Thermoplastics

Billie Eilish plans to use recycled and bio-based vinyl, as well as recycled packaging materials, to make her upcoming third album as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.

Four-dimensional (4D) printing, an extension of 3D printing, incorporates the dimension of time into the fabrication process, enabling the creation of structures that can change shape in response to external stimuli.

Plastics have evolved beyond their ubiquitous presence in everyday products to become intelligent. The fusion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is launching the era of “smart plastics.” These materials aim to revolutionize the functionality and efficiency of plastics in healthcare, automotive, and consumer products.

New resins lacking thermal measurements may face challenges in meeting regulatory standards and entering the market. However, the use of AI can streamline the introduction of these resins by potentially halving the time needed for testing and regulatory approvals.

4D printing is an evolution in the manufacturing process that incorporates the dimension of time into 3D printing.

GreenMantra Technologies diverts thousands of tons of plastic from landfills, dumps, and the ocean. They leverage molecular recycling to produce sustainable additives from plastic waste.

Employed by myriad sectors ranging from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail packaging to pharmaceuticals, construction, and even government identification initiatives, these technologies have played a pivotal role. Taggants imbue plastic products with an additional layer of security and authentication, presenting a formidable challenge to counterfeiters who attempt to replicate or alter these items.

Recycling plastic films through Solvent-Targeted Recovery and Precipitation (STRAP) is crucial for environmental sustainability since packaging commonly uses these materials. While experts are testing pioneering methods, scaling these techniques remains a challenge.

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.

Plastic technology not only broadens designers’ creative horizons but also brings innovative approaches to manufacturing, sustainability, and user experience. Designers with a grasp of plastic technology can transform industrial design, creating groundbreaking products that meet manufacturing demands and environmental standards.

Chemical recycling, particularly the depolymerization of PET presents a groundbreaking approach to tackling the global plastic waste dilemma.

Sustainability has become an indispensable fifth dimension in design, essential from the very start of the process. Moreover, it stands unique in each project like a snowflake, highlighting its custom and distinct approach.