etc. 

2040: Stricter reusable packaging targets come into force. 

2050: Climate neutrality goal reached. That is, no negative impact on the global climate 

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations PPWR｜Core Requirements 

I. Packaging Reduction Targets Packaging Reduction Targets (Packaging Reduction Targets) 1. Requirements to minimize the unnecessary use of packaging and avoid over-packaging, with different mandatory reduction requirements for plastic, cardboard, metal, glass, and other materials. 2. Reduce the overall volume of packaging waste by 15% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040, compared to the 2018 baseline. 3. 2040 by 15%.3. Starting January 1, 2030, companies that fill combination, transportation, or e-commerce packaging must ensure that the maximum void ratio does not exceed 50%. The methodology for calculating the clearance ratio will be set out in an implementing regulation to be issued by the European Commission by February 12, 2028, which will include the calculation of the clearance ratio. The calculation of the void ratio will include the ratio of the void to the total volume and the filling materials used (e.g. paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wrap, sponge fillers, foam fillers, wood wool, polystyrene or polystyrene foam sheets) will be considered as voids. 

II. Design for Recycling (DFR) Strict Recycling Criteria: According to PPWR, all packaging must be recycled according to strict criteria, except for specific exemptions, with the aim of increasing the recycling rate of packaging waste and reducing the amount of packaging waste going to landfill and incineration: 1. 90% of materials (e.g., plastics, wood, ferrous metals, aluminum, glass and cardboard) can be collected separately by material type by 2029. 2, glass, paper and cardboard) can be collected separately by material type.2 By 2030, all packaging must be designed to be recyclable, with at least 70% recyclable.3 By 2035, all packaging must be recycled into the same material. *The PPWR introduces a recyclability performance scale from A to C, which specifies the degree of recyclability of packaging, with 95% of it being classified as A, 80% as B, and 70% as C. This measure is intended to promote packaging manufacturers to improve their recycling performance. This measure aims to promote packaging manufacturers to improve the recyclability of packaging and promote the recycling of resources. 

III. Reuse Targets (Reuse Targets) support the development and application of innovative packaging materials, reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics, encourage companies to use degradable and recyclable materials, and encourage the provision of reusable packaging, with reuse targets varying according to the type of packaging. Mandatory reuse targets are set through 2030, and guidance is provided for the 2040 target. For example, reusable packaging in the food, beverage, and e-commerce sectors must reach a set percentage: 1. Takeaway food packaging needs to be 10% reusable by 2030, rising to 40% by 2040. 2. Beverage packaging needs to be 20% reusable by 2030, rising to 75% by 2040. 3. From January 1, 2030, the use of transport packaging in the EU or sales packaging (including products distributed by e-commerce) used for the transport of products, such as pallets, collapsible plastic boxes, cartons, trays, plastic crates, medium bulk containers, drums, cans, etc., of all sizes and materials (including forms of flexible packaging, such as pallet wrap or strapping for stabilizing and protecting the products on the pallet), are required to ensure that at least 40% of such packaging is made reusable. Reusable, rising to 70% by 2040. 

IV. Recycled Content Requirements (Recycled Content Requirements) PPWR focuses on plastic packaging, and a series of plastic packaging restrictions are highlighted in Section 7 Minimum Recycled Content of Plastic Packaging, which states that as of January 1, 2030 or January 1, 2040 or at the latest three years after the effective date of the regulation, any plastic packaging that contains a minimum amount of consumer plastic waste recyclate (PCR) can be found in the table below The minimum content of consumer plastic waste recyclate (PCR) contained in any plastic packaging can be found in the table below: 

V. Restrictions on single-use packaging (Single-use Packaging Restrictions) The new regulation imposes stricter restrictions on single-use plastic packaging, banning the use of certain types of single-use plastic packaging beginning January 1, 2030, including: packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables packaging for food and beverages in food service establishments single-occupant portion sizes for condiments (e.g., dressings, sauces, creams, sugars) micro-packaging for toiletries very lightweight plastic tote bags (wall thickness less than 15 microns) 

VI. Restriction of Hazardous Substances In order to prevent adverse health effects, PPWR requires a ban on the use of so-called “persistent chemicals” (perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) and bisphenol A in food-contact packaging, which are considered to pose a risk to the environment and human health, and is intended to protect the health and safety of consumers and the environment. environmental safety. 

VII. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility, Extended Producer Responsibility) forces companies to take responsibility for packaging waste management, and promotes companies to also optimize packaging design, including the costs of recovery, treatment and recycling. According to the EU 2022 estimates, EPR will lead to an increase in compliance costs by 20%-35%, and according to Amazon's test, reusable express boxes will increase the cost of a single box by 2 euros. In addition to this, 48 months after the regulation comes into force, it is required that packaging should carry a label showing the reusability of the packaging as well as a QR code or other type of data carrier indicating the material composition and recycled content. Transparency in labeling and information helps consumers access relevant information to sort correctly and make informed choices, and is intended to increase consumer environmental awareness and promote proper waste sorting and recycling. 

PPWR Implementation Impact

The implementation of the PPWR will significantly change the way packaging is designed, consumed and disposed of in all supply chains in the EU. It is recommended that manufacturers of packaging materials for products destined for the EU and related supply chain companies respond in advance to ensure that the packaging materials are in compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements.

On the trade front, export restrictions and costs will increase significantly. China exports a large number of products to the EU, and the strict requirements of the new regulations on packaging, such as the ban on specific disposable plastic packaging, means that the relevant enterprises need to redesign and adjust their packaging, which may lead to an increase in export costs. If the requirements of the new regulations cannot be met in time, some products may face export restrictions, affecting the volume of trade with the European Union.

On the industrial side, the packaging industry is under pressure to upgrade. The new regulations put forward high requirements for the sustainability and recycling content of packaging, which will force China's packaging industry to carry out technological upgrading and transformation. Packaging manufacturers need to increase investment in the research and development of environmentally friendly materials, production process improvement, etc., to improve the recyclability of packaging, reusability and other properties.

In terms of environmental protection and policy, the implementation of the new EU regulations will prompt the further spread of environmental protection concepts in China, and promote the domestic practice of packaging waste management, resource recycling and other aspects. Domestic enterprises may learn from the EU's experience, and gradually adopt more environmentally friendly packaging in the domestic market, promoting the domestic packaging industry to the green and sustainable direction, and providing an important reference for China in the development of relevant packaging standards and policies.

In the pallet industry: greening: the development trend of packaging with recycled materials has increased, such as paper pallets and recyclable plastic pallets. Sharing: Pallet recycling and sharing mode ushered in the opportunity, PPWR encourages the reduction of disposable packaging, China's pallet industry can learn from the European standardized pallet sharing system, to promote the green recycling mode. Standardization: Strengthen docking with European pallet standards, do a good job in China-EU standardization research, sort out and improve the standard system, pay attention to the pallet of new materials, new technologies, green development, look for gaps in the standard system, and further improve the construction of the pallet standard system.

PPWR is a major reform of the EU packaging industry, the core of which is to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability and promote circular economy. The regulation will not only have a profound impact on the European market, but will also have an important impact on China's packaging and pallet industry. For Chinese enterprises, early adjustment of product packaging strategy, improve environmental standards, participate in the international green supply chain, will be the key to deal with the challenges of PPWR and seize the opportunities of green economy.