Packaging

The German company WACKER has adopted the mass balance approach, which enables the simultaneous processing of fossil-based and renewable raw materials to produce silicone rubber.

AFLatex Technologies revolutionizes natural rubber latex preservation with eco-friendly methods, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. 

Improvements in functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability highlighted discussions of colorant advances during the virtual CAD RETEC conference in September presented by SPE’s Colors and Appearance Division. The online event was one of many virtual presentations SPE has instituted to cope with travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recycling has become a turning point for environmental sustainability, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources. However, not all materials are equally easy to recycle.

As injection molders face increasing demands to improve throughput, part quality, and aesthetics, Industry 4.0’s data-driven approach will continue to reshape the molding landscape for the next  years.

The Composting Consortium conducted the most extensive in-field study on compostable packaging in North America. It showed that compostable packaging disintegrates effectively under reasonable operating conditions.

To increase the amount of recycled content in plastic products, quality assurance of recyclates must improve. Some manufacturers attempt to characterize the PCR in-house, and DSC tools will be crucial.

Recycling PET bottles has set a standard for other industries, but PET thermoforms are still gaining momentum. This industry segment is paving the way for a new landscape in PET recycling.

Innovative carbon capture technologies are revolutionizing the plastics industry by reducing GHG emissions and transforming carbon waste into valuable materials.

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

Domenic Di Mondo, President of GreenMantra Technologies, spoke to Plastics Engineering Magazine at NPE 2024 about the company’s innovations.

Global demand drives the surge of the single-use plastic (SUP) packaging market to unprecedented numbers despite government restraints.