The raw material for making modern synthetics is petroleum, a commodity that’s become increasingly expensive. And so, scientists are now exploring the possibility of using sustainable raw materials instead, such as spiders’ silk. Harvesting or reproducing spiders’ silk has proved a slippery skill to master, though, and it now appears that the answer may lie with a more unexpected animal: the hagfish. Each time a hagfish is threatened, it produces a great deal of slime consisting of thousands of exceedingly strong threads 100 times thinner than human hair. These threads, which are comparable to spiders’ silk, can be manufactured into garments. Could this be the answer to our clothing woes, or merely a strand of enquiry that will reach a rather sticky end?
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.