Process

Solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP) process stands out as a promising alternative to polypropylene (PP) disposable face mask recycling.

Brands and package designers are developing seaweed-based packaging as an alternative to single-use plastics. Companies such as PlantSea Ltd., Notpla Ltd., Sway Innovation and Loliware Inc. are all active in the space.

Four-dimensional (4D) printing, an extension of 3D printing, incorporates the dimension of time into the fabrication process, enabling the creation of structures that can change shape in response to external stimuli.

Plastics have evolved beyond their ubiquitous presence in everyday products to become intelligent. The fusion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is launching the era of “smart plastics.” These materials aim to revolutionize the functionality and efficiency of plastics in healthcare, automotive, and consumer products.

The future of the plastics industry emerges as a focal point, in a world inundated with crisis reports and the relentless hustle of daily life. Hence, it’s crucial to take a step back and examine the industry through different lenses.

New resins lacking thermal measurements may face challenges in meeting regulatory standards and entering the market. However, the use of AI can streamline the introduction of these resins by potentially halving the time needed for testing and regulatory approvals.

4D printing is an evolution in the manufacturing process that incorporates the dimension of time into 3D printing.

Dual-curing represents an innovative approach that enhances control over the final properties of parts through a multistage curing process.

GreenMantra Technologies diverts thousands of tons of plastic from landfills, dumps, and the ocean. They leverage molecular recycling to produce sustainable additives from plastic waste.

Most plastics processing sites use gas simply for space heating but some processes use gas as part of the process, e.g., rotational molding.  Where gas is used for hot water only then this is generally relatively constant over the year. For space heating, the gas use load will be related to the weather conditions (how cold it is) and the weather is then a ‘condition’ driver for gas use.