Exploring Plastic-Management Policy in China: Status, Challenges and Policy Insights

Plastic pollution is recognized as one of the most urgent global environmental concerns. China is the top producer and consumer of plastics and creates the most plastic waste globally. To evaluate policy options to control plastic pollution in China, we first reviewed the relevant policies and action plans in place. Then, we examined plastic-material flows and changes at the national level based on officially published data to evaluate the current situation and efficacy of policies at the macro-level. Results showed that 2016, the start of the 13th Five-Year Plan, was a pivotal year in the history of China's plastic policies tackling plastic issues nationally and internationally. Since 2016, the growth trend in the production and consumption of plastic products has slowed and the recycling rate has risen, surpassing 30% in 2021. To further tackle plastic pollution, key suggestions with important policy implications were provided, covering better integration of policies, the combined management of vertical–horizontal governance, tracking-system implementation, the introduction of a quality-certification system, the development of behaviour-based consumer-oriented solutions, the promotion of stakeholder collaboration, and the need for appropriate post-COVID-19 policies.

Gaps between Attitudes and Behavior in the Use of Disposable Plastic Tableware (DPT) and Factors Influencing Sustainable DPT Consumption: A Study of Hong Kong Undergraduates

Total waste from human activities, including waste plastics, is huge in Hong Kong. In particular, as a result of the prevention and control measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, take-away meals increased tremendously in Hong Kong, generating disposable plastic tableware (DPT). Although Hong Kong has a charging scheme for plastic bags, it does not have a scheme for plastic tableware. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the attitudes and behavior of people in Hong Kong toward DPT. Our study focused on undergraduate students in Hong Kong, given that they will play a significant role in the future of environmental sustainability. The attitudes and behavior of Hong Kong undergraduate students toward DPT were examined through an online survey with 385 respondents. A multiple stepwise regression was conducted to investigate whether cognitive attitude formation factors could explain the sustainable attitudes formed by undergraduate students in Hong Kong. The survey results revealed that most undergraduates considered DPT to be one of the major causes of environmental damage in Hong Kong;however, many of them, particularly those who strongly agreed with this statement, said that the problem of DPT did not affect their quality of life. The regression analysis showed that imposing a DPT charge would be the most significant driver to reduce its use. The research findings identified gaps between attitudes and behavior regarding the use of DPT and the factors influencing sustainable DPT consumption.

Recycling of Plastic Polymer: Reinforcement of Building Material Using Polymer Plastics of Used COVID-19 Syringes

Plastic waste causes severe environmental impacts worldwide and threatens the lives of all creatures. In the medical field, most of the equipment, especially personal protective equipment (PPE), is made from single-use plastic. During COVID-19, the usage of PPE has increased, and is disposed of in landfills after being used once. Worldwide, millions of tons of waste syringes are generated from COVID-19 vaccination. A practical alternative to utilizing this waste is recycling it to reinforce building materials. This research introduces an approach to using COVID-19 syringe plastic waste to reinforce building material as composite concrete. Reinforced fiber polymer (FRP) concrete materials were used to mold cylindrical specimens, which underwent mechanical tests for mechanical properties. This study used four compositions with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of FRP to create cylindrical samples for optimum results. Sequential mechanical tests were carried out on the created samples. These specimens were cured for a long period to obtain water absorption capability. After several investigations, the highest tensile and compressive strengths, approximately 2.0 MPa and 10.5 MPa, were found for the 5% FRP composition samples. From the curing test, the lowest water absorbability of around 5% was found for the 5% FRP composition samples.

Effects of Alcohol-Blended Waste Plastic Oil on Engine Performance Characteristics and Emissions of a Diesel Engine

The current study aims to investigate and compare the effects of waste plastic oil blended with n-butanol on the characteristics of diesel engines and exhaust gas emissions. Waste plastic oil produced by the pyrolysis process was blended with n-butanol at 5%, 10%, and 15% by volume. Experiments were conducted on a four-stroke, four-cylinder, water-cooled, direct injection diesel engine with a variation of five engine loads, while the engine's speed was fixed at 2500 rpm. The experimental results showed that the main hydrocarbons present in WPO were within the range of diesel fuel (C13–C18, approximately 74.39%), while its specific gravity and flash point were out of the limit prescribed by the diesel fuel specification. The addition of n-butanol to WPO was found to reduce the engine's thermal efficiency and increase HC and CO emissions, especially when the engine operated at low-load conditions. In order to find the suitable ratio of n-butanol blends when the engine operated at the tested engine load, the optimization process was carried out by considering the engine's load and ratio of the n-butanol blend as input factors and the engine's performance and emissions as output factors. It was found that the multi-objective function produced by the general regression neural network (GRNN) can be modeled as the multi-objective function with high predictive performances. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and root mean square error (RSME) of the optimization model proposed in the study were 0.999, 2.606%, and 0.663, respectively, when brake thermal efficiency was considered, while nitrogen oxide values were 0.998, 6.915%, and 0.600, respectively. As for the results of the optimization using NSGA-II, a single optimum value may not be attained as with the other methods, but the optimization's boundary was obtained, which was established by making a trade-off between brake thermal efficiency and nitrogen oxide emissions. According to the Pareto frontier, the engine load and ratio of the n-butanol blend that caused the trade-off between maximum brake thermal efficiency and minimum nitrogen oxides are within the approximate range of 37 N.m to 104 N.m and 9% to 14%, respectively.

Packaging plastic waste management in the cosmetic industry

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the relationship between the various variables present in the packaging plastic waste management system in the cosmetics industry.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors deal with plastic packaging waste in the cosmetic industry with the help of system dynamics. The model broadly divides the system into six sections – Cosmetic Packaging, Waste Generation, Waste Collected, Waste Sorted, Waste Treated and Waste Dumped. Businesses have been investing in each section depending on their progress and targets. The authors are looking at case studies of two leading cosmetic brands, L'Oréal and L'Occitane en Provence, to validate the industry practices against our model.FindingsFrom a business perspective, using the case study methodology for L'Oréal and L'Occitane, the authors inferred that out of the various investment vehicles available, companies are targeting technological advancement and third-party collaborations as they have the potential to offer the greatest visible change. However, most of these investments are going toward the treatment subsection. Still, there is a scope for improvement in the collection and sorting subsystems, increasing the efficiency of the whole chain.Originality/valueThere has been a lot of research on packaging plastic waste management in the past, but only a few of them focused on the cosmetic industry. This study aims to connect all the possible variables involved in the cosmetic industry's packaging plastic waste management system and provide a clear output variable for various businesses looking to manage their packaging waste because of their products efficiently.

First sighting of a pelagic seabird entangled in a disposable COVID-19 facemask in the Mediterranean Sea

Seabirds are increasingly recognized as important bio-indicators of marine ecosystems that are useful in assessing environ-mental disturbance on the marine biota. Over the period 2020-22 and during the first national systematic recording of the sea wa-ters surrounding the Republic of Cyprus, we recorded the spatio-temporal presence, abundance and behaviour of seabirds using the ESAS (European Seabirds At Sea) methodology. Here we present the observation of an accidentally entangled pelagic seabird in COVID-19 material which to the best of our knowledge is the first incident in the Mediterranean Basin. The systematic recording of entangled marine birds in personal protective equipment (PPE) used to prevent COVID-19 transmission worldwide seems to be of crucial importance for one of the most important emerging threats for the conservation of seabirds at global scale.

Direct and Indirect Impacts of Disposable Face Masks and Gloves on Freshwater Benthic Fauna and Sediment Biogeochemistry

To reduce virus transmission, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) increased substantially during the COVID-19 global pandemic. As a result, disposable face masks and gloves made from plastic polymers rapidly entered the environment, with little understanding of ecological impacts. Many plastic polymers sink to the bottom of freshwater bodies, either immediately or following biofouling and degradation, posing a potential risk to the benthos. We assessed the acute and chronic ecotoxicity of disposable polypropylene face masks and nitrile gloves on Lumbriculus variegatus, a benthic ecosystem engineer. In microcosm experiments, we also investigated direct impacts on sediment biogeochemistry and indirect impacts mediated by toxicity to L. variegatus. Exposure to fragments of both masks and gloves decreased vitality of L. variegatus. Gloves were acutely toxic, but mask toxicity was mediated by physical interactions. Glove fragments significantly decreased nitrogen removal and phosphorus release to the water column. Both materials suppressed the ecosystem engineering role of L. variegatus by decreasing its impact on microalgal primary production, net ecosystem metabolism, and sediment nitrate consumption. The influx of PPE to the environment may have profound and cascading negative impacts on benthic organisms and ecosystem function, suggesting the need for improved management of PPE litter. © 2022 American Chemical Society.

Land use and COVID-19 lockdowns influence debris composition and abundance in stormwater drains.

Stormwater drains act as a pathway for anthropogenic debris from land to sea, particularly in urbanised estuaries where impervious surfaces expedite the process. Debris type and abundance in stormwater drains may vary due to land use and human activity, and knowledge of this variation is necessary to manage the growing threat of debris. Surveys of stormwater debris can inform targeted reduction and remediation efforts by intercepting and identifying pollutants near their source. We surveyed replicate stormwater gross pollutant traps across four land use zones (city centre, shopping centre, transportation hub, industrial precinct) before and during COVID-19 measures to assess the effects of changing human activities. Gross pollutant traps were installed in 120 drains in Greater Melbourne, Australia, and citizen scientists trained by Tangaroa Blue Foundation weighed and classified debris at 6-week intervals between October 2019 and October 2020. Four survey cycles were conducted before lockdowns were implemented, then another four during lockdowns. COVID-19 lockdowns and patterns of debris type and abundance across land use revealed how changes in human activity might impact the flow of debris. Cigarette butts were the most abundant macro debris (>5 mm) item in every survey cycle, regardless of lockdowns. Industrial land use zones had the lowest macro debris counts but contained over 90 % of the micro debris (1-5 mm). The amount of total macro debris decreased during lockdowns, however the most abundant and problematic debris items such as cigarettes and single-use plastics did not decrease as much as might be expected from the concomitant reductions in human activity. Occupational health and safety items, such as masks and gloves, increased (144 %) during COVID-19 lockdowns. Micro debris counts did not change in industrial zones during lockdowns, suggesting that workplace interventions may be necessary to reduce this debris leakage. Tracing the pathway of debris from source to sea can inform reduction and long-term management strategies.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices toward Plastic Pollution among Malaysians: Implications for Minimizing Plastic Use and Pollution

Excessive production, consumption, and indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste contribute to plastic pollution, which has a negative impact on the environment and human health. The KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practices) study is thought to be useful in mitigating plastic pollution because understanding the public's knowledge, attitude, and practices toward plastic pollution can help identify problems and challenges, allowing appropriate policy decisions to be made to set up plans or implement interventions. This study assesses Malaysians' level of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward plastic pollution, as well as the variation of plastic pollution related to KAP among various socio-demographic groups. For this study, an online survey received 294 valid responses. Descriptive statistics, KAP scoring, and response cross-tabulation were calculated. This study received 294 valid responses via an online survey. Descriptive statistics, KAP scoring, and response cross-tabulation were estimated. A one-way analysis of variance, paired t-test, and binary logistic regressions was performed. Respondents' overall knowledge score (95% CI mean score: 3.88–10.94 on a scale of 11) and practice score (95% CI 1.09–6.53 on a scale of 6) were poor across socio-demographics when a cut point of 80% was used. Older (>46 years) respondents seemed to have more knowledge than younger (18–30 years) respondents (odds ratio, OR 4.304;p < 0.01). However, respondents between the ages of 31 and 45 reported significantly (p < 0.01) higher attitudes (OR 4.019) and practices (OR 4.056;p < 0.05). Respondents with environmental-related university education had a higher likelihood of knowing about plastic pollution (OR 10.343;p < 0.01). To encourage good practices toward minimizing plastic use and pollution, conclusions are drawn about undertaking interventions such as raising environmental awareness, incorporating plastic pollution topics into formal and informal education, and providing recycling facilities in nearby communities.

Plastic pollution in the Brazilian coast: perceptions from hotel managers on the consumption of disposables

This article identified the perceptions of coast-based accommodation facilities managers regarding single-use plastics (SUPS). The research was predominantly qualitative, exploratory, and transversal applied in 41 companies of 8 accommodation categories located in 11 beach destinations within 6 Brazilian states. As the data collection technique, a semi-structured script was applied, and for interpretation, content analysis. The results indicate that economic-driven decisions take precedence over environmental decisions, and there is not an existing common view around a direct relationship between plastic pollution and the reduction in tourist flows. All companies use SUPS, especially cups, bottles, and bags. Among strategies to manage their use and waste, actions of replacement, reduction, environmental education and staff training stand out. Reducing/replacing items such as packaging and amenities require changes in the industry and consumer's consumption behaviour. The absence of plastic products alternatives while keeping quality and price, resistance from consumers and limited support from investors and leaders appear as obstacles to expanding and improving the management of SUPS. Conclusions indicate that the linear logic of continuous use and disposal prevails against the circular economy. Significant perception variations among the categories of accommodation companies were not noticed, as these are predominantly connected to their management. Finally, the context of the COVID-19 pandemic worsens the problem of plastic pollution, requiring greater attention to the topic.

Direct and Indirect Impacts of Disposable Face Masks and Gloves on Freshwater Benthic Fauna and Sediment Biogeochemistry

To reduce virus transmission, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) increased substantially during the COVID-19 global pandemic. As a result, disposable face masks and gloves made from plastic polymers rapidly entered the environment, with little understanding of ecological impacts. Many plastic polymers sink to the bottom of freshwater bodies, either immediately or following biofouling and degradation, posing a potential risk to the benthos. We assessed the acute and chronic ecotoxicity of disposable polypropylene face masks and nitrile gloves on Lumbriculus variegatus, a benthic ecosystem engineer. In microcosm experiments, we also investigated direct impacts on sediment biogeochemistry and indirect impacts mediated by toxicity to L. variegatus. Exposure to fragments of both masks and gloves decreased vitality of L. variegatus. Gloves were acutely toxic, but mask toxicity was mediated by physical interactions. Glove fragments significantly decreased nitrogen removal and phosphorus release to the water column. Both materials suppressed the ecosystem engineering role of L. variegatus by decreasing its impact on microalgal primary production, net ecosystem metabolism, and sediment nitrate consumption. The influx of PPE to the environment may have profound and cascading negative impacts on benthic organisms and ecosystem function, suggesting the need for improved management of PPE litter.

Designing motion graphics as a zero waste lifestyle campaign media for the Indonesian people

Since Covid-19 there have been many changes in the order of people's lives, there are various new regulations such as the obligation to wear masks when leaving the house, maintaining distance, working from home, or restrictions on leaving the house. These social restrictions have an impact on increasing the volume of plastic waste due to online transactions. This problem causes environmental damage, such as what happened in Gorontalo waters between Hulonthalangi and Dumbo Raya sub-districts, Gorontalo City, polluted with microplastics, the food chain in Gorontalo waters is automatically contaminated with microplastics from the research results of the Nusantara River Expeditionary Team in collaboration with the Institute for Humanities and Development Studies in October 2022. Based on this, campaign actions need to be taken. This Final Project with the title "Designing Motion Graphics as a Zero Waste Lifestyle Campaign Media for the Indonesian People” aims to assist the government's role in preventing environmental damage due to waste and to provide information, education, and an invitation to the target audience to participate. In the success of this campaign. Motion graphic design as a media campaign applies a mixed media art style as a visual representation of graphic elements, typeface, and layouts.

Marine Debris Management in the Parangtritis Beach Tourism Area, Yogyakarta during Covid-19 Pandemic

Parangtritis Beach, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is one of the most visited tourist destinations for domestic and international tourists. These tourists are required to carry out health protocols by wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high number of visits is linear with the generation of waste in tourist areas. Marine debris is defined as any solid material that settles, dumps, or is dumped, dumped, or disposed of in the marine and coastal environment. Efficient management of marine debris is a coordinated strategic approach to dealing with problems and inefficient law enforcement to improve the preservation of the marine environment. This study aimed to analyze the composition, characteristics, and management of marine debris in the Parangtritis Beach area during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of waste generated during the pandemic was recorded at 0.9 kg/m2.day. Sampling is carried out using the line transect method. The composition of waste consists of PET, PE, other plastics, biodegradable organics, and masks, each of which is 17.86%, 32.54%, 6.85%, 37.61% and 5.14%. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mask waste has become waste that has a new category, namely infectious. The characteristics of marine debris other than organic biodegradable tend to have a high calorific value so that it is possible to be processed by thermal processes. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), (Polyethylene) PE, and mask waste can be decomposed at a temperature of 260-550°C. Organic waste has been managed by processing Black Soldier Fly (BSF), while plastic waste can be processed into handicraft products. In contrast, the remaining plastic waste and masks are processed by a thermal process to allow waste to energy. © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

The impact of disposable mask waste pollution in peat soil

The abundance of plastic waste in Indonesia has increased due to the contribution of disposable masks waste during the COVID-19 pandemic. The improper waste management causes the habit of dumping waste in the soil system to still frequently occur. The secondary microplastics from disposable mask waste has the potential to damage soil quality and soil capillary water. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of understanding the effects of disposable mask waste in peat soil. The research was conducted by setting up 3 reactors containing peat soil with disposable mask waste buried in it and some plants being grown on it. For 45 days, observations and samples were taken, both filtrate water and soil for analysis. The analysis results showed significant changes in soil properties with changes in the concentration of inorganic matter, organic matter, porosity, bulk density, and water content. Further research needs to be done to see the effects of disposable mask waste in the soil system in real conditions where several confounding variables cannot be controlled.

Devise of an Innovative, UV-enabled, and Self-sanitizing Prosthesis Trimming Unit: A Clinical Technique

Aim: The aim of the study is to devise an innovative, ultraviolet (UV) enabled, self-sanitizing prosthesis trimming unit for dental prostheses in order to safeguard the dental operators and technicians from fine material pollutants and prevent nosocomial infection due to cross-contamination. Background: As the prosthesis remains soaked in the saliva, it tends to harbor microbes forming a safe haven for them. The process of trimming, for subsequent adjustments and corrections, makes these contaminated particles from the denture become airborne. The inhalation of the same infects the dental personnel. Therefore, trimming and smoothening of contaminated prostheses is considered a biological hazard, and it requires innovation and development to minimize the same. Technique: A closed unit of 12 × 15 inches Plexi fiber fitted with a straight handpiece and UV light was made for trimming of the prosthesis and later sanitization of the unit. A large transparent lid was hinged to the box from the top. A light-emitting diode (LED) light was used to enhance visibility during trimming. The box was fitted with gloves for the operator to insert their hands to trim the prosthesis with the handpiece inside. An inlet window of 2 × 4 inches covered with a split rubber dam sheet facilitated the placement of the prosthesis inside the unit for trimming. Sanitization of the unit was achieved by switching on an UV light of wavelength 222 nm placed inside the unit for 30 minutes. Conclusion: The unit has been designed to be effective in negating the danger of inhalation of contaminants released during denture trimming. The design helps in preventing aerosol contamination to the staff and cross-contamination to subsequent patients and the environment. Clinical significance: The unit has been developed to decrease aerosol contamination and safeguard the operatory from infections, especially considering the current COVID-19 scenario. The equipment can be effectively used in dental clinics and laboratories. It may be modified to accommodate dental lathes. Microbiological analysis of the unit to evaluate its quantitative efficacy can be further incorporated. © The Author(s).

RESÍDUOS PLÁSTICOS E SUSTENTABILIDADE: REFLEXOS E IMPACTOS DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19 NO CONTEXTO SOCIOCULTURAL E AMBIENTAL

Objetivo: O artigo buscou analisar os impactos e reflexos da pandemia de COVID-19 na gestão dos resíduos plásticos. Referencial teórico: A preocupação com a COVID-19 resultou em diversas medidas protetivas, como a determinação do uso de EPIs e restrições de circulação nos centros urbanos. Essas mudanças também impactaram padrões de geração e gestão de resíduos sólidos, especialmente de resíduos plásticos, cujos reflexos negativos nos aspectos socioambientais podem emergir, dado seu descarte inadequado. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de literatura, nas bases de dados Scopus, Sage e Web of Science, com utilização do Methodi Ordinatio. Ao total, 22 estudos foram selecionados, compondo o portfólio de pesquisa. Resultados e conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram uma maior concentração de estudos que relacionam os resíduos plásticos nas regiões costeiras, especialmente provenientes de EPIs, e a poluição por microplásticos. Além disso, há uma preocupação com a geração de resíduos de embalagens pela alteração nos padrões de consumo, com o aumento da procura por serviços de e-commerce e delivery. Além de uma preocupação ambiental, destaca-se um problema de ordem social à longo prazo, devido à quebra de padrões de comportamentos sustentáveis na utilização de plástico descartável. Implicações da pesquisa: Soluções são propostas no sentido de utilização de plásticos biodegradáveis, reutilização de EPIs e novas tecnologias de tratamento de resíduos, além da mudança no comportamento social. Originalidade/valor: De um modo geral, o estudo fornece insights e promove reflexões sobre os desafios enfrentados no gerenciamento de resíduos plásticos durante a pandemia de COVID-19.Alternate :Purpose: The article aims to analyze the impacts and reflections of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic waste management. Theoretical Framework: The concern with COVID-19 resulted in several protective measures, such as the use of PPE and movement restrictions in urban centers. These changes also affected patterns of generation and management of solid waste, especially plastic waste, whose negative effects on socio-environmental aspects may emerge due to its inadequate disposal. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review in the databases Scopus, Sage and Web of Science, employing the Methodi Ordinatio. The review selected 22 studies to compose the research portfolio. Results and conclusion: The results showed a higher concentration of studies on plastic waste in coastal regions, especially from PPE and microplastic pollution. Moreover, there is a concern with the generation of packaging waste by shifting consumption patterns with the increased demand for e-commerce and delivery services. Besides an environmental concern, a long-term social problem stands out regarding the breaking of sustainable behavior patterns in using disposable plastic. Research implications: We propose solutions involving the use of biodegradable plastics, reuse of PPE, and new waste treatment technologies, besides changes in social behavior. Originality/Value: Overall, the study provides insights and promotes reflections on the challenges faced in managing plastic waste during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5th EMBRIO International Symposium: Sustainable Development Of Fisheries And Marine Resource Amidst Covid-19 Era And Beyond, 6-7 September 2021

These proceedings contain 67 articles that discuss fish ecology and biology, aquaculture, capture fisheries, marine conservation, management, biology, debris, ecology, bioprospecting, biotechnology, and postharvest.

Improving the Separation of PS and ABS Plastics Using Modified Induced Air Flotation with A Mixing Device

A dramatic increase in plastic waste has resulted in a strong need to increase plastic recycling accordingly. A selective flotation has been highlighted due to its outstanding efficiency for the separation of mixed plastics with analogous physicochemical characteristics. In this study, the effects of design and operational factors on the bubble’s hydrodynamic and mixing parameters in induced air flotation (IAF) with a mixing device were investigated through a design of experiment method (DOE) analysis for improving the plastic separation efficiency (i.e., PS and ABS). As a result of DOE analysis, the increase in the induced air tube diameter together with the rotational speed could generate a smaller bubble size. This led to the enhancement of the ratio of interfacial area to velocity gradient (a/G), which was interestingly found to be a significant factor affecting plastic recovery apart from the chemical agents. It demonstrates that operating IAF with a mixing device at a greater a/G ratio improved the plastic separation performance. These findings suggest that operating an IAF process with a mixing device at suitable a/G conditions could be a promising technique for separating plastic wastes, which have similar physicochemical characteristics as PS and ABS.

Space Debris: It's Time to Look Up and Do Something

According to director, writer and producer Adam McKay, the star-studded film was initially conceived as a commentary on the arguably overly politicized climate change debate but, as they began filming during the COVID pandemic, life began to truly imitate art in that health policy often seemed to be dictated by politics.7 In responding to their existential threat, constituencies in the film fall into one of two factions. Like the film's protagonists, we can simply look up, and see that there is much to be fearful of given the inability of the law and politics to keep up with many aspects within the science and technology of space exploration.13 Consider the following timely example of what awaits us while looking up: the Kessler Syndrome, graphically illustrated in the 2013 George Clooney and Sandra Bullock film Gravity.14 In 1978, Donald Kessler described the eponymic Kessler Syndrome as the tipping point scenario wherein destructive collisions between fragments emanating from man-made objects in space become inevitable given the number of discarded debris in Earth's orbit.15 In that film, their particular Kessler Syndrome is kicked off by a Russian anti-satellite missile test on a satellite in low Earth orbit, resulting in an insatiably destructive debris field. In addition to all the operating satellites in orbit, currently, there are more than 8,800 metric tons of space debris in Earth's immediate orbit,20 including an estimated 100 million tiny untraceable pieces.21 Regardless of their size however, each piece of space debris is effectively a supersonic missile capable of causing significant damage.22 According to the European Space Agency (ESA), a collision of just a one centimetre wide particle travelling at 10 km/second will release the same amount of energy on impact as a small car crashing on Earth at 40km/hour.23 In addition to the potential damage to other satellites, rockets and space stations, should they be struck by this debris, there are other actual economic costs associated with space debris. [...]the roles of government in developing, owning, launching and managing satellites has given way to a burgeoning private industry;however, governments still play a decisive role as the market remains relatively small.29 Terrestrial communication, networking, navigational and entertainment systems are all reliant on satellites, and the more satellites that are sent up, including most troubling, new large minsatellite constellations,30 the more likely a catastrophic collision could cause havoc to the aforementioned networks.

Guest editorial: Sustainable growth and development in the food and beverage sector

According to Ammar et al. [...]their paper draws the attention of food loss and waste policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to implement suitable food loss and waste prevention strategies in developing and developed countries. SDG 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production”, which focuses on eliminating food waste from the food chain production process, and SDG 14 “Life Below Water”, as the reduction and elimination of plastic waste from the F&B sector, will surely have a positive effect on rivers, lakes and oceans. [...]marketing managers should indicate the benefit regarding the functionality of the packaging instead of over-enhancing sustainable aspects.