Plastics Engineering

21/08/2024

Injection Molding Factors Influencing Part Quality https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/injection-molding-factors-influencing-part-quality-006241/

The integration of the RJG approach and the scientific method pioneered by Donald Paulson offers a robust framework for optimal part quality

20/08/2024

Top 6 Best Injection Molding Machines https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/top-6-best-injection-molding-machines-006166/

When selecting the best injection molding machine several brands stand out for their innovation, quality, and reliability.

19/08/2024

Heavier Cars, Lightweight Materials: A Modern Paradox - The rise in lightweight materials directly connects to efforts to boost fuel efficiency, cut emissions, and meet strict environmental standards.
https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/heavier-cars-lightweight-materials-006212/

Lightweight materials directly connect to efforts to boost efficiency. However, consumer preferences for larger vehicles pose sustainability challenges.

16/08/2024

Boosting Efficiency with Purging Compounds - In the competitive world of plastic processing, ensuring clean machinery and minimal downtime is crucial for maintaining high production standards. https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/boosting-efficiency-with-purging-compounds-006189/

Purging compounds offer a cost-effective and straightforward approach, while ensuring clean machinery and minimal downtime.

15/08/2024

Fluorination in Packaging and PFAS Contamination https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/fluorination-in-packaging-and-pfas-contamination-006119/

Direct fluorination is a widely used surface treatment in the packaging industry and it has recently been linked to PFAS contamination in HDPE and PP.

14/08/2024

New Insights into Plastics Industry Growth Trends https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/new-insights-into-plastics-industry-growth-trends-006117/

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released its inaugural Plastics Demand Estimate starting with data from May 2024.

13/08/2024

PFAS Characterization and the Push for Information - PFAS are everywhere. As laboratory characterization techniques evolve, governmental entities adjust. https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/pfas-characterization-005925/

PFAS are everywhere. New PFAS characterization methods and hardware trends enhance existing knowledge.

12/08/2024

Plastics Training: The Secret of Competitiveness https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/plastics-training-005827/

PE presents the main sources around the world to keep trained your team based on research, innovation and application for the industry.

09/08/2024

Mango Materials Transforms Waste Methane into PHA https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/mango-materials-transforms-waste-methane-into-pha-005952/

Mango Materials converts waste methane into biodegradable PHA, offering a sustainable plastic alternative for various industries.

08/08/2024

Fluoropolymers Explained: Basics and Applications https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/fluoropolymers-explained-005977/

Fluoropolymers enhance various applications across multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, packaging, and medical.

07/08/2024

Next Gen Injection Molding: Best Practices - The global market was valued at USD 265.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% from 2021 to 2028. https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/injection-molding-best-practices-005823/

In an era where efficiency, precision, and sustainability are paramount, the injection molding sector must react to meet the challenges head-on.

06/08/2024

Pulp Injection Molding for Packaging Solutions - Injection molding has become more versatile, now accommodating various raw materials, including paper. This flexibility makes it suitable for packaging and pharmaceutical applications.
https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/pulp-injection-molding-for-packaging-solutions-005933/

Injection molding has become more versatile, now accommodating various raw materials, including paper pulp.

05/08/2024

BASF Introduces Alternative Leather 100% Recyclable - BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry, recently introduced Haptex® 4.0, an innovative, eco-friendly synthetic that is set to revolutionize the leather industry. https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/basf-introduces-alternative-leather-100-recyclable-005899/

BASF’s Performance Materials division recently introduced Haptex® 4.0, an innovative, alternative leather.

02/08/2024

Melanin Upcycling – From Pigment to Polymers https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/melanin-upcycling-from-pigment-to-polymers-005857/

Researchers created novel polymeric materials with a wide range of applications by transforming melanin decomposition products.

01/08/2024

Oxo-Biodegradable Packaging in Industrial Composting: Key Findings https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/08/oxo-biodegradable-packaging-in-industrial-composting-005876/

The study revealed that only the biodegradable-compostable packaging fully decomposed. Oxo-biodegradables showed minimal degradation.

30/07/2024

Harmful Additives in Compostable Packaging - A recent report by the University of Auckland, commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment, sheds light on the presence and impact of harmful additives in compostable products. https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/harmful-additives-in-compostable-packaging-005817/

A recent report by the University of Auckland sheds light on the presence and impact of harmful additives in compostable products.

29/07/2024

Revolutionizing Materials: The Rise of Supramolecular Polymers - Supramolecular polymers offer high-quality properties and low-viscosity melts. These features enable advanced applications such as self-healing materials and adaptive coatings. https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/revolutionizing-materials-the-rise-of-supramolecular-polymers-005831/

Supramolecular polymers offer high-quality properties and low-viscosity melts.

28/07/2024

Visual Volumes: Insights into Packaging Shape https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/visual-volumes-insights-into-packaging-shape-005807/

Packaging shape plays a critical role in perceived volume, influencing consumer behavior and purchase decisions.

26/07/2024

Reinforced PVC Composites from E-Waste https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/reinforced-pvc-composites-from-e-waste-005793/

PVC Composites reinforced with non-metallic printed circuit boards (PCBs) offer a groundbreaking solution for recycling e-waste.

25/07/2024

Inside the Global Plastics Treaty - The Global Plastics Treaty ambitiously aims to tackle plastic pollution but currently needs a defined scope. INC must unite on a legally binding document that addresses political, economic, and social realities, emphasizing the science behind responsible plastic use across sectors.

https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/inside-the-global-plastics-treaty-005750/

The Global Plastics Treaty ambitiously aims to tackle plastic pollution but currently needs a defined scope. INC must unite on a legally binding document that addresses political, economic, and social realities, emphasizing the science behind responsible plastic use across sectors.

24/07/2024

Cleaner Latex, Safer Planet: Ammonia-Free Solutions https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/cleaner-latex-safer-planet-ammonia-free-solutions-005742/

Researchers have developed two innovative methods to preserve and stabilize natural rubber latex using ammonia-free solutions.

23/07/2024

Biomethanol-Based Silicone Rubber – A Future Perspective https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/biomethanol-based-silicone-rubber-a-future-perspective-005711/

WACKER has adopted the mass balance approach, enabling the simultaneous processing of both fossil-based and renewable raw materials.

19/07/2024

Redesigning Marine Structures for Sustainability https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/redesigning-marine-structures-for-sustainability-005604/

The marine industry is increasingly adopting sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

18/07/2024

Looking Ahead – Future Shifts in the Plastics Industry https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/looking-ahead-future-shifts-in-the-plastics-industry-005716/

A recent study by Shell Polymers shows some trends in the plastics industry that will impact companies' operations.

16/07/2024

Hard-to-Recycle Plastics – Facing The Challenge https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/the-challenge-of-recycling-hard-to-recycle-plastics-005655/

Hard-to-recycle plastics represent a challengue for the current recycling system, and innovations are needed to meet this challenge.

15/07/2024

A lot has changed at SPE and in the plastics industry over the past 82 years! Take a look at the timeline showcasing notable events in SPE's history to celebrate Plastics Engineering's anniversary and its first year going fully online. Keep an eye out for more anniversary posts this week!

This timeline was initially published in the July/August 2022 print magazine, and we've updated it with key moments from the past two years.

12/07/2024

Innovative Gel-Filter for PFAS Removal from Water https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/innovative-gel-filter-for-pfas-removal-from-water-005546/

The Reuther Research Group at UMass Lowell University has developed a gel-filtration system that helps remove PFAS from water.

11/07/2024

PET Thermoforms- A New Landscape for PET Recycling https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/pet-thermoforms-a-new-landscape-for-pet-recycling-005440/

PET thermoforms are still gaining momentum and this industry segment is paving the way for a new landscape in PET recycling.

10/07/2024

Researchers have developed a novel approach combining Lean Thinking and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), significantly reducing plastic products’ negative environmental impacts. https://plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/combining-lean-thinking-and-lca-for-sustainable-manufacturing-005599/

Researchers have created a new method that combines Lean Thinking and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to reduce the environmental impact of plastic manufacturing.

09/07/2024

Five Start-Ups Leading Reuse, Resale, and Refill in Plastics https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/07/five-start-ups-leading-reuse-resale-and-refill-in-plastics-005574/

Reuse, resale, and refill are innovative business models that take old-school solutions to the next level, reduce plastic waste and significantly drive sustainability.