February 26, 202432nd IKV Colloquium, The Five Cutting-Edge TopicsIKV has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and driven progress in the dynamic field of plastics. Read more
February 26, 2024Recycling 5.0: Bridging Technology and IncentivesThe concept of reward recycling has gained traction as a transformative approach to encouraging sustainable practices among consumers. By incentivizing individuals to recycle through tangible rewards, this trend is making significant strides toward enhancing recycling rates and promoting a circular economy. Read more
February 24, 2024Bio-Based Plasticizers: a Sustainable Approach to Enhance PLA PerformancePolylactic Acid (PLA) has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based thermoplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS). Read more
February 22, 2024The Urgent Push for Recycling System Improvements in the USIn the face of escalating environmental concerns, the efficacy of recycling systems has never been more critical. The Recycling Partnership reveals a comprehensive document “The State of Recycling: The Present and Future of Residential Recycling in the U.S. 2024” which shows some insights from the US recycling system, underscoring the necessity for a holistic approach. Read more
February 17, 2024Can Chemical Recycling Transform Plastic Waste Management?The Consultant Sphera was commissioned by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) to conduct a Life-Cycle Analysis on pyrolysis and related chemical recycling technologies. The analysis will be conducted on pyrolysis and related chemical recycling technologies of post-consumer mixed plastic waste to evaluate the potential environmental impacts regarding climate change and fossil resource use of circular food-grade plastics-to-plastics systems compared to fossil-based ones. Read more
February 16, 2024Proprietary Taggant Systems: Empowering Plastics SecurityProprietary taggant systems empower plastics security by serving as authentication tools, integrating seamlessly into any resin. Read more
February 15, 2024Direct Compounding Injection Molding: Cost-Efficient ExpertiseTailored compounding for serial production and directly pelletized to the injection molding machine. Shortened supply chain (10 to 3 steps) from compounding to injection, achieving up to €1.0/kg in energy and cost savings. It accomplishes high requirements with tailored compound formulation in-house. Read more
February 14, 2024Petrochemical Industry Trends 2030The petrochemical industry, a vital yet often underappreciated player in the global energy landscape, is undergoing transformative changes. This sector is now the fastest-growing demand driver for global energy. Read more
February 14, 202496-Cavity Mold Conversion: A Seamless and Beneficial TransitionMHT wowed the PET-preform industry by cutting cycle time by three seconds in a 96-cavity mold conversion for Deltaplast. This remarkable feat, transitioning from Engel to Netstal after 6.5 million cycles, showcases MHT’s adaptability. Read more
February 10, 2024Do Plastic Bottles Release Microplastics?Microplastics, particles measuring less than 5 mm in length, have emerged as a pressing environmental concern, necessitating a detailed examination of their impact and ecological repercussions, but do microplastics in bottled water come from plastic bottles themselves? Read more
February 8, 2024New EU Regulation: What You Need to Know about Food ContactNew regulations for food contact materials are getting stricter, especially for food-grade rPET. In the case of functional barriers from recycled material without prior decontamination, they could be affected and probably discontinued. Read more
February 7, 2024Golden Design Rules for PET Thermoformed PackagingThe Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has introduced Golden Design Rules to boost the recycling value of PET thermoformed trays and other PET thermoformed packaging. These guidelines are tailored to integrate with existing regional recycling programs and pave the way for more efficient recycling systems by 2025. Read more