May 1, 2024Stone Packaging: The Next Wave in Sustainable Materials?Stone packaging primarily consists of plastic mixed with calcium carbonate. The specific proportions of these components can vary depending on the intended application. Read more
April 29, 2024Elevating PEEK Composites with Glass FiberPEEK glass fiber composite crystallization undergoes a critical transformation when subjected to conditions of high undercooling and intense shear. Read more
April 17, 2024Molecular Recycling for Hard-to-Recycle PlasticsGreenMantra Technologies diverts thousands of tons of plastic from landfills, dumps, and the ocean. They leverage molecular recycling to produce sustainable additives from plastic waste. Read more
April 16, 2024Energy Management Systems – The Gas BillMost plastics processing sites use gas simply for space heating but some processes use gas as part of the process, e.g., rotational molding. Where gas is used for hot water only then this is generally relatively constant over the year. For space heating, the gas use load will be related to the weather conditions (how cold it is) and the weather is then a ‘condition’ driver for gas use. Read more
April 15, 2024The Hidden Power of Taggant Technologies in PlasticsEmployed 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. Read more
April 11, 2024TFA: A Sustainable Alternative to PFAS?Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) stands out as a promising alternative to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” due to its lower environmental impact while maintaining similar benefits. Read more
April 8, 2024Navigating the Shift: Moving Away from FluorosurfactantsIn an era where environmental sustainability and health safety are paramount, the scrutiny of fluorosurfactants is intensifying. These substances, integral to industries ranging from firefighting foams to textile manufacturing, are now under the microscope for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Read more
April 3, 2024Is It Safe To Incinerate Fluoropolymers?The pilot-scale fluoropolymer incineration study conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) represents a significant stride in understanding the environmental impact of fluoropolymer disposal. Read more
March 28, 2024Recap: Highlights from The National Week of Flame Retardants 2024The National Week of Flame Retardants 2024, hosted by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), marked the ongoing advancement of fire safety technologies and materials engineering. Gathering industry experts, researchers, and practitioners, the event showcased the latest innovations, research findings, and trends in flame retardants. Read more
March 23, 2024IKV Boosts the Plastics BranchThe IKV Colloquium demonstrated the plastics industry’s resilience in addressing current challenges. On February 28th-29th, 2024, RWTH Aachen University’s IKV organized an event fostering industry-academia exchanges. Read more
March 22, 2024Fluoropolymers: Waste Management and Sustainable Disposal?While certain PFASs are notorious for their toxicity, persistence, and environmental mobility, Fluoropolymers emerge because of their durability, safety, water insolubility, and bio-inertia. These high-performance polymers are revolutionizing industries with their attributes. Read more
March 20, 2024Top 5 Additives for Packaging ProductionThe inclusion of additives plays a crucial role in augmenting the functionality of packaging materials, ensuring they fulfill the varied requirements of different applications. This comprehensive analysis covers the main types of additives and functionalities to improve your packaging production. Read more