Articles by Jo Foster

Plastic is an invaluable material in pretty much every industry. From food packaging and storage to transportation, vehicles and more, its inherent properties are why it’s such a ubiquitous product. © K-FK / Shutterstock.com However, its wide use does present a problem: disposal. We currently produce more than 359 tonnes of plastic a year, of which only around 45% is recycled. Finding...

Plastics are vital within the modern automotive industry for various reasons, such as reducing a vehicle’s weight to improve fuel efficiency and helping to keep the driver and passengers safe. A variety of plastic materials, each with distinct properties, is used for specific parts of the vehicle. From thermoplastics to engineering resins, the plastic type is chosen based on factors such as ...

Using second-hand storage for warehouse operations can benefit not only your business, but the environment too. Pallet racking and recycled or reused plastic containers means you’re employing a cost-effective solution with a proven track record in the sector. It can also save you money and preserve the planet’s resources by reducing the volume of new materials required. © Halfpoint / ...

Plastic pollution is an ongoing concern, and governments are continually working with industry to find ways of reducing its unnecessary use. Causing pollution and contributing to climate change; some plastics are worse for the environment than others, as they cause more degradation to ecosystems, natural resources and organisms. © MOHAMED ABDULRAHEEM / Shutterstock.com The most dam...

The 21st century has been hailed as a new era in space exploration, with plastics playing a critical role in revolutionising the aerospace industry. More businesses and individuals are interested in the future of space travel, with the commercial industry being valued at a massive £2.05 trillion globally. © Artsiom P / Shutterstock.com Orbital space tourism began around two decades...

With the hustle and bustle of summer coming to an end and autumn taking a firm hold, particularly weatherwise, businesses in the hospitality industry are facing seasonal changes and challenges. Buzzing with activity during spring and summer, tourists seeking the luxury and comfort of being away from home begin to decline. © Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock.com Hotels, B&Bs, short-term ...

Efficient manufacturing productivity is vital for businesses who produce physical items, as it’s a reflection of your ability to meet consumer demands. It can enhance your reputation when you have it under control or ruin it if you don’t. Keeping up to speed production-wise enables your business to grow faster, ensuring you're equipped to take on the challenges of bigger and more lucrative j...

Once hailed for their utility, plastics have become a significant environmental issue in the 21st century. Many people think of it as a modern material, but plastic has been around for more than 160 years. Invented in Victorian times, it was first used as a synthetic alternative to natural resources. © Me dia / Shutterstock.com Ivory was widely used for both ornamental and practica...

New research into the importance of a tidy and organised classroom has revealed it helps students to complete tasks faster, while improving their focus. Harvard University studied more than 100 students working under controlled conditions with varying amounts of clutter on their desk and around their workspace. © Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com Conditions ranged from complet...

Durable, affordable and useful, plastics can be used for many different medical applications, including exciting new innovations. While plastic has a negative reputation in general, it has revolutionised healthcare, particularly since the 1960s, when the largescale introduction of plastic-based devices improved life for patients and health workers alike. © sfam_photo / Shutterstock.co...