March 5, 2024Post-Industrial Recycled Content Means Better PlasticRecycling appears as a main node in optimizing waste management. Within this realm, Post-Industrial Recycling commands attention for its critical impact on product lifecycles. Read more
February 26, 2024Anticipating Change: The Move to Siloxane-Free PPAsSiloxanes, a group of silicon-based compounds known for their versatility and resilience, are integral to enhancing the performance of plastics. However, their potential health risks have sparked a debate in the EU on the necessity of imposing restrictions on their use. Read more
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 21, 2024Sustainability Management Strategies – Map Actions on MaterialityThe materiality of an issue is another way of asking ‘how relevant and important is it?’. This is considered from two perspectives, those of the broader stakeholders (internal and external) and those of the company itself. Read more
February 20, 2024Screwless Plasticating Extruder Advancing Polymer ProcessingA groundbreaking screwless plasticating extruder is paving the way for single pellet extrusion in polymer processing. Drawing inspiration from the innovative gerotor gear pump, this novel design features a rotor with multiple lobes situated within an eccentric cavity. Read more
February 8, 2024Innovative New Fiber for Performance Stretch FabricsCelanese Corporation and Under Armour, Inc. have joined forces to introduce NEOLAST™, a groundbreaking fiber for performance stretch fabrics. NEOLAST™ provides elite-level performance attributes—stretch, durability, and comfort—while addressing sustainability challenges linked to traditional elastane (spandex) fibers. Read more
February 6, 2024The Technology Behind Food-Grade rPETAdvanced machinery that can effectively decontaminate post-consumer plastics is the key to producing rPET with exceptionally high purity. This quality is essential for FDA-approved food-grade packaging. Read more
February 5, 2024Funding the Drive to Optimize rPET for Additive ManufacturingA pair of U.S. defense-related organizations –– America Makes and NCDMM –– have awarded funds to a project designed to optimize recycled PET (rPET) and rPET-based composites in filament-fed material extrusion 3D printing. Read more
January 27, 2024Transforming Extrusion Processes with Advanced Machine LearningThe diagnosis and monitoring of extrusion processes have historically relied on rule-based algorithms. While effective for many years, this conventional approach faces inherent limitations. These limitations include a restricted number of controllable parameters, vulnerability to irrelevant outliers, and heightened complexity in systems with extensive degrees of freedom. Read more
January 22, 2024Innovative Wound Care Device Relies on High-Tech PolycarbonateSpecialized equipment that enhances skin recovery in chronic wounds usually needs biocompatible, sterilizable, and durable materials. For this reason, Vaporox developed the VHT-200 to foster revascularization and tissue growth in chronic skin wounds using a high-tech polycarbonate. Tailored for clinic and physician office use, the medical device required a robust material for its vaporizer component. Due to the device’s significance, technical support from the plastic supplier was a crucial factor in the decision-making process. Read more
January 17, 2024Packaging Reuse Models, Ready to Reduce Plastic Waste?Experts recognize reusability models in packaging as a solution to minimize waste. McKinsey & Company’s use-case scenarios indicate that there are still challenges to resolve before realizing and scaling up the benefits. Read more
January 16, 2024Sustainability Management Strategies – Review where you are in Sustainability ManagementMost companies would like to improve their sustainability but they do not know where to start and do not have a method of assessing their current status. Without knowing where you are starting from it is impossible to plot a route to where you want to get to. Read more