May 20, 2024Extrusion Troubleshooting – Key Drivers (Part 1 of 3)Extrusion Troubleshooting becomes crucial to ensure high productivity, effectiveness, quality, and profit. All in a frame of the promising outlook of 4.7% market growth by 2032. Read more
April 22, 2024Seaweed an Eco-alternative to Single-use Plastics PackagingBrands and package designers are developing seaweed-based packaging as an alternative to single-use plastics. Companies such as PlantSea Ltd., Notpla Ltd., Sway Innovation and Loliware Inc. are all active in the space. Read more
April 19, 2024The Future of Plastics: The START-UP – Chapter 3 of 3The future of the plastics industry emerges as a focal point, in a world inundated with crisis reports and the relentless hustle of daily life. Hence, it’s crucial to take a step back and examine the industry through different lenses. 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 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
April 2, 2024Vacuum Technology is Key to Firm’s Packaging ApproachInter Holdings says its patented technology can extend shelf life, save food, and reduce CO2 emissions. A Tokyo-based company has developed and patented what it calls “ultra-high vacuum technology.” It aims to reduce food loss and carbon dioxide emissions while replacing some single-use plastic packaging. Read more
March 26, 2024Understanding Supercritical Foaming TechnologySupercritical foaming revolutionizes polymer science, creating lightweight, porous materials with superior properties through controlled pressure and supercritical fluids. 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 21, 2024Bio-Polyethylene: When Performance Meets SustainabilityThe plastics market demands sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based plastics. Bio-Polyethylene emerges as a promising solution, offering environmental advantages and maintaining performance. Read more