Sustainability

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.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based thermoplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS).

Altair Engineering is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology to speed product design simulations.

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, the efficacy of recycling systems has never been more critical. The Recycling Partnership reveals a comprehensive document “The State of Recycling: The Present and Future of Residential Recycling in the U.S. 2024” which shows some insights from the US recycling system, underscoring the necessity for a holistic approach.

Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells have emerged as a game-changer in the automotive sector due to their operational efficiency and eco-friendly nature. The impact of NAFION and the Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) technology extends beyond the automotive industry, contributing to a broader shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

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. 

Have you considered the potential of transforming household fruit and vegetable waste into 3D printing filaments? The BARBARA project has successfully developed biopolymers, enhanced with bio-additives derived from food waste, for the additive manufacturing of components.

Scientists at Universität Bayreuth, Germany, pioneered a low-pressure and low-temperature synthesis process to mimic LDPE’s chemical structure while enhancing its recyclability. Employing coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP), they synthesized two macromonomers closely resembling commercial LDPE under mild conditions (2 bar and 70°C).

The Consultant Sphera was commissioned by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) to conduct a Life-Cycle Analysis on pyrolysis and related chemical recycling technologies. The analysis will be conducted on pyrolysis and related chemical recycling technologies of post-consumer mixed plastic waste to evaluate the potential environmental impacts regarding climate change and fossil resource use of circular food-grade plastics-to-plastics systems compared to fossil-based ones.

Hansgrohe and Phoenix Design have partnered to enable recycled ABS and upcycled PET to contribute to a more sustainable hand-held shower. The effort earned them a prestigious German eco-design award.

Composite materials with natural fibers are presented as alternative and sustainable solutions for manufacturing finishes in fully recyclable vehicles. The French company “Automotive Performance Materials” has sought to leverage the country’s high hemp production to produce these composites.