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The SPE Foundation has recently made significant changes to its Board structure through the introduction of specialized Councils to enhance its focus and effectiveness in advancing the Foundation’s Positive Plastics Education™ initiatives. 

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a staple in flexible plastic packaging but faces challenges in mechanical recycling due to ink contaminants. This study delves into the effects of ink components on LDPE recyclates, focusing on thermal behavior and recycling impacts.

Cornell engineers, in collaboration with students and cutting-edge technology, have developed creative solutions to address maintenance challenges. Rapid prototyping and 3D printing have enabled the fabrication of customized components for underwater applications.

While 3D printing with polymers and metals has dominated discussions, composites have quietly emerged as a significant player in additive manufacturing (AM). Combining the strength of metals with the lightness of polymers, composite materials are reshaping the landscape of 3D printing, particularly in fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology.

Toray Industries, a Japan-based company, has unveiled a groundbreaking development in the field of cosmetics raw materials. They have created a new polyamide 4 (PA4) spherical fine particle that boasts biodegradability in marine environments, marking a significant stride towards sustainability in the cosmetics industry.

Conventionally, laminate designs have adhered to standard ply orientations such as 0, 90, and ±45°, often constrained by symmetry requirements. However, a paradigm shift has emerged with the introduction of the double-double laminates concept, offering a more efficient and tailored approach to composite design.

The latest research reveals how recycled nylon (RN) combined with lignin-derived biocarbon (BioC) is setting new benchmarks in the materials science domain, especially within the automotive industry. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the mechanical and flame retardant properties of materials used in automotive applications.

More manufacturers are turning to additive manufacturing to ensure consistent outcomes. But many may not fully grasp how or why they should incorporate it into their processes. If you’re continuously hitting roadblocks, production is slow, or you’re stuck with outdated technologies, additive manufacturing offers solutions. Utilizing it can help your processes by producing complex parts, reducing material waste, customizing products, boosting supply chain efficiencies, and enabling low-volume production.

In the Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Food Engineering Lab, a groundbreaking initiative is underway, poised to revolutionize food preservation and packaging technology.

In a groundbreaking initiative, companies along the flexible food packaging supply chain have united to introduce a new food packaging solution crafted from 50 percent-recycled plastic, meeting stringent food contact standards.