May 22, 2024Family and Multi-Cavity Tools: The Manufacturing EquationFamily and multi-cavity tools are two different approaches, and the choice between them can significantly impact production, efficiency, cost, and flexibility. Read more
May 15, 2024Cotton Transformed: Next-Gen Innovation with Conductive FibersResearchers at Washington State University have developed an exciting new conductive, cotton-based fiber that melds cotton’s flexibility with the electrical conductivity of polymers. Read more
May 10, 2024Exploring the Dynamics of Self-Regulating Heating CablesIntroducing SR (Self-Regulating) heating cables opens the door to innovative heating solutions that revolutionize efficiency and reliability across various industries. Read more
April 30, 2024Cutting Costs and Kilowatts in Plastics ManufacturingThe plastics processing industry is going through a significant transformation, driven by rising energy costs and concerns regarding future supply reliability. 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 1, 2024The Future of Plastics: The Technology – Chapter 2 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. It’s crucial to take a step back and examine the industry through different lenses. Read more
March 26, 2024Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants in Electrical & Electronic ComponentsNon-halogenated flame-retardant developments are driving a transformative shift in the global market, challenging traditional flame retardants that often lead to toxic emissions. Read more
March 25, 2024The Future of Plastics: The Vision, Chapter 1 of 3In the turbulence, the future of the plastics industry emerges as a focal point. With forecasts depicting a landscape characterized by both challenges and opportunities. In a world inundated with crisis reports and the relentless hustle of daily life, it’s imperative now more than ever to hit the pause button and reassess our perspectives. 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 14, 2024Energy Management Systems – Assessing PerformanceIn most plastics processing electricity is the main energy source. Electricity use is not, as is sometimes thought, fixed and uncontrollable, it is variable and controllable. For most sites, the electricity use will be directly related to the production volume in a given time period. Read more
March 12, 2024Packaging Sorting 4.0: Digital Watermarks & Fluorescent MarkersThe recycling industry faces significant challenges, particularly in accurately sorting and recycling mixed waste streams. This is especially important for food-grade post-consumer recycled. Innovations such as digital watermarks and fluorescent markers offer promising solutions to these challenges, potentially revolutionizing the recycling process. Read more
March 11, 2024OscarPocket: ChatGPT for Waste SortingThe global waste crisis continues escalating, demanding innovative solutions offering sustainable management practices. OscarPocket emerges as a cutting-edge application designed to empower individuals with the tools to sort waste accurately, thus enhancing recycling efforts and reducing environmental impact. Read more