July 18, 2024Looking Ahead – Future Shifts in the Plastics IndustryA recent study by Shell Polymers shows some trends that will impact companies’ operations due to significant shifts in regulatory and consumer demands. Read more
July 17, 2024Setting the Tone with Functional PigmentsImprovements in functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability highlighted discussions of colorant advances during the virtual CAD RETEC conference in September presented by SPE’s Colors and Appearance Division. The online event was one of many virtual presentations SPE has instituted to cope with travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
July 17, 2024Celebrating 1 Year of PE Going DigitalPlastics Engineering (PE) transitioned to a fully digital format in 2023, showcasing the publication’s flexibility and adaptability. Some contributors shared their thoughts about this milestone. SPE is committed to staying ahead of industry trends. By going digital, readers can now… Read more
July 16, 2024Hard-to-Recycle Plastics – Facing The ChallengeRecycling has become a turning point for environmental sustainability, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources. However, not all materials are equally easy to recycle. Read more
July 16, 2024Industry 4.0 in Injection MoldingAs injection molders face increasing demands to improve throughput, part quality, and aesthetics, Industry 4.0’s data-driven approach will continue to reshape the molding landscape for the next years. Read more
July 15, 2024Does Compostable Packaging Really Disintegrate?The Composting Consortium conducted the most extensive in-field study on compostable packaging in North America. It showed that compostable packaging disintegrates effectively under reasonable operating conditions. Read more
July 12, 2024Innovative Gel-Filter for PFAS Removal from WaterLong-term exposure to PFAS is associated with health risks. As traditional water treatment methods struggle to effectively remove these contaminants, innovative filtration solutions are becoming increasingly urgent. Read more
July 12, 2024DSC Tools for PCR BlendsTo increase the amount of recycled content in plastic products, quality assurance of recyclates must improve. Some manufacturers attempt to characterize the PCR in-house, and DSC tools will be crucial. Read more
July 11, 2024PET Thermoforms- A New Landscape for PET RecyclingRecycling PET bottles has set a standard for other industries, but PET thermoforms are still gaining momentum. This industry segment is paving the way for a new landscape in PET recycling. Read more
July 10, 2024Carbon Capture in Plastics ManufacturingInnovative carbon capture technologies are revolutionizing the plastics industry by reducing GHG emissions and transforming carbon waste into valuable materials. Read more
July 10, 2024Combining Lean Thinking and LCA for Sustainable ManufacturingResearchers have developed a novel approach combining Lean Thinking and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), significantly reducing plastic products’ negative environmental impacts. Read more
July 9, 2024Five Start-Ups Leading Reuse, Resale, and Refill in PlasticsReuse, resale, and refill are three innovative business models that take old-school solutions to the next level. They can help to reduce plastic waste and significantly drive sustainability. Read more