November 22, 2023Swiss Researchers and MIT Spin-off Develop Way to 3D Print Slow-curing PolymersWorking with U.S. startup Inkbit, researchers in Switzerland have, for the first time, say they have found a way to 3D print slow-curing polymers. Read more
November 21, 2023Siemens Touts New Generation of Servo-DriveSINAMICS S210 servo-drive provides multiple high-performance benefits to the mid-range of the processing market, the fastest-growing application segment. Read more
November 20, 2023Nissin Foods Drops Polystyrene for its Iconic Ramen Noodles CupNissin Foods USA soon plans to dump the iconic expanded polystyrene foam cup it has been using for its on-the-go ramen noodles for a half-century and replace it with a new, microwaveable paper cup design that will no longer require boiling water. The company also will spend $228m to open a new U.S. plant in South Carolina. Read more
November 20, 2023Fluoropolymers are Considered PFASThe use of “forever chemicals” in the European Union would be largely banned under a proposal issued by the European Chemicals Agency. At the same time, more US states continue to ban PFAS-containing products without a clear roadmap for the plastic industry. Read more
November 17, 2023Covestro Partners with Chinese Firms to Advance Low-carbon Mobility SolutionsCovestro AG continues to strengthen its ties with China’s vehicle industry to develop more low-carbon mobility solutions. It agreed recently to form a joint laboratory with premium electric vehicle brand HiPhi and struck a global strategic cooperation partnership with Xinquan Automotive. Read more
November 16, 2023Energy Management Systems – Getting StartedIf energy use is not visible and measured then there will be no improvement. Every site needs an ‘Energy Policy’ – a statement of commitment on energy use. Read more
November 14, 2023The Fashion Industry Needs an Alternative to Recycled PETThe fashion industry is disrupting the PET circular economy by taking it into an application that recycles less than 1% of its products. Read more
November 13, 2023Patagonia Parka Uses Expanded Polyethylene and Coastal Waste PlasticsOutdoor apparel company Patagonia Inc. has partnered with two materials firms to produce one of its warmest parkas yet –– the StormShadow –– using high-performance textiles made from recycled coastal and marine plastic. Patagonia leveraged W.L. Gore & Associates’ development of expanded polyethylene (ePE) and married it with efforts by New York-based materials engineering company Bionic, which repurposes ocean-bound waste plastics in Costa Rica. 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
November 10, 2023Sustainability Management Strategies – November 2023, Part 1Introducing a new series: ‘Sustainability Management Tip of the Month’ to provide plastics processors with tips on how to improve internal and external sustainability and to demonstrate this to the outside world. Read more
November 8, 2023Closing the Carbon Fiber LoopThe V-Carbon technology is based on a patented “chemolysis” recycling process and offers up to 85% of carbon fiber’s original strength. Read more
November 8, 2023Evolve Launches 3D-printed Parts Production ServiceEvolve Additive Solutions said Nov. 8 at the Formnext show in Frankfurt, Germany, that it is launching a new 3D-printed parts production service, called STEP Parts Now, and introducing two new thermoplastic materials. Read more