Poly-Chlor Plastic Industries Ltd.

While previous studies have found that adding plastics to concrete can weaken the material, exposing plastic to doses of gamma radiation makes the material’s crystalline structure change, resulting in a stronger, stiffer and tougher plastic. The researchers hypothesised that this could lead to a stronger final concrete material.

They analysed their concrete samples with X-ray diffraction, backscattered electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography. The images revealed crystalline structures with more molecular connections that blocked pores within the concrete, making it denser and therefore stronger.

The team found that substituting 1.5 per cent of concrete with irradiated plastic could significantly improve its strength.

Want better concrete? Just add plastic Concrete infused with plastic can create stronger, more flexible structures, reducing the material’s global carbon footprint and redirecting plastics from landfill, according to a study by MIT students. Stemming from a class research project, Caroline Schaefer …

Jeans made from Future Black+ denim contain as many as 17 recycled plastic bottles and feature superior softness, colour retention and stretch, while minimising the impact on the environment.

The Lenzing manufacturing process requires less chemical and energy inputs during manufacturing, and uses 64% less water during the dye process. Together, these earth-friendly fibres aim to create a high performing, highly sustainable denim.

Cone Denim launches Future Black+ denim Leaders in textile sustainability, Cone Denim, Lenzing and Unifi, are collaborating on the launch of Future Black+ denim featuring Lenzing Modal branded fibres and Repreve Black recycled fibres.

The ability to build structures on other planets would not only lay the foundations for settlements but could unlock the potential of extraterrestrial minerals and raw materials.

Made In Space plans to launch the fibre-production system on a rocket fired by SpaceX this year.

‘Factories in space’ set the heart beating Making organs from stem cells should be easier in low gravity environment