Business

In the face of growing environmental concerns, the plastics industry faces a unique challenge: How to communicate effectively about plastic use and recycling? The “How to Talk About Plastics” guide from the University of Sheffield offers valuable insights into using language effectively to reduce plastic pollution and encourage pro-environmental behavior.

The term “biodegradable” evokes images of materials effortlessly breaking down into the earth, leaving no trace. But what does it truly entail? According to the Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics ASTM D883-23, biodegradable plastic refers to degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.

The plastics recycling industry is experiencing a dynamic development. Governments worldwide are implementing regulations that create a clear economic incentive to use recycled plastic. This triggers a growing need for high-quality Post-Consumer Recycled materials and sorting technologies will play a crucial role.

Micro molding, a specialized manufacturing process, produces small and high-precision components with micron tolerances. The constant demand for miniaturization and higher complexity geometries for medical and electronic devices drives the continuous evolution of this technology.

Ecomodulation is a policy approach aimed at encouraging ecodesign and reducing the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Modulating fees or taxes based on a product’s environmental footprint incentivizes manufacturers to adopt greener practices. This concept is increasingly relevant as societies strive to tackle climate change and reduce waste.

IKV has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and driven progress in the dynamic field of plastics.

The concept of reward recycling has gained traction as a transformative approach to encouraging sustainable practices among consumers. By incentivizing individuals to recycle through tangible rewards, this trend is making significant strides toward enhancing recycling rates and promoting a circular economy.

The 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. 

The global market for Intumescent Fire Retardant (IFR) coatings was valued at $1.19 billion in 2023, and according to Grand View Research, a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% is projected from 2024 to 2030.

Proprietary taggant systems empower plastics security by serving as authentication tools, integrating seamlessly into any resin.

The petrochemical industry, a vital yet often underappreciated player in the global energy landscape, is undergoing transformative changes. This sector is now the fastest-growing demand driver for global energy.

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can succeed 6% reduction in energy consumption, a 9% decrease in rejects, and a 10% enhancement in systems efficiency. This approach significantly accelerates the timeline from project planning to AI deployment, condensing it from months to a matter of weeks.