Applied chemistry highlights: PTFE waste transformed, bird-inspired 'ultrablack' and more
Nigel P. Freestone from the University of Northampton discusses selected research papers from recent journal issues for Issue 2 2026 of C&I magazine.
Active biodegradable food packaging
The hunt is on for alternatives to petroleum-based plastics for food packaging, especially ones that have the potential to enhance food safety and extend the shelf life of meat products.
Using solar energy to power ships
Maritime transport is responsible for about 3% of the total CO2 emissions globally and those are expected to rise over time. That means finding more environmentally friendly ways to power shipping is increasingly important.
Bioethanol and biogas from paper sludge - a look at the options
Researchers have investigated the potential of turning waste from paper production into bioethanol and biogas. Paper production creates paper sludge, a waste-stream largely made up of short cellulose fibre rejects, impurities, fillers and clay. As much as 500m tonnes of wet paper sludge is created annually in this way.
Organic chemistry: Research from recent scientific journals
Expert scientists summarise some of their selected research papers from recent journal issues. Read the organic chemistry highlights from G. Richard Stephenson, University of East Anglia, UK in Issue 2 2026 of C&I magazine.