https://www.advancedmaterialsworld.com/tag/278/plastics IDTechEx provides independent analysis on the development and application of RFID, Printed Electronics, Photovoltaics and Energy Harvesting en Copyright (C) IDTechEx Ltd At Innovation Zero 2026, IDTechEx spoke with multiple companies aiming to prove that an increasing demand for food, clothing, and plastics worldwide might not need to take such a heavy toll on the planet with the development of circular economies.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/co2-generated-food-and-clothes-made-of-leaves-at-innovation-zero/34695?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/co2-generated-food-and-clothes-made-of-leaves-at-innovation-zero/34695?rsst2id=278Wed, 06 May 2026 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) As the automotive industry continues to be an ever-relevant space, there are plenty of opportunities for composite materials, including those made with natural fibers, to be integrated into both the interiors and exteriors of vehicles. This article covers some of the technologies exhibited at JEC World 2026.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/natural-fiber-cars-sustainable-automotive-parts-at-jec-world-2026/34493?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/natural-fiber-cars-sustainable-automotive-parts-at-jec-world-2026/34493?rsst2id=278Thu, 19 Mar 2026 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) The green energy market is increasingly drawing attention as sustainability motivations soar in line with regulation and environmental awareness. This article covers some of the companies exhibiting at JEC World 2026 in Paris, where IDTechEx spoke with multiple players within the composite market.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/composites-for-cleaner-energies-with-idtechex-jec-world-2026/34486?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/composites-for-cleaner-energies-with-idtechex-jec-world-2026/34486?rsst2id=278Tue, 17 Mar 2026 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) White biotechnology is a key step in a circular economy, enabling the transformation of waste to industrially useful chemicals via a sustainable process. This article delves into two of the key market drivers for industrial biomanufacturing: government policy and technology advancement.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/white-biotechnology-shaped-by-regulation-and-technology-breakthroughs/34316?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/white-biotechnology-shaped-by-regulation-and-technology-breakthroughs/34316?rsst2id=278Tue, 03 Feb 2026 ZZZf.wei@idtechex.com (Dr Felix Wei) As the demand for sustainable, high-performance ingredients continues to grow, specialty chemicals are emerging as a critical focus area in the chemical industry's transition to greener, more precise manufacturing. Unlike commodity chemicals, which are produced in high volumes and valued for their scale, specialty chemicals are defined by their function, purity, and compliance with rigorous performance or regulatory standards. These chemicals are essential to a wide range of products, from food and cosmetics to catalysts and coatings, and their production presents both technical challenges and commercial opportunity.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/white-biotechnologys-role-in-the-future-of-speciality-chemicals/34210?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/white-biotechnologys-role-in-the-future-of-speciality-chemicals/34210?rsst2id=278Mon, 22 Dec 2025 ZZZs.selim@idtechex.com (Dr Shababa Selim) This article covers the use of self-healing and sustainable materials in infrastructure and vehicle manufacturing, and how they may promote environmental awareness, safety, and lowered long-term costs.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/self-healing-concrete-and-bioplastics-sustainability-switches/34165?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/self-healing-concrete-and-bioplastics-sustainability-switches/34165?rsst2id=278Wed, 10 Dec 2025 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) Functionality is at the heart of in-mold electronics - a technology concerned with creating seamlessly integrated electronic functions into hardware, particularly within automotive interiors. This article covers the latest innovations within IME and the role it can play in the automotive sector.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/sleek-durable-and-sustainable-the-possibilities-of-ime/34138?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/sleek-durable-and-sustainable-the-possibilities-of-ime/34138?rsst2id=278Wed, 03 Dec 2025 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) Microplastics have emerged as a major environmental concern, prompting growing public awareness and increasing regulatory pressure. In response, industries are turning to biodegradable polymer alternatives. In this article, IDTechEx explores whether biodegradable plastics can address microplastic pollution.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/are-biodegradable-plastics-the-answer-to-microplastics/34032?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/are-biodegradable-plastics-the-answer-to-microplastics/34032?rsst2id=278Fri, 14 Nov 2025 ZZZs.selim@idtechex.com (Dr Shababa Selim) Increased efficiency and flexibility are two increasingly desirable qualities of photovoltaics, and the implementation of new materials and form factors could reshape the landscape of solar energy. This article covers developments in thin-film photovoltaic technology and the adoption of new materials like perovskites.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/reshaping-the-photovoltaics-landscape-with-thin-films-and-perovskites/33949?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/reshaping-the-photovoltaics-landscape-with-thin-films-and-perovskites/33949?rsst2id=278Thu, 30 Oct 2025 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) In electric vehicle (EV) batteries, coatings play a critical role in enhancing performance, safety and longevity. This article highlights the latest technologies, developments, applications and outlook for advanced coatings in EV battery applications. Fire protection, dielectric insulation, corrosion protection and thermally conductive coatings are all covered.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/ev-battery-coatings-to-grow-to-us-2-8-billion-by-2036-at-a-9-8-cagr/33927?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/ev-battery-coatings-to-grow-to-us-2-8-billion-by-2036-at-a-9-8-cagr/33927?rsst2id=278Thu, 30 Oct 2025 ZZZt.bithell@idtechex.com (Thomas Bithell) Despite six rounds of negotiations to establish a global plastics treaty aimed at curbing plastic pollution, talks reached a stalemate last month. This highlights the urgent need for the development of efficient microplastic capture technologies to tackle microplastic pollution. IDTechEx looks at the emerging technologies to capture and filter microplastics, covering physical, chemical, and biological processes, and the players at the forefront of developing these solutions.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/microplastics-removal-technologies-are-we-there-yet/33895?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/microplastics-removal-technologies-are-we-there-yet/33895?rsst2id=278Thu, 16 Oct 2025 ZZZs.selim@idtechex.com (Dr Shababa Selim) This new report, "Thermal Management For Data Centers 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, and Opportunities", covers in-depth technical analysis of different cooling technologies for data centers, including air cooling, single-phase direct-to-chip cooling, two-phase direct-to-chip cooling, single-phase immersion, two-phase immersion, and microfluidic cooling.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/new-idtechex-report-thermal-management-for-data-centers-2026-2036/33855?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/new-idtechex-report-thermal-management-for-data-centers-2026-2036/33855?rsst2id=278Wed, 08 Oct 2025 ZZZc.martin@idtechex.com (Charlotte Martin) Thin film solar cells could be the answer to changing up the photovoltaic market, providing an alternative means of harnessing solar power to the long incumbent heavy and rigid silicon panels. This article covers materials, benefits, and expected growth within the market.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/streamlined-solar-with-thin-film-photovoltaics/33839?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/streamlined-solar-with-thin-film-photovoltaics/33839?rsst2id=278Mon, 06 Oct 2025 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) In-mold electronics (IME) can allow for surfaces or 3D structures to become functional, with embedded electrical components, to streamline and increase performance capabilities. This article covers some of the main benefits to developments within IME, along with some of the main applications and market forecasts.https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/where-aesthetic-meets-practicality-with-in-mold-electronics/33814?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/where-aesthetic-meets-practicality-with-in-mold-electronics/33814?rsst2id=278Mon, 29 Sep 2025 ZZZl.schuett@idtechex.com (Lily-Rose Schuett) Webinar: Growing Scrutiny on Microplastics and Evolving Regulations Presenter: Dr Shababa Selim, Senior Technology Analyst, IDTechEx Date: Thursday 18 September 2025https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/webinar-growing-scrutiny-on-microplastics-and-evolving-regulations/33760?rsst2id=278https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/webinar-growing-scrutiny-on-microplastics-and-evolving-regulations/33760?rsst2id=278Thu, 11 Sep 2025 ZZZc.martin@idtechex.com (Charlotte Martin)