January 29, 20247 Key Trends Shaping the Plastics Industry in 2024The plastics industry is poised for transformative changes in 2024, marked by dynamic trends that underscore a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. Read more
January 4, 2024Robotics and automation to reap benefits from AIAI will help to drive the pace of development in robotics and automation predicts Anders Billesø Beck, VP of innovation and strategy for Universal Robots. Read more
December 29, 2023Solving Material Development Bottlenecks With AIHitachi High-Tech developed an AI tool that enabled them to reduce their research on biodegradable additives from 120 days to two days. Researchers have used AI in the development of new materials and additives for the production of plastics. Some companies are looking for alternatives to suit their customers’ needs. Read more
December 18, 2023AI for Enhanced Materials Development and ManufacturingAI has become an important tool for the development of new materials, enabling R&D scientists to develop new materials with improved properties and functionalities. Data analysis and prediction A significant form of AI’s contribution is data analysis. By sorting through… Read more
December 12, 2023SPE Seeks Knowledgeable Professionals for Educational ProgramsThe Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) invites you to join their team of instructors as they develop educational programs and workshops for their audience of plastics professionals seeking to enhance their work skills and abilities. Instructors will lead workshops that break the mold, offering unique perspectives and insights that resonate with their audience. Read more
November 27, 2023AI-powered Sorting Project Boosts Polypropylene RecyclingA coalition of European companies has combined artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision with an efficient decontamination process to boost the recyclability of post-consumer polypropylene food packaging. Read more
November 10, 2023Scientists Using AI to Accelerate Materials DiscoveryNational Renewable Energy Laboratory scientists have used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a tool to help users find the most sustainable polymers for specific applications. The tool, called PolyID, predicts material properties based on molecular structure. Read more
September 13, 2023AI Use in Packaging Seen Surging to Over $6 Billion by 2033The use of artificial intelligence in the packaging industry is projected to grow 11.2 percent per year to $6.02 billion, nearly triple in value, by 2033. Read more
August 4, 2023SPE’s “Reducing Plastic Waste Through Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization” Conference Spotlights Innovative SolutionsPlastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, and addressing it requires groundbreaking advancements. SPE recently announced their upcoming conference, “Reducing Plastic Waste Through Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization” (October 16-17 in Baltimore, MD.), that will include industry leaders, experts, and innovators who will address how artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization are revolutionizing the plastic industry, offering robust solutions that can effectively mitigate plastic waste and optimize its usage through increased recycling. Read more
July 10, 2023New Initiatives Teach Workers Advanced Manufacturing SkillsAdvanced Manufacturing International focuses on helping to develop skilled workers for America’s smart manufacturing infrastructure. Read more
May 31, 2023Editor’s Letter: Is AI Guilty of Job Discrimination?AI Yai Yai The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in hiring and whether this discriminates against job applicants. AI programs are of some value in machine-learning applications. Many new plastics process machines… Read more
May 31, 2023AI-Based Sensor Improves Productivity in Composites ManufacturingAVK, the Frankfurt, Germany-based Federation of Reinforced Plastics, named sensXPERT winner of its 2022 Innovation award for the Digital Mold process sensor system it developed. The company is part of Netzsch Process Intelligence GmbH, of Selb, Germany. (U.S. office is… Read more