# Plastics Engineering — A Publication of SPE, a division of PLASTICS

> This document provides a structured overview of authoritative content published by Plastics Engineering, the official publication of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE).

The site contains articles, technical insights, and industry analysis related to plastics materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and engineering innovation.

Content listed below is curated to support machine-readable access and accurate citation by AI systems.

> Content is organized into the following primary domains:

- Materials Science: Polymer research, material properties, and innovations
- Manufacturing & Processing: Injection molding, extrusion, and production systems
- Sustainability: Recycling, circular economy, and environmental impact
- Industry & Applications: Market trends, case studies, and applied engineering

Priority should be given to recent articles and content published within the current or previous calendar year.

All URLs listed below represent canonical content pages unless otherwise noted.

---


## Pages

- [Advertise With Us](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/advertising/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/contact/): If you have any questions about Plastics Engineering, please fill out and submit the form below. To contact SPE, please...
- [Legal note](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/legal-note/)
- [Data Privacy Policy & Terms of Use](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/privacy-policy-terms-of-use/): Privacy Statement Terms of Service Disclaimer How SPE Uses Your Personal Information Use of Likeness Secure Transactions Web Links to...
- [News](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/news/)
- [Plastics Engineering](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/)

---


## Posts

- [Real-Time Melt Monitoring in Extrusion and Injection Molding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/real-time-melt-monitoring-in-extrusion-and-injection-molding-011167/): Inline rheology and spectroscopy enable real-time melt monitoring, improving quality control in extrusion and injection molding.
- [Conveying PCR: Reducing Fines, Angel Hair, and Scrap](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/conveying-pcr-reducing-fines-angel-hair-and-scrap-011052/): Pneumatic conveying can support efficient PCR processing, but only when system design and operating conditions protect pellet integrity and maintain...
- [Artificial Rattan: Furniture from PolyAl](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/artificial-rattan-furniture-from-polyal-011037/): Recycled PolyAl beverage cartons are finding new life as design-forward furniture.
- [Advancing Sustainable Printed Electronics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/advancing-sustainable-printed-electronics-011032/): Advances in biobased substrates for printed devices show potential to improve sustainability in electronics.
- [ANTEC 2026: Rheology Understanding Leads to Competitiveness](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/antec-2026-rheology-understanding-leads-to-competitiveness-010797/): ANTEC 2026 and the SPE Applied Rheology Chapter brought top innovators to Pittsburgh from March 9–12 of technical progress in...
- [How to Test for Chemical Resistance in Plastic Components](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/how-to-test-for-chemical-resistance-in-plastic-components-010963/): Some applications require evaluating materials or parts under chemical stress. A practical insight provides tips for implementing standard or tailored...
- [Upcycling PET Through Artificial Photosynthesis](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/upcycling-pet-through-artificial-photosynthesis-010940/): High-performance photocatalysts can upcycle post-consumer polyester under mild conditions.
- [In Vivo Plastic Waste Upcycling](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/in-vivo-plastic-waste-upcycling-010935/): Advancements in biotechnology highlight how engineered microbial catalysts can recycle plastic waste in vivo.
- [FlexForum 2026 Brings Flexible Packaging Leaders to Fort Myers](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/flexforum-2026-brings-flexible-packaging-leaders-to-fort-myers-011346/): Get a preview of FlexForum 2026, where flexible packaging professionals will explore regulation, circularity, innovation, and market trends.
- [RecyQMeter: Quantifying Recycled Plastic Quality](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/recyqmeter-quantifying-recycled-plastic-quality-010917/): A newly developed, open-access tool helps plastic recyclers pinpoint appropriate market applications.
- [Recycled Carbon Fiber from Automotive Waste](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/recycled-carbon-fiber-from-automotive-waste-010930/): Automotive recycling combines EOL bumpers with carbon fiber scraps. This rCF-rPP composite increases stiffness and diverts plastic from landfills.
- [Biodegradable Planting Bags: A Solution for Agricultural Plastic Waste ](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/biodegradable-planting-bags-a-solution-for-agricultural-plastic-waste-011023/): Cassava starch-soy films provide biodegradable nursery bags that cut soil microplastic buildup without compromising agronomic performance.
- [The Debut of the SPE IMPACT Awards](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/the-debut-of-the-spe-impact-awards-011102/): The 2026 SPE IMPACT Awards highlight breakthroughs in advanced injection molding technology, including YETI’s PPS lid and the SIMOLDES Eco...
- [Thermotropic LCEs Power Soft Robotics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/thermotropic-lces-power-soft-robotics-010984/): Engineers leverage thermotropic LCE phase transitions to power prosthetics, overcoming rigid motor constraints with flexible actuation.
- [Digitalization and Simulation: Redefining What is Possible](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/digitalization-and-simulation-redefining-what-is-possible-010981/): AI-aided polyurethane simulation reduces modeling time from days to seconds. Digital material twins optimize tool design and predict foaming behavior.
- [Circular Automotive – IKV Colloquium Drives Real Change](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/circular-automotive-ikv-colloquium-drives-real-change-010990/): OEM and material supplier innovations reveal breakthrough circularity solutions driving sustainable mobility at IKV Colloquium 2026.
- [Using AI for Transparent Policymaking](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/using-ai-for-transparent-policymaking-010926/): Artificial Intelligence (AI) may help bridge the gap between scientific research and policy in the plastics industry.
- [FlexForum 2026: Key Policy Shifts in Flexible Packaging](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/flexforum-2026-key-policy-shifts-in-flexible-packaging-011125/): Join FlexForum to explore PPWR, EPR, and PCR trends shaping flexible packaging design and recyclability.
- [Sorting Construction Waste in Real Time](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/sorting-construction-waste-in-real-time-010921/): Researchers are fine-tuning computer vision systems to help identify and sort plastic waste on construction sites.
- [Digitalization to Improve Productivity](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/digitalization-to-improve-productivity-010975/): Plastic manufacturing data analytics shifts quality control upstream. Real-time monitoring and AI improve OEE and identify root causes before defects...
- [Resin Drying: The Energy Elephant Hiding in Plain Sight](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/resin-drying-the-energy-elephant-hiding-in-plain-sight-011045/): Resin drying is a major energy consumer in plastics processing. Learn how to optimize dew point, airflow, and residence time...
- [Digitalization: A Tool to Access Industry Knowledge](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/digitalization-a-tool-to-access-industry-knowledge-010969/): Digitalization bridges the knowledge gap in the plastics industry. AI tools, smart displays, and chatbots capture expert data for future...
- [Next-Generation EV Battery Solution Wins SPE Award](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/next-generation-ev-battery-solution-wins-spe-award-010958/): A new hybrid composite EV battery housing reduces weight by 20% and costs by 30%. This SPE award-winning design optimizes...
- [Biochar-Filled Polyolefins: Enhancing Fire Safety and Stiffness](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/biochar-filled-polyolefins-enhancing-fire-safety-and-stiffness-010893/): Biochar improves fire performance and stiffness in polypropylene and polyethylene composites by reducing heat release rate and increasing thermal stability.
- [Self-Healing Coatings for Automotive Applications](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/self-healing-coatings-for-automotive-applications-010861/): Photothermal-responsive coatings use shape memory polymers to repair surface defects. Structural encoding and light activation enable autonomous recovery.
- [MXene Hydrogels: Dual-Conductivity & Self-Healing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/mxene-hydrogels-dual-conductivity-self-healing-010779/): Engineers leverage MXene/MWCNT dual-conductive percolation to solve cyclic fatigue in self-healing Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs).
- [Smart Hydrogels as Mechanically Programmable Networks](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/smart-hydrogels-as-mechanically-programmable-networks-010855/): Smart hydrogels for localized drug delivery have evolved from passive matrices to mechanically programmable polymer networks.
- [Transforming Packaging into Recognition Tools](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/transforming-packaging-into-recognition-tools-010850/): Only 15% of brand assets are truly distinctive. Research confirms that product form and structure drive brand memory more effectively...
- [How Recyclability is Redefining Packaging Form and Function](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/how-recyclability-is-redefining-packaging-form-and-function-010845/): EPR mandates and monomaterial shifts are transforming packaging. Circular requirements now dictate structural design, material choice, and form.
- [The Regulatory Blind Spot in Plastic Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/the-regulatory-blind-spot-in-plastic-design-010790/): The new EU 10/2011 and REACH mandates shift the focus of plastic compliance toward pigments and additives, affecting NIR recyclability...
- [Aqueous Chemi-Mechanical Polyolefin Recycling](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/aqueous-chemi-mechanical-polyolefin-recycling-010823/): Subcritical water treatment at 325°C removes 96% of VOCs and pigments from PE/PP blends while preserving 94% of molecular weight...
- [AM and Conductive Polymers: Next-Gen Aerospace Electronics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/am-and-conductive-polymers-next-gen-aerospace-electronics-010818/): Multi-material 3D printing of PEEK and PEKK enables the consolidation of structural aerospace parts with embedded sensors and high-frequency antennas.
- [Variothermal Molding for Mass Production](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/variothermal-molding-for-mass-production-010777/): Mass production of microfluidics requires replacing PDMS with thermoplastics. Variothermal molding solves the "frozen layer" problem, enabling cycle times of
- [The Hidden Financial Cost of Non-Recyclable Polymer Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/the-hidden-financial-cost-of-non-recyclable-polymer-design-010786/): Non-recyclable polymer design destroys terminal value. Examine how NPV and IRR metrics can address structural financial distortions in plastics.
- [Closing the Loop Starts with Product Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/closing-the-loop-starts-with-product-design-010746/): Upstream design decisions determine the success of plastic circularity. This analysis examines the gap between technical and effective recycling.
- [At ANTEC: Class A Straight From the Mold with PU Overmolding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/at-antec-class-a-straight-from-the-mold-with-pu-overmolding-010945/): By moving surface formation into the tool, PU overmolding can displace downstream paint operations with a reactive in-mold skin that...
- [Scaling Enzymatic Polymerization for Sustainable Fabric Care Products](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/scaling-enzymatic-polymerization-for-sustainable-fabric-care-products-010766/): Enzymatic polymerization of plant sugars allows for precise molecular control to replace persistent polyquaterniums in high-volume fabric care.
- [Sustainable Healthcare in 2026: Materials, Packaging, and Waste](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/sustainable-healthcare-in-2026-materials-packaging-and-waste-010752/): Hospitals adopt sustainable materials, smarter packaging, and greener procurement to cut waste and emissions while protecting patient safety in 2026.
- [Sustainable Plastics in Pharma: Insights from Dr. Beate Mueller-Tiemann](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/sustainable-plastics-in-pharma-insights-from-dr-beate-mueller-tiemann-010911/): What it takes for sustainable plastics to work in pharma, with insights from Dr. Beate Mueller-Tiemann.
- [At ANTEC 2026: High-Performance Polymers for Sealing Applications](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/at-antec-2026-high-performance-polymers-for-sealing-applications-010831/): Move beyond ASTM D395 compression set to stress relaxation and DMA to predict contact stress retention and leakage risk in...
- [Developing a Bio-Based Polymer Made for Cosmetics Packaging](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/developing-a-bio-based-polymer-made-for-cosmetics-packaging-010747/): Researchers developed a novel, bio-based composite, enhanced with essential oil and chitosan, designed specifically for cosmetics packaging.
- [At ANTEC 2026: Process-Specific Rheology for Advanced Material Selection](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/at-antec-2026-process-specific-rheology-for-advanced-material-selection-010839/): Moving beyond Melt Flow Index: select rheological measurements that match the deformation modes of injection molding and film blowing.
- [Optical Sieve: A New Route to Detect Nanoplastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/optical-sieve-a-new-route-to-detect-nanoplastics-010743/): Optical sieve microcavities shift color when they trap nanoplastics, enabling fast detection, sizing, and counting with a standard microscope.
- [Biodegradable Polymer Blends: Key Findings and Future Outlook](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/biodegradable-polymer-blends-key-findings-and-future-outlook-010584/): Biodegradable polymer blends strengthen and diversify sustainable applications in packaging, agriculture, and medicine.
- [Geolectric Lantern: Rethinking Electronics Enclosures Beyond Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/geolectric-lantern-rethinking-electronics-enclosures-beyond-plastics-010733/): The Geolectric lantern shows how enclosure materials affect repairability, safety chemistry, and end-of-life pathways in electronics.
- [Fraunhofer Turns Contaminated Packaging Waste into Textile-Grade Fibers](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/fraunhofer-turns-contaminated-packaging-waste-into-textile-grade-fibers-010728/): Fraunhofer validates solvent and glycolysis routes that convert contaminated packaging waste into textile-grade PP and PET fibers.
- [When Color Becomes Waste](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/when-color-becomes-waste-010718/): A decision made at the pigment stage can decide whether a plastic product is recyclable at all.
- [PLA Meets Regulation at ANTEC 2026](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/pla-meets-regulation-at-antec-2026-010681/): Packaging laws are accelerating. Learn how policy reshapes PLA choices, end-of-life claims, and design constraints ahead of ANTEC 2026.
- [Electrifying Aviation: Polymer Electrolytes for Al-Air Batteries](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/electrifying-aviation-polymer-electrolytes-for-al-air-batteries-010701/): Polymer electrolytes boost aluminum-air batteries with safer, leakproof, high-energy performance, unlocking aviation and aerospace electrification.
- [At ANTEC 2026: Why Additive Dispersion Governs Flame Retardancy in GF PP](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/at-antec-why-additive-dispersion-governs-flame-retardancy-in-gf-pp-010695/): In high-loading Glass fiber–reinforced polypropylene composites, dispersion, not chemistry, determines flame-retardant performance.
- [Managing Extruder Maintenance in the PFAS-Free Transition](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/managing-extruder-maintenance-in-the-pfas-free-transition-010689/): Without PFAS, extrusion systems lose their tolerance for small mechanical flaws. What once ran unnoticed now drives degradation, buildup, and...
- [Research Breakthrough in Biobased‑Engineered Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/research-breakthrough-in-biobased-engineered-plastics-010582/): 3 key technical goals shaping innovative biobased and biohybrid materials engineered for high performance and sustainable transformation.
- [Ica Manas-Zloczower: Breaking Barriers Without Asking Permission](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/ica-manas-zloczower-breaking-barriers-without-asking-permission-010707/): From polymer processing to vitrimers, Ica Manas-Zloczower’s story highlights mentorship, persistence, and ANTEC recognition.
- [AI Screens 7.4M Polymers for Recyclable Food Packaging](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/ai-screens-7-4m-polymers-for-recyclable-food-packaging-010675/): AI-assisted polymer design screens millions of candidates to identify chemically recyclable packaging polymers that still meet barrier and thermal targets.
- [AI Control for Recycled PP Cuts Injection Defects](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/ai-control-for-recycled-pp-cuts-injection-defects-010657/): AI control for recycled plastics stabilizes injection molding despite resin variability, reducing defects and improving operator confidence with explainable models.
- [Film Extrusion Troubleshooting: Stability, Defects, Control](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/film-extrusion-troubleshooting-stability-defects-control-010639/): Film defects are process signals. Connect die flow, cooling symmetry, and winding stress to improve gauge control and roll quality.
- [EU PPWR vs US State Laws: Packaging Regulation Trends](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/eu-ppwr-vs-us-state-laws-packaging-regulation-trends-010634/): Regulating for resilience, safety, and sustainability is crucial in the packaging industry.
- [At ANTEC 2026: Compatibilizing Amorphous PHA and PLA for Blown Film](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/at-antec-2026-compatibilizing-amorphous-pha-and-pla-for-blown-film-010667/): PLA PHA compatibilization for blown film can widen processing windows and improve toughness. See why morphology and moisture control matter.
- [Plastics Geo-Operations: Co-Pyrolysis Pathways for Carbon Capture](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/plastics-geo-operations-co-pyrolysis-pathways-for-carbon-capture-010629/): Circularity delays emissions, but geo-operations target mitigation by redirecting carbon from plastics into long-term geosphere storage via co-pyrolysis.
- [EU PFAS Restriction Update: ECHA Consultation in 2026](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/eu-pfas-restriction-update-echa-consultation-in-2026-010625/): The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) met to re-evaluate its 2023 proposal regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
- [Sedimentology-Inspired Classification for Plastic Waste](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/sedimentology-inspired-classification-for-plastic-waste-010621/): Drawing on sedimentology, researchers have proposed a novel classification scheme for plastic waste of all sizes.
- [Bold Minimalism in Packaging: Clarity That Wins Attention](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/bold-minimalism-in-packaging-clarity-that-wins-attention-010563/): Bold minimalism uses negative space, typography, and color blocks to improve shelf impact and thumbnail readability in digital commerce.
- [Upcycling of Polyolefins Through C–H Bond Activation](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/upcycling-of-polyolefins-through-c-h-bond-activation-010568/): Polyolefins define modern plastics, but their chemical stability now drives a new search for smarter transformation pathways
- [Beauty Packaging Design for Social Commerce and Gen Z](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/beauty-packaging-design-for-social-commerce-and-gen-z-010549/): Social commerce shifts beauty packaging into feeds. Engineers must control gloss, haze, defects, and durability while meeting barrier targets.
- [Advancing Fire Performance with Flame-Retardant Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/advancing-fire-performance-with-flame-retardant-fiber-reinforced-thermoplastic-composites-010604/): Fire performance of materials used in building and construction applications plays a critical role in protecting human life and limiting...
- [Bio-Based Media for Micro- and Nanoplastics Removal](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/bio-based-media-for-micro-and-nanoplastics-removal-010542/): Green coagulation and nanocellulose foams improve microplastic removal, yet integration challenges include clogging and media handling.
- [Printable Chipless RFID Helps Sort Plastics—and Washes Off Later](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/mxene-chipless-rfid-plastic-recycling-sorting-010521/): Printable chipless RFID tags using MXene inks enable remote sorting and then dissolve in a caustic wash to avoid contamination...
- [Active Learning Speeds Discovery of Antimicrobial Polymers](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/active-learning-speeds-discovery-of-antimicrobial-polymers-010525/): Machine learning (ML) enables rapid design of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-mimetic polymers to treat bacterial infections.
- [3D Printing Finds Growth Niches in the Plastics Industry](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/3d-printing-finds-growth-niches-in-the-plastics-industry-010509/): Insights from K Show: 3D printing finds key niches in plastics, from conformal-cooling tooling to large-format parts and TPU lattices.
- [Can Art Shift Behavior on Plastic Waste? Insights From TRACE-P](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/can-art-shift-behavior-on-plastic-waste-insights-from-trace-p-010530/): Collaborating through “COM-ART”, researchers and artists are turning information into action to support the circular economy of plastics.
- [International Polyolefins Conference: Industry´s Competitive Edge](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/international-polyolefins-conference-industrys-competitive-edge-010483/): The International Polyolefins Conference is where market intelligence meets practical solutions. For leaders, attending is essential for staying ahead in...
- [3D-Printed Biodegradable Meshes for Guided Bone Regeneration](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/3d-printed-biodegradable-meshes-for-guided-bone-regeneration-010504/): 3D-printed biodegradable meshes improve guided bone regeneration by combining custom fit, mechanical support, and enhanced tissue integration.
- [Hyper-nucleated PP for Clear Monomaterial Packaging](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/hyper-nucleated-pp-for-clear-monomaterial-packaging-010463/): Hyper-nucleated polypropylene improves clarity, stiffness and recyclability in rigid packaging by controlling crystallization.
- [Recycled Polyester Textiles for Injection-Molded Products](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/recycled-polyester-textiles-for-injection-molded-products-010496/): Researchers have developed a method for recycling post-consumer garments into injection-molding materials.
- [Solvent-Free Mechanochemistry for Efficient Thermoplastics Recycling](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/solvent-free-mechanochemistry-for-efficient-thermoplastics-recycling-010458/): Recycling plastics at scale remains a challenge as waste streams grow more complex. Mixed materials and contamination limit the performance...
- [SPE Notice to Councilors](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/spe-notice-to-councilors-010522/): This notice is made by the SPE Board of Directors to the SPE Council as required by Section 17. 5....
- [The Cryogenic Challenge: Polymers for Liquid Hydrogen (LH₂)](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/the-cryogenic-challenge-polymers-for-liquid-hydrogen-lh%e2%82%82-010451/): As liquid hydrogen systems expand across energy and aerospace sectors, polymers face one of their most demanding service environments yet.
- [Vitrimers in Polyolefins: Processing Control of Crosslinked PE](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/vitrimers-in-polyolefins-processing-control-of-crosslinked-pe-010471/): Dynamic covalent networks allow crosslinked polyethylene to flow, weld, and relax stress during processing.
- [Flexible Packaging: Collective Testing Delivers New Insight into Real-World Recycling](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/flexible-packaging-collective-testing-delivers-new-insight-into-real-world-recycling-010443/): A two-year program conducted by CEFLEX gathered information from 1,700 data points and over 600 packaging samples. As a result,...
- [PVC Waste to Fuel: Room-Temperature Chemical Recycling Breakthrough](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/pvc-waste-to-fuel-room-temperature-chemical-recycling-breakthrough-010439/): A new PVC chemical recycling process converts mixed PVC and polyolefin waste into chlorine-free gasoline-range fuels at low temperatures.
- [What Comes Next for EPS Recycling in the UK](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/what-comes-next-for-eps-recycling-in-the-uk-010408/): How the UK is scaling EPS recycling through better data, new collection tools, and chemical routes, while awareness still lags.
- [SPE Launches IMPACT Awards to Celebrate Excellence in Injection-Molded Part Design and Performance](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/spe-launches-impact-awards-to-celebrate-excellence-in-injection-molded-part-design-and-performance-010475/): SPE, in collaboration with the SPE Injection Molding Division and the SPE Product Design & Development Division, has launched a...
- [How Flexible Polyesters Transform PLLA](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/how-flexible-polyesters-transform-plla-010388/): Flexible bio-based polyester blocks transform brittle PLLA into ultra-tough copolymers with high extensibility and industrially relevant strength.
- [How Private Labels Embody Store Identity](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/how-private-labels-embody-store-identity-010381/): How private-label packaging systems balance brand coherence, differentiation, and material constraints across diverse retail categories.
- [The Science of Persuasive Packaging Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/the-science-of-persuasive-packaging-design-010375/): Behind every shelf decision lies a three-second battle for attention where brain patterns determine commercial success.
- [Foam Additive Manufacturing for Next-Generation Mono-Materials](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/foam-additive-manufacturing-for-next-generation-mono-materials-010371/): Made from polylactic acid (PLA), these mono-material sandwich structures with foam-filled cores offer sustainability and high performance.
- [Cobots in Plastic Bag Manufacturing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/cobots-in-plastic-bag-manufacturing-010367/): As manufacturers embrace Industry 4. 0, collaborative robots leveraging machine learning (ML) bring autonomy and efficiency to the factory floor.
- [Polymer Aerogels for Advanced Thermal Control](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/polymer-aerogels-for-advanced-thermal-control-010353/): A new generation of polymer aerogels drives significant gains in thermal control across modern industries.
- [Liquid Crystal Elastomers in Soft Robotics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/liquid-crystal-elastomers-in-soft-robotics-010338/): Reconfigurable liquid crystal elastomers use pixel-based director patterns for multi-mode shape morphing in soft robotics and adaptive surfaces.
- [Polyurethane Composites with Industrial Waste Fillers](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/polyurethane-composites-with-industrial-waste-fillers-010343/): Rigid polyurethane composites with industrial waste fillers: mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and machine-learning guided optimization.
- [High-Temperature Photopolymer Inserts for Injection Molding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/high-temperature-photopolymer-inserts-for-injection-molding-010325/): High-temp DLP/SLA photopolymer inserts enable hybrid tooling, short-run injection molding, and faster iteration with stable, metal-like performance.
- [Reactive Extrusion for PCR Odor Control](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/reactive-extrusion-for-pcr-odor-control-010314/): Reactive extrusion reduces odor in post-consumer resins by leveraging targeted chemistry and venting to enable higher-quality circular PCR.
- [Injection Mold Fouling: Formulation and Monitoring](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/injection-mold-fouling-formulation-and-monitoring-010308/): Fouling comes from additive volatility and interfacial energetics. Early shifts in cavity-pressure and ejector-force trends reveal their growth and prompt...
- [Biopolymer Seed Coatings to Reduce Microplastics in Agriculture](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/biopolymer-seed-coatings-to-reduce-microplastics-in-agriculture-010332/): Biopolymer seed coatings cut agricultural microplastics while maintaining adhesion, dust control, and germination for safer, more sustainable farming.
- [Tracking Year-on-Year Increases in Recycled PVC Use](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/tracking-year-on-year-increases-in-recycled-pvc-use-010276/): Europe’s PVC industry boosts circularity, increasing recycled PVC use despite weak demand, cutting emissions and supporting sustainable manufacturing.
- [Plastics 2028: AI, Circularity, and Smart Materials from K-2025](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/plastics-2028-ai-circularity-and-smart-materials-from-k-2025-010290/): The future of plastics engineering is evolving rapidly, and K-Show 2025 in Düsseldorf showcased groundbreaking innovations that will shape the...
- [Lightweight Surgical Guides with Syensqo KetaSpire PEEK](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/lightweight-surgical-guides-with-syensqo-ketaspire-peek-010281/): KetaSpire PEEK surgical guides replace metal, offering lightweight, radiotransparency, and reliable sterilization for precise orthopedic surgery.
- [PVA-Based Soil Stabilization for Landslide Deposits in Tibet](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/pva-based-soil-stabilization-for-landslide-deposits-in-tibet-010272/): This polymer-based soil stabilization method shows potential for stabilizing landslide deposits in complex geological environments, such as southeastern Tibet.
- [Lichens Show How Greenspaces Cut Atmospheric Microplastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/lichens-show-how-greenspaces-cut-atmospheric-microplastics-010266/): As biomonitors, lichens show how green spaces buffer urban areas from atmospheric microplastic pollution.
- [How Xact Metal Conformal Cooling Cut K-Rain Cycle Time 20%](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/how-xact-metal-conformal-cooling-cut-k-rain-cycle-time-20-010255/): K-Rain cuts sprinkler molding cycle time by 20% using Xact Metal 3D-printed Corrax inserts and conformal cooling for better quality.
- [Packaging Color Strategy for Stronger Shelf Impact](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/packaging-color-strategy-for-stronger-shelf-impact-010249/): In a marketplace saturated with chromatic abundance, brands face a fundamental choice about color strategy that extends far beyond aesthetic...

---


## Events

- [FlexForum](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-smart-injection-molding-hands-on-design-of-experiments-doe-for-success-and-competitiveness-2/)
- [SPE COURSE: Additives for Plastics Recycling](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-additives-for-plastics-recycling/)
- [WORKSHOP: AI and Data-Driven Predictive Manufacturing in Polymer Extrusion](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/workshop-ai-and-data-driven-predictive-manufacturing-in-polymer-extrusion/)
- [ADDITIV Defense 2026](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/additiv-defense-2026/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Design for Recycling: How Producers Design Packaging for Recyclers](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-design-for-recycling-how-producers-design-packaging-for-recyclers/)
- [SPE COURSE: Polyketone: Understanding the Material and Properties](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-polyketone-understanding-the-material-and-properties/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Using AI to Cut Costs and Maintain Flammability Compliance in PU Foams](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-using-ai-to-cut-costs-and-maintain-flammability-compliance-in-pu-foams/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: The Science and Technology of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-the-science-and-technology-of-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastics/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Smart Injection Molding: Hands‑On Design of Experiments (DoE) for Success and Competitiveness](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-smart-injection-molding-hands-on-design-of-experiments-doe-for-success-and-competitiveness/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Introduction to Polymer Rheology: Fundamentals of Viscoelasticity and Time-Temperature Superposition](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-introduction-to-polymer-rheology-fundamentals-of-viscoelasticity-and-time-temperature-superposition/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Plastics Compounding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-plastics-compounding/)
- [National Week on Flame Retardants](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/national-week-on-flame-retardants/)
- [SPE COURSE: Understanding Wear and Friction in Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-understanding-wear-and-friction-in-plastics/)
- [SPE COURSE: Basic Rubber Technology](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-basic-rubber-technology/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: AI for Optimizing Injection Molding Parameters and Enhancing Part Quality](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-ai-for-optimizing-injection-molding-parameters-and-enhancing-part-quality/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Troubleshooting the Injection Molding Process](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-troubleshooting-the-injection-molding-process/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Optimizing Carbon Black Content and Process Conditions of Rubber](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-optimizing-carbon-black-content-and-process-conditions-of-rubber/)
- [SPE COURSE: Why Sulfones? A Deep Dive into Polysulfone, Polyethersulfone, and Polyphenylsulfone](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-why-sulfones-a-deep-dive-into-polysulfone-polyethersulfone-and-polyphenylsulfone/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Failure in Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-failure-in-plastics-3/)
- [ANTEC® 2026](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/antec-2026/)
- [SPE COURSE: Polymer Molecular Weight: A Key Factor in Plastic Performance](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-polymer-molecular-weight-a-key-factor-in-plastic-performance-2/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Single Screw Fundamentals for Design and Optimum Processing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-single-screw-fundamentals-for-design-and-optimum-processing-2/)
- [SPE COURSE: Thermal Dependency of Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-thermal-dependency-of-plastics/)
- [Plastics in Packaging 2025](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/plastics-in-packaging-2025/)
- [SPE COURSE: Better Polymers, Compounding and Recycling with 1.5nm Titanate/Zirconate](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-better-polymers-compounding-and-recycling-with-1-5nm-titanate-zirconate/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Single Screw Fundamentals for Design and Optimum Processing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-single-screw-fundamentals-for-design-and-optimum-processing/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Unlocking the Secrets of Plastics with Dynamic Mechanical Analysis](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-unlocking-the-secrets-of-plastics-with-dynamic-mechanical-analysis-2/)
- [SPE COURSE: Automotive Supply Chain: Industrializing Electric Vehicle Batteries](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-automotive-supply-chain-industrializing-electric-vehicle-batteries/)
- [SPE COURSE: Nature’s Untapped Treasure: Lignin’s Potential in Achieving a Carbon-Neutral Economy](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-natures-untapped-treasure-lignins-potential-in-achieving-a-carbon-neutral-economy/)
- [SPE Workshop: The Impact of Material Selection and Polymer Modification on Recyclability](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-the-impact-of-material-selection-and-polymer-modification-on-recyclability/)
- [ADDITIV Polymers 3.0](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/additiv-polymers-3-0/)
- [SPE COURSE: Polymer Molecular Weight: A Key Factor in Plastic Performance](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-polymer-molecular-weight-a-key-factor-in-plastic-performance/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Extruded Profile Die Design and Processing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-extruded-profile-die-design-and-processing/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Extruded Profile Part Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshopextruded-profile-part-design/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Injection Molds: Challenges and Opportunities in Conventional and Emerging Technologies](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-injection-molds-challenges-and-opportunities-in-conventional-and-emerging-technologies/)
- [SPE COURSE: Turning Complex Problems into Breakthroughs: A Practical Innovation Method for Plastics Professionals](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-turning-complex-problems-into-breakthroughs-a-practical-innovation-method-for-plastics-professionals/)
- [SPE COURSE: Plastics Hybrid Solutions](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-plastics-hybrid-solutions/)
- [Responsible Plastics 2025](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/responsible-plastics-2025/)
- [SPE COURSE: Understanding the Mechanical Reliability of Recycled Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-understanding-the-mechanical-reliability-of-recycled-plastics/)
- [SPE COURSE: Failure of Plumbing Parts](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-failure-of-plumbing-parts-2/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Extruded Profile Part Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-extruded-profile-part-design/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Back to Basics: An Introduction to Polymer Rheology](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-back-to-basics-an-introduction-to-polymer-rheology/)
- [SPE COURSE: Core Back Foam Injection Molding - A Design and Engineering Guide for Lightweighting](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-core-back-foam-injection-molding-a-design-and-engineering-guide-for-lightweighting/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Polymer Informatics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-in-polymer-informatics-2/)
- [SPE COURSE: Chemical Resistance of Plastics: Testing and Applications](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-chemical-resistance-of-plastics-testing-and-applications/)
- [SPE COURSE: Trouble-Shooting Common Injection Molding Defects Through Virtual Molding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-trouble-shooting-common-injection-molding-defects-through-virtual-molding/)
- [SPE Plastics in Composites and Lightweighting](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-plastics-in-composites-and-lightweighting/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Navigating the Automotive Supply Chain: Engineering Electric Vehicle Batteries and Sustainable Manufacturing Practices](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-navigating-the-automotive-supply-chain-engineering-electric-vehicle-batteries-and-sustainable-manufacturing-practices/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Introduction to Plastic Decorating Technologies](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-introduction-to-plastic-decorating-technologies/)
- [SPE COURSE: Development of Architectural Polymers: Synthesis Strategies and Structure-Property Correlations](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-development-of-architectural-polymers-synthesis-strategies-and-structure-property-correlations/)
- [SPE COURSE: Discovering Unmet Customer Needs – A Fundamental Tool for Success in the Plastics Industry](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-discovering-unmet-customer-needs-a-fundamental-tool-for-success-in-the-plastics-industry/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Optimizing Plastic Color Formulation: Sustainable Practices to Reduce Waste](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-optimizing-plastic-color-formulation-sustainable-practices-to-reduce-waste/)
- [SPE COURSE: Mechanical Characterization of Additively Manufactured Polymers](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-mechanical-characterization-of-additively-manufactured-polymers-2/)
- [SPE COURSE: Thermoset Recycling](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-thermoset-recycling/)
- [SPE COURSE: Advanced Thermal Packaging Using Phase Change Materials](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-advanced-thermal-packaging-using-phase-change-materials/)
- [SPE COURSE: UV Effects on Plastic Materials](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-uv-effects-on-plastic-materials/)
- [SPE COURSE: Thermoset Recycling](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-failure-of-plumbing-parts/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Polymer Processing: Fundamentals and Practical Applications with a Focus on Injection Molding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-harnessing-artificial-intelligence-in-polymer-processing-fundamentals-and-practical-applications-with-a-focus-on-injection-molding/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Mechanical and Chemical Recycling Overview for Polyolefins](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-mechanical-and-chemical-recycling-overview-for-polyolefins/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Built to Last: Structural Thermoplastics for Hand and Power Tools](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-built-to-last-structural-thermoplastics-for-hand-and-power-tools/)
- [SPE COURSE: Rubber-O-Rings](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-rubber-o-rings/)
- [SPE COURSE: Mechanical Characterization of Additively Manufactured Polymers](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-mechanical-characterization-of-additively-manufactured-polymers/)
- [SPE COURSE: Bio-plasticizers for PVC](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-bio-plasticizers-for-pvc/)
- [SPE COURSE: Navigating Plastic Material Selection](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-navigating-plastic-material-selection/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Failure in Plastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-failure-in-plastics-2/)
- [SPE COURSE: PFAS in Products—Litigation Trends](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-pfas-in-products-litigation-trends/)
- [SPE Workshop: Consider Recycling More in the Equation in Addressing Future Polymer Design Requirements and Optimization](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-consider-recycling-more-in-the-equation-in-addressing-future-polymer-design-requirements-and-optimization/)
- [SPE COURSE: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Failure and Compositional Analysis](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-fourier-transform-infrared-spectroscopy-in-failure-and-compositional-analysis/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Expanding Vinyl Material Characterization Capabilities: Showcasing a Rigid PVC Building Product Formulation](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-expanding-vinyl-material-characterization-capabilities-showcasing-a-rigid-pvc-building-product-formulation/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Troubleshooting in Injection Molding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-troubleshooting-in-injection-molding/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Material Selection and Product Durability for Sustainable Plastics in Buildings and Infrastructures](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-material-selection-and-product-durability-for-sustainable-plastics-in-buildings-and-infrastructures/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: The Challenges of Plastics Testing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-the-challenges-of-plastics-testing-2/)
- [ANTEC® 2025](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/antec-2025/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Flexible Packaging Fundamentals: Converting and Performance Considerations](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-flexible-packaging-fundamentals-converting-and-performance-considerations/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Advanced Material Characterization: Rheology and DMA Using a Combined Axial-torsional Multidrive System](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-advanced-material-characterization-rheology-and-dma-using-a-combined-axial-torsional-multidrive-system/)
- [SPE COURSE: Plastics Failures Associated with Injection Molding Issues](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-plastics-failures-associated-with-injection-molding-issues/)
- [SPE COURSE: Dynamic Mechanical Analysis](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-dynamic-mechanical-analysis/)
- [Plastics in Sustainability: Biopolymers and Biocomposites](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/plastics-in-sustainability-biopolymers-and-biocomposites/)
- [SPE COURSE - Importance of Sustainable Practices in Plastics Technology: Consumer Preference and Brand Image](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-importance-of-sustainable-practices-in-plastics-technology-consumer-preference-and-brand-image/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Controlling Energy Use in Plastics Processing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-controlling-energy-use-in-plastics-processing-3/)
- [SPE COURSE: Environmental Stress Cracking: The Plastics Killer](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-environmental-stress-cracking-the-plastics-killer/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Increasing Polymer Sustainability Using AI](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-increasing-polymer-sustainability-using-ai/)
- [SPE Middle East Additives and Color Conference and PFAS Symposium](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-middle-east-additives-and-color-conference-and-pfas-symposium/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: The Challenges of Plastics Testing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-the-challenges-of-plastics-testing/)
- [SPE Workshop - Unlocking the Secrets of Plastics with Dynamic Mechanical Analysis](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-unlocking-the-secrets-of-plastics-with-dynamic-mechanical-analysis/)
- [SPE Conference: Per- and Polyflouralkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Plastics Industry 2024](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-conference-per-and-polyflouralkyl-substances-pfas-in-the-plastics-industry-2024/)
- [SPE COURSE: Material Characterization in Polymer Manufacturing: Addressing the Impact and Challenges of Recycled Materials](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-material-characterization-in-polymer-manufacturing-addressing-the-impact-and-challenges-of-recycled-materials/)
- [SPE COURSE: Introduction to Ultraviolet (UV) Stabilization of Thermoplastics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-course-introduction-to-ultraviolet-uv-stabilization-of-thermoplastics/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Polymer Informatics](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-in-polymer-informatics/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Innovative Cost Management Approaches to Achieve Improved Profitability of Your Plastics Business](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-innovative-cost-management-approaches-to-achieve-improved-profitability-of-your-plastics-business/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Polyketone: Understanding the Material and Properties](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-polyketone-understanding-the-material-and-properties/)
- [SPE National Week of Injection Molding](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-national-week-of-injection-molding/)
- [Additiv Médical - France 4.0](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/additiv-medical-france-4-0/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Controlling Energy Use in Plastics Processing](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-controlling-energy-use-in-plastics-processing-2/)
- [Between the Layers: Panel Discussion - Additive Manufacturing Materials and Innovations for Aerospace and Defense](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/between-the-layers-panel-discussion-additive-manufacturing-materials-and-innovations-for-aerospace-and-defense/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Introduction to Stabilization of PVC Formulations](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-introduction-to-stabilization-of-pvc-formulations/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Injection Molding Process: From 42 to 4 Variables for Robustness and Repeatability](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-injection-molding-process-from-42-to-4-variables-for-robustness-and-repeatability/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Fundamentals of Plastic Material Selection](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-fundamentals-of-plastic-material-selection/)
- [Additiv Design](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/additiv-design/)
- [SPE WEBINAR: Thermal Analysis in Failure and Compositional Analysis](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-thermal-analysis-in-failure-and-compositional-analysis/)
- [SPE WORKSHOP: Thermoplastic Elastomers - From Fundamental Insights to Contemporary Technologies: Stimuli-Responsive and Functional TPEs](https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-thermoplastic-elastomers-from-fundamental-insights-to-contemporary-technologies-stimuli-responsive-and-functional-tpes/)

---


## Landing Page


---

#
# Detailed Content


## Pages

- Published: 2023-06-12
- Modified: 2026-04-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/advertising/

Advertise With Us | Plastics Engineering menu Contact Advertising Trending Artificial Intelligence Business Design Editor’s Choice Technical Paper Education & Training Equipment Industry 4.0 Legal Analysis People PFAS Regulation Software Sustainability Industry Aerospace Automotive & Transportation Building & Construction Durables Electrical & Electronics Medical Packaging Sports & Recreation Toys Wearables Materials Additives & Colorants Composites Hydrogels Polyamide Resins Silicones Process 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Automation Auxiliaries Blow Molding Cast Film/Sheet Compounding Decorating & Coatings Extrusion Film Foam Processing Hybrid Manufacturing Injection Molding Mold & Die Making Recycling Rotational Molding Testing & Analysis Thermoforming All Articles Search Advertise with UsADVERTISE WITH US MEDIA KITPlastics Engineering reaches more vendors, products, and services than any other group in the plastics industry. 90% of our readership are leaders in decisions related to new plastics technologies 84% use Plastics Engineering content after reading it Over 22,500 of our readers are decision makers in the plastics industry 78% of our readers use Plastics Engineering media to learn about emerging technologies COVERAGE WORLDWIDESPE reaches over 60,000 plastics professionals worldwide. Plastics Engineering has the distinct advantage of providing content about new and emerging technologies to the innovators of the plastics industry. We develop enduring relationships with the industry leaders in plastics and find out about new advances first.CONTACT OUR TEAM First name * Last name * Country Company Email * Phone Subject *Your message * By using this form, you authorize us to use the information provided for the sole purpose of providing you with the correct answer. They...

---

- Published: 2023-06-02
- Modified: 2023-06-21
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/contact/

If you have any questions about Plastics Engineering, please fill out and submit the form below. To contact SPE, please visit www. 4spe. org/Contact. NOTE: If you are an SPE Chapter, Section or SIG looking to initiate a service request from SPE Headquarters, please go to www. 4spe. org/HQServices. Contact Our Team: First name * Last name * Email * Phone Subject... Accounting Annual Conference Awards Careers Chapter Meetings Digital Badging/BadgeCert Foundation General Leadership Media Membership PlastiVan Promote Your Business Publications Requesting a Technical Paper Scholarships SPE Store Subscribing to Plastics Engineering Magazine Unsubscribing from Plastics Engineering Magazine Website Your message * By using this form, you authorize us to use the information provided for the sole purpose of providing you with the correct answer. They will not be communicated to third parties. Know more about our privacy policy. Send

---

- Published: 2023-05-24
- Modified: 2023-06-21
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/privacy-policy-terms-of-use/

Privacy Statement Terms of Service Disclaimer How SPE Uses Your Personal Information Use of Likeness Secure Transactions Web Links to SPE Limitation of Liability Termination License to SPE Communities Subscribers Web Site Specific Issues Questions Summary The Data Privacy Policy is intended to provide the greatest possible access by SPE stakeholders to information in the Society's database. It also is prepared to be in compliance with applicable law. It is intended to ensure that SPE protects and ensures such data is used only within the framework of the SPE Data Use Policy. By accessing material on any of the SPE online platforms, you: Acknowledge that SPE owns the copyright in or has permission to use all materials displayed on this site. You are authorized to read and use this information for your personal use. You are not authorized to share the materials on SPE Online with others by copying or sending it to them. You can tell colleagues where they can find this material for themselves. The materials displayed on the SPE web site are protected by federal copyright law. Agree that if you choose to use the communications tools provided, including email and list servers, you give SPE full and unrestricted permission to use and republish any materials that you post to the site in any way SPE deems fit, without compensation to you. You may not post anything to the site that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, or offensive. You may not use this site to exploit any commercial...

---


---


## Posts

- Published: 2026-04-20
- Modified: 2026-04-03
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/real-time-melt-monitoring-in-extrusion-and-injection-molding-011167/
- Categories: Education & Training, Equipment, Extrusion, Industry, Injection Molding, Process, Sensors

Inline rheology and spectroscopy enable real-time melt monitoring, improving quality control in extrusion and injection molding.

Inline rheology and spectroscopy enable real-time melt monitoring, improving quality control in extrusion and injection molding. In extrusion and molding, product quality depends on the condition of the polymer melt during shaping. Changes in viscosity, composition, temperature history, moisture, or contamination can push the process outside its validated window. The result may include dimensional variation, surface defects, color shifts, or changes in mechanical performance. Many of these problems begin upstream, but processors often detect them only during offline inspection or downstream testing. This gap has increased interest in inline melt monitoring. Two methods stand out: inline rheology and near-infrared or infrared spectroscopy. Rheological indicators track changes in flow behavior. Spectroscopic methods detect changes in composition and molecular structure. Used together, these tools give processors a broader view of melt quality during production and help identify deviations before defects spread. You can also read: At ANTEC 2026: Process-Specific Rheology for Advanced Material Selection Inline Rheology as a Process Stability Indicator A dedicated inline viscometer is installed perpendicular to the extruder barrel, enabling direct, real-time measurement of polymer melt viscosity between the screw and the die. Courtesy of Rheonics. Inline rheology in industry is evolving rapidly. While many plants still rely on tracking simpler viscosity proxies derived from standard process data, such as melt pressure, temperature, screw speed, or throughput, there is an increasing trend toward deploying dedicated inline instrumentation. These specialized instruments, such as vibrational viscometers or slip-stream rheometers, operate directly in the melt stream and provide sensitive, real-time data that...

---

- Published: 2026-04-17
- Modified: 2026-04-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/conveying-pcr-reducing-fines-angel-hair-and-scrap-011052/
- Categories: Automation, Auxiliaries, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Equipment, Feeding Systems, Industry, Materials, People, Process, Recyclate, Resins
- Tags: Recycled plastics

Pneumatic conveying can support efficient PCR processing, but only when system design and operating conditions protect pellet integrity and maintain stable separation.

Pneumatic conveying can support efficient PCR processing, but only when system design and operating conditions protect pellet integrity and maintain stable separation. Pneumatic conveying can transition from routine material transfer to a significant contamination source when operating conditions and line geometry do not align with resin behavior. Dust and polymer stringing can enter hoppers and dryers, increase filter loading, destabilize feeding, and elevate the risk of cosmetic defects and scrap. Effective control depends on core design and operating parameters. Gas velocity, bend geometry, pipeline surface condition, and conveying distance govern the impact and friction mechanisms that generate fines and fibrils. Receiver configuration then dictates whether separation captures these byproducts or allows downstream carryover. Routine monitoring, including ΔP trending, filter loading rate, and periodic dust-mass measurements, provides early warning and supports stable performance. You can also read: The Complexity of Recyclate. Why PCR Pellets Create More Fines and Angel Hair Fines and angel hair generated during pellet conveying can compromise separation efficiency and downstream processing stability. Courtesy of Azo. Processors now run post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins at production scale, but pellet morphology and cleanliness often differ from virgin materials and increase vulnerability to pneumatic-transport damage. Broader distributions in pellet size, shape, and mechanical integrity, plus rough surfaces and edge defects from reprocessing, increase inter-pellet and pellet-wall collisions and raise impact severity. Trace hard contaminants (grit, mineral fillers, metal/glass fragments) increase abrasion, especially at elbows, valves, and other high-turbulence zones, which accelerates fines generation and downstream quality defects. Elevated sliding friction and...

---

- Published: 2026-04-16
- Modified: 2026-04-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/artificial-rattan-furniture-from-polyal-011037/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Design, Durables, Extrusion, Industry, Materials, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Sports & Recreation, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Vinyl
- Tags: Circular Economy

Recycled PolyAl beverage cartons are finding new life as design-forward furniture.

Recycled PolyAl beverage cartons are finding new life as design-forward furniture. Researchers are finding innovative ways to upcycle plastic waste into valuable products across various sectors. One example is artificial rattan: a durable material used for furniture. Designed to mimic natural rattan, artificial rattan is typically comprised of polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). As a sustainable alternative, researchers developed an artificial rattan from “PolyAl”, comprised of PE film and aluminum layers. PolyAl, commonly used for beverage carton packaging, is difficult to recycle. Through thoughtful and creative designs, such as artificial rattan, this material can be converted into useful new products. You can also read: Turning Coffee Waste into 3D Printed Furniture. End-of-Life Plastics as a Material Source To create artificial rattan, researchers sourced PolyAl from used beverage cartons. They processed the plastic film and aluminum layers of the PolyAl into plastic pellets. Researchers also assessed recycled plastics from plastic bag manufacturing scraps, discarded bottle caps, and food packaging scraps for the composite. These comprised linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP), respectively. Natural fiber from discarded bamboo chopsticks from restaurants served as a natural reinforcement for the material. Preparing the Artificial Rattan Material Researchers mixed the PolyAl with recycled LLDPE, HDPE, and PP, then compounded it at 190 °C using a twin-screw extruder. The optimal blend of PolyAl and recycled plastic was 30/70 PolyAl/PP. Adding more than 30 wt% PolyAl showed only minor improvements to stiffness while subsequently decreasing impact strength. Thus, researchers...

---

- Published: 2026-04-15
- Modified: 2026-04-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/advancing-sustainable-printed-electronics-011032/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Business, Circular Economy, Design, Electrical & Electronics, Industry, Materials, Polyolefins, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending
- Tags: additive manufacturing, Biopolymers

Advances in biobased substrates for printed devices show potential to improve sustainability in electronics.

Advances in biobased substrates for printed devices show potential to improve sustainability in electronics. Electronic device printing is a rapidly developing technology. Subsequently, recent advances in plastics engineering show promise for increased sustainability for these printed devices. As printed electronics become more commercialized, manufacturers using fossil-based printing substrates may intensify environmental concerns. Thus, researchers are investigating the integration of biopolymers in printed devices. You can also read: Additive Manufacturing of Conductive Polymer Electronics. As technology improves, printed electronic systems can continue to better align with sustainability goals. Figure courtesy of Biobased Polymers in Printed Electronics: From Renewable Resources to Functional Devices. Performance-Oriented Design Printed electronics have high performance demands. When designing biobased polymers for this application, modification strategies can enhance their robustness. Blending biopolymers with nanofillers, chemical-crosslinking, plasticization, and plasma treatments can result in more effective materials. Copolymerization with conductive additives also has unique potential in devices such as sensors and energy storage systems. Contact and non-contact-based printing, as well as additive manufacturing, are methods of fabricating printed electronic devices. Within contact-based printing, manufacturers employ various techniques, such as roll-to-roll and screen printing. Inkjet and aerosol jet printing are examples of non-contact-based methods. Each method requires special considerations for materials when transitioning to bio-based polymers. Research continues to optimize biopolymers for each of these use cases so they can better integrate into industrial printing methods. Researchers expect formulation and processing technique advancements to further improve their mechanical, thermal, and chemical robustness. Substrates: Solid Supporting Materials in Electronic Devices Electronic device...

---

- Published: 2026-04-15
- Modified: 2026-04-08
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/antec-2026-rheology-understanding-leads-to-competitiveness-010797/
- Categories: Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Elastomers, Equipment, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Trending
- Tags: ANTEC 2026, Compression Molding, Injection Molding, Manufacturing Efficiency, Plastics industry, polymer processing, quality control, Simulation, Thermoplastics

ANTEC 2026 and the SPE Applied Rheology Chapter brought top innovators to Pittsburgh from March 9–12 of technical progress in plastics.

ANTEC 2026 and the SPE Applied Rheology Chapter bring top innovators to Pittsburgh from March 9–12 to discuss technical progress in plastics. The event blends scientific rigor with real‑world process improvements, giving attendees the tools they need to elevate productivity, reduce waste, and deepen understanding of materials and processes. You can also read: Rheometer: 5 Keys for Optimal Selection. Why the Plastics Industry and Academia Attended ANTEC 2026 ANTEC 2026 delivered a rare concentration of peer‑reviewed research, applied engineering solutions, and expert‑led sessions. Throughout the event, participants explored topics ranging from injection molding and extrusion to rheology, simulation, sustainability, and advanced materials. In addition, the program encouraged attendees to connect these disciplines and understand how they shaped modern plastics processing. As a result, engineers walked away with practical insights that improved processing windows, strengthened quality control, and guided better material selection. Meanwhile, academics gained valuable exposure to real industrial challenges, which ultimately helped them align research priorities with the evolving needs of the plastics industry. ANTEC 2026 brought together engineers and researchers to share advances in rheology, simulation, and plastics processing. One standout presentation, “Viscoelastic Constitutive Modeling for Flow Simulation in Injection and Compression Molding Based on Log Conformation Methods,” took place on March 11 from 1:30 to 2:00 PM. Lutz Pauli from SIGMA Plastics Services Inc. introduced cutting-edge modeling work that significantly increased the accuracy of flow simulations. He showed how engineers could better predict elastic stresses, orientation states, and deformation behavior during molding. His method broke long-standing numerical...

---

- Published: 2026-04-14
- Modified: 2026-04-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/how-to-test-for-chemical-resistance-in-plastic-components-010963/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Durables, Electrical & Electronics, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Packaging, Polycarbonate, Process, Resins, Testing & Analysis, Thermoplastics
- Tags: Compression Molding, Injection Molding, Material Science, material selection, quality control

Some applications require evaluating materials or parts under chemical stress. A practical insight provides tips for implementing standard or tailored testing to ensure part performance.

Some applications require evaluating materials or parts under chemical stress. A practical insight provides tips for implementing standard or tailored testing to ensure part performance. Chemical resistance is one of the polymer properties you should be looking for when getting in contact with solvents, varnishes, or other chemicals. It essentially determines a plastic component's ability to withstand chemical attack without changes in weight, appearance, or mechanical properties, such as hardness. You can also read: Direct Compounding Injection Molding: Cost-Efficient Expertise. Defining Chemical Resistance: Moving Beyond Trial and Error During my consultancy work, clients often ask me to identify the cause of part failures. I frequently find that many plastic users do not understand the consequences of chemical attack. Most people learn this lesson the hard way: through failure. Furthermore, companies typically omit chemical resistance or Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance (ESCR) from their material selection process. ESCR represents the combined effect of mechanical and chemical damage on a component over time. Consequently, failure rarely stems from a single cause; instead, a combination of factors usually triggers the breakdown. When selecting a material, we must always ask: How long will this part remain in operation? Also, what substances will it come into contact with? Once we answer these questions, we can determine which in-house test methods will best ensure part quality. Chemical damage may arise in the form of cracking, degradation, weight gain or mechanical failure. This image shows a time-lapse of a PC sample showing environmental stress cracking. Courtesy of Madison...

---

- Published: 2026-04-13
- Modified: 2026-04-01
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/upcycling-pet-through-artificial-photosynthesis-010940/
- Categories: Business, Circular Economy, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, People, PET, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Strategy, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Material Science, Sustainability

High-performance photocatalysts can upcycle post-consumer polyester under mild conditions.

High-performance photocatalysts can upcycle post-consumer polyester under mild conditions. Photocatalysis is an option for upcycling plastic waste under ambient conditions. Using solar energy, photocatalysts such as CdS, TiO2, and g-C3N4 induce redox reactions in plastic. Through the partial oxidation of plastics, these photocatalysts recover plastic’s carbon resources. This method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional waste management, reducing carbon emissions while valorizing waste into high-value compounds. You can also read: Bioinspired Hydrogels in Clean Energy and Hydrogen Generation. Process of Photocatalysis During photocatalysis, solar energy generates electron-hole pairs. Then, charge carriers migrate from the bulk to the photocatalyst surface. Redox reactions then occur on the photocatalyst’s surface. This process generates electrons, which can be used for water splitting or CO2 reduction to produce fuels. In turn, the resulting electron holes have applications in plastic valorization. Photocatalysis has applications in polyester upcycling integrated with water splitting, valorization, and CO2 reduction, as well as in organonitrogen synthesis. Figure courtesy of Beyond mechanical recycling: artificial photosynthesis enables upcycling of polyester plastic into valuable chemicals. Designing for Plastic Conversion When designing photocatalysts, modifying the redox potential can enhance their effectiveness. Methods such as doping engineering and heterojunction constructions can achieve this. Element doping: This process introduces heteroatoms into the lattice of photocatalysts. This modifies the redox capacity of the photocatalyst by inducing changes in its energy band. Previous research investigated Cu doping of BiOBr, a photocatalyst, through a one-pot solvothermal method. This narrowed the band gap of BiOBr while tuning its redox capacity. Heterojunction...

---

- Published: 2026-04-10
- Modified: 2026-04-01
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/in-vivo-plastic-waste-upcycling-010935/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Business, Circular Economy, Education & Training, Equipment, Feeding Systems, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Packaging, Polyolefins, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Software, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending
- Tags: Circular Economy, Microplastics, PET recycling

Advancements in biotechnology highlight how engineered microbial catalysts can recycle plastic waste in vivo.

Advancements in biotechnology highlight how engineered microbial catalysts can recycle plastic waste in vivo. Most current enzymatic approaches to managing plastic waste occur in vitro. These approaches include using enzymes to cleave plastic polymers, thereby releasing constituent monomers for repolymerization. Other bio-based approaches upcycle plastic waste into value-added compounds or use it as a carbon source for microorganisms. Novel research seeks to take this process in vivo. This entails using whole-cell microbial catalysts that feed directly on plastic waste, which could help address environmental challenges. You can also read: Bio-Based Media for Micro- and Nanoplastics Removal. Advanced bio-based plastic waste management systems offer increased remediation potential but require further refinement. Figure courtesy of Engineering whole-cell catalysts to use plastic waste as a feedstock. Whole-Cell Catalysts: Technical Challenges Though whole-cell catalysts show promise for environmental remediation, challenges for researchers remain. Highly crystalline, tightly-packed polymer chains, for example, inhibit enzymatic hydrolysis. For polyethylene terephthalate (PET), this inhibition occurs when crystallinity exceeds 30%, which is common in post-consumer waste. Pretreatment methods, such as extrusion and mechanical shear, cryomilling, and solvent exposure can reduce crystallinity to overcome this. Microplastics, however, are often highly crystalline. Conventional pretreatment strategies are not sufficient for microplastic treatment. Novel strategies, such as engineered microbes that secrete softening agents, may overcome this limitation. Designing pretreatments suitable for microplastics can enhance the effectiveness of bio-based waste treatment. Figure courtesy of Engineering whole-cell catalysts to use plastic waste as a feedstock. Protein Engineering Machine learning and artificial intelligence have contributed to recent...

---

- Published: 2026-04-09
- Modified: 2026-04-09
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/flexforum-2026-brings-flexible-packaging-leaders-to-fort-myers-011346/
- Categories: Business, Circular Economy, Education & Training, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Process, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, SPE News, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: EPR, Extended producer responsibility

Get a preview of FlexForum 2026, where flexible packaging professionals will explore regulation, circularity, innovation, and market trends.

Get a preview of FlexForum 2026, where flexible packaging professionals will explore regulation, circularity, innovation, and market trends. FlexForum 2026 brings the flexible packaging industry to Fort Myers, Florida, from May 4–6 for three days of discussion and networking. The event brings together converters, suppliers, manufacturers, and engineers to discuss focused conversations across the value chain. You can also read: FlexForum 2026: Key Policy Shifts in Flexible Packaging. Where the Market Is Heading This track explores the market forces shaping flexible packaging, including changing demand, shifting customer expectations, and increasing pressure on margins. Perc Pineda, PhD, Chief Economist of Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), will show the Economic Outlook 2026: Forces Shaping the Future of Flexible Plastics. Drawing on economic data and industry context, attendees will gain a clearer perspective on current conditions and the factors likely to influence flexible plastic packaging in the year ahead. As a result, attendees can better understand how producers are balancing performance, cost, and innovation in a highly competitive environment. In addition. Rules Reshaping the Industry This track focuses on the policy changes affecting packaging design, material selection, labeling, and broader compliance planning across the industry. The talk Policy Landscape: What's Coming for Flexible Packaging may address extended producer responsibility, recycled content requirements, and other regulations that continue gaining momentum. Because these issues now directly influence business decisions, this part of the program should attract strong interest from attendees. The Push Toward Circularity Sustainability remains central to the event, as companies continue working toward recyclability,...

---

- Published: 2026-04-09
- Modified: 2026-04-01
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/recyqmeter-quantifying-recycled-plastic-quality-010917/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Equipment, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Sensors, Software, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Circular Economy, LCA, Material Science, plastic recycling, polymer processing

A newly developed, open-access tool helps plastic recyclers pinpoint appropriate market applications.

A newly developed, open-access tool helps plastic recyclers pinpoint appropriate market applications. Recycling methodology and waste composition can influence the quality of recycled plastics. Many plastic parts require specific grades or amounts of virgin plastic to maintain quality in their specific application. Additionally, regulations may require manufacturers to incorporate certain amounts of recycled plastic into new materials. To help stakeholders in academia and industry more easily assess the quality of recycled plastics, researchers have developed RecyQMeter. You can also read: Flexible Packaging: Collective Testing Delivers New Insight into Real-World Recycling RecyQMeter is a tool that analyzes recycled compounds, or recyclates, to evaluate their useability for manufacturing. This tool enables users to easily leverage quality quantification frameworks based in existing scientific literature. It standardizes calculations based on the Quality Model for Recycled Plastic (QMRP) and Recycling Quality (RQ) models. This provides users with consistent data that can help them choose the best sources of recycled plastic. QMRP and RQ: A Framework for Calculating Quality The QMRP and RQ are two methods for quantifying recycled plastic quality. The QMRP model compares the properties of recycled plastic to ideal values using a non-linear function. If one of the quality properties evaluates to zero, the overall quality will also be zero. The RQ model defines the values RQproc (quality during manufacture) and RQmech (quality of the final material). This model outputs a value score between zero and one, with a score closer to one indicating higher quality. The use of different functions can influence...

---

- Published: 2026-04-08
- Modified: 2026-04-01
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/recycled-carbon-fiber-from-automotive-waste-010930/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Business, Circular Economy, Composites, Compounding, Design, Education & Training, Industry, Materials, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Recycling, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoforming, Thermosets, Trending

Automotive recycling combines EOL bumpers with carbon fiber scraps. This rCF-rPP composite increases stiffness and diverts plastic from landfills.

Automotive recycling combines EOL bumpers with carbon fiber scraps. This rCF-rPP composite increases stiffness and diverts plastic from landfills. Plastic components from EOL automobiles, such as bumpers, often end up in the landfill. Tangentially, the carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) industry generates significant manufacturing waste. Manufacturers primarily dispose of CFRP scraps from automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications in landfills or incineration plants. Finding recycling pathways for this valuable material is a significant area of study. One such pathway is a composite comprised of EOL car bumper plastics and recycled carbon fiber (rCF). This composite reduces waste while enhancing mechanical performance, with potential applications in non-critical automotive parts and other commercial applications. You can also read: Lightweight Suspension Design with Polymer–Metal Hybrids Composite from Carbon Fiber and Car Bumpers To create the composite, researchers obtained carbon fiber scrap from manufacturing plants. They sourced four brands of discarded car bumpers from a car garage company in Thailand. Additionally, they purchased commercial-grade polypropylene (PP) to compare the mechanical properties of virgin material to those of the recycled bumpers. Researchers prepared each material to obtain the rCF-recycled polypropylene (rPP) composite. Figure courtesy of Recycled composite materials from plastic parts of end-of-life vehicles mixed with recycled carbon fiber from automotive manufacturing waste. The study conducted tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness testing, and measured the density of the composite. They found that carbon fiber recycling was achievable at 500 °C with a 60 min holding time. These parameters were optimal for obtaining a clean fiber surface. Researchers...

---

- Published: 2026-04-07
- Modified: 2026-03-31
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/biodegradable-planting-bags-a-solution-for-agricultural-plastic-waste-011023/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Business, Circular Economy, Film, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Process, Resins, Sustainability, Trending

Cassava starch-soy films provide biodegradable nursery bags that cut soil microplastic buildup without compromising agronomic performance.

Cassava starch-soy films provide biodegradable nursery bags that cut soil microplastic buildup without compromising agronomic performance. Agricultural soils accumulate significant plastic residues from short-lifecycle products such as polyethylene nursery bags, contributing to a growing microplastic burden. Reports say that agricultural soils may contain between four and twenty-three times more microplastics than marine environments. You can also read: Microplastics and Nanoplastics: What Science Tells Us About Their Effects. A recent study shows that extrudable cassava starch-soy protein films can meet nursery performance requirements while enabling controlled degradation in soil, offering a technically viable alternative for short-term agricultural applications. A Scalable Route to Eliminate Plastic Nursery Waste The agricultural sector consumes enormous volumes of thin-gauge polyethylene nursery bags to propagate seedlings every year. Growers rely on these bags because they provide low cost, moisture containment, and sufficient mechanical stability during early planting periods. However, once transplantation begins, these same bags become a diffuse and persistent waste stream. Farmers often tear or discard them in the field, where fragments remain in soil and gradually degrade into microplastics. Real-world nursery trial demonstrating the structural integrity and controlled degradation of cassava starch-soy protein bags during the critical seedling propagation stage. This accumulation no longer represents a theoretical concern. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported in 2021 that agricultural soils may accumulate between four and twenty-three times more microplastics than marine environments due to land-based plastic inputs. Microplastic contamination alters soil structure, affects nutrient cycling, and ends up affecting the quality...

---

- Published: 2026-04-06
- Modified: 2026-04-06
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/the-debut-of-the-spe-impact-awards-011102/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Design, Education & Training, Electrical & Electronics, Food Packaging, Industry, Injection Molding, Packaging, Process, SPE News, Trending
- Tags: Injection Molding, Manufacturing Innovation

The 2026 SPE IMPACT Awards highlight breakthroughs in advanced injection molding technology, including YETI’s PPS lid and the SIMOLDES Eco Seat.

The 2026 SPE IMPACT Awards highlight breakthroughs in advanced injection molding technology, including YETI’s PPS lid and the SIMOLDES Eco Seat. The inaugural IMPACT Awards at ANTEC established a new global benchmark for excellence in advanced injection molding technology. This initiative originated from a strategic collaboration between SPE’s Injection Molding and Product Design and Development divisions. Furthermore, the visionary leadership of David Kusuma, PhD, successfully brought this program to life. A Jury of Industry Experts A Confluence of Expertise: The inaugural IMPACT Awards jury convened a distinguished panel to evaluate the current state of advanced injection molding technology. Dr. Kusuma convened a panel of highly renowned experts to ensure a rigorous and multifaceted evaluation process. This distinguished jury represented the leadership and deepest expertise of the plastics and product development sectors: David Kazmer, PhD: is serving as Professor of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Thomas L. Giovannetti: A veteran in material performance and Technical Service Engineer at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Matt Jaworski: A leading voice in digital manufacturing and Senior Solutions Engineer for Autodesk's Advanced Manufacturing Solutions. Ned LeMaster: A specialist in high-performance materials and Application Development Engineer (Americas) for DuPont Performance Polymers. Mark MacLean-Blevins: An esteemed independent product design consultant with a prolific career in private practice since 1993. Len Czuba: A recognized authority and pioneer in the specialized field of medical device design and manufacturing. Albert McGovern: A seasoned engineering leader and retired Director of Mechanical Engineering at Shure Incorporated. Prof. Tim A. Osswald:...

---

- Published: 2026-04-06
- Modified: 2026-03-27
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/thermotropic-lces-power-soft-robotics-010984/
- Categories: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing, Design, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Elastomers, Electrical & Electronics, Equipment, Feeding Systems, Hybrid Manufacturing, Hydrogels, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Medical, Process, Sensors, Silicones, Trending

Engineers leverage thermotropic LCE phase transitions to power prosthetics, overcoming rigid motor constraints with flexible actuation.

Engineers leverage thermotropic LCE phase transitions to power prosthetics, overcoming rigid motor constraints with flexible actuation. Legacy haptic technologies, such as Eccentric Rotating Mass motors, constrain wearable development. These systems force designers to accommodate rigid structures, poor portability, and low spatial resolution. Engineers solve these constraints using Liquid Crystal Elastomers. These polymers utilize a thermotropic order-disorder phase transition to generate work. When heat pushes the material above its isotropic clearing temperature, internal mesogens transition from a programmed monodomain state into a disordered isotropic state. This entropic loss of order forces the elastomer to contract macroscopically parallel to the molecular director. This delivers soft, lifelike actuation, eliminating limitations inherent to conventional motors. You can also read: Liquid Crystal Elastomers in Soft Robotics Comparative Actuation Metrics To understand the industrial viability of Liquid Crystal Elastomers, engineers evaluate physical performance across varying formulations. The table below outlines core metrics observed during thermal actuation testing. Metric LCE Tendons LCE Composites Max Strain 43. 6% 100% Max Stress 546 kPa 0. 46 MPa Input 6 V at 4. 5 A 6. 5 V Power Density 27 W 9. 97 kJ/m³ Peak Temperature 110–160 °C 40–80 °C Comparative metrics between LCE Tendons and LCE Composites. Adapted from Biomimetic Prosthetic Hand Enabled by Liquid Crystal Elastomer Tendons and Toward Application of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer for Smart Robotics: State of the Art and Challenges Specialized LCE formulations deliver robust contractile capabilities for robotics. Alternative composite films achieve superior strain, but specialized tendons generate exceptional stress necessary for prosthetic...

---

- Published: 2026-04-03
- Modified: 2026-03-25
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/digitalization-and-simulation-redefining-what-is-possible-010981/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Automotive & Transportation, Business, Education & Training, Industry, Industry 4.0, Injection Molding, Materials, Polyurethane, Process, Software, Strategy, Thermoforming, Trending
- Tags: AI, Covestro, Industry 4.0, Material Science, polyurethane, Simulation

AI-aided polyurethane simulation reduces modeling time from days to seconds. Digital material twins optimize tool design and predict foaming behavior.

AI-aided polyurethane simulation reduces modeling time from days to seconds. Digital material twins optimize tool design and predict foaming behavior. In this third article of our series, we review how digitalization partners with simulation to empower material development and troubleshoot production parameters. While simulation has supported plastics processing for over three decades, the introduction of AI marks a new revolution. Specifically, this new era combines high-performance computing with machine learning to reduce simulation times from days to mere seconds. Why Simulate Polyurethane (PU)? PU is formed through a reaction between isocyanates and polyols, commonly processed via reaction injection molding (RIM). Because this process is highly complex, manufacturers must avoid air traps and achieve a homogeneous density distribution. Furthermore, engineers often need to tailor foam density to achieve specific rigidity levels within a single mold. In complex automotive parts, it is necessary to identify where air traps may occur to implement appropriate venting. Additionally, external conditions such as ambient humidity or altitude can require immediate adjustments to the production setup. By using a predictive model, processors can anticipate variations in chemistry and curing, effectively reducing scrap. Building a Material Digital Twin Simulation software predicts the foaming process in an instrument panel. The model can predict the foaming process and material behavior. Image courtesy of Bayfill® technology from Covestro. Companies like Covestro have developed proprietary material models coupled with powerful computing to create a "Digital Twin" of the foaming process. Notably, predicting reactive PU flow involves multi-physics computational fluid dynamics based on...

---

- Published: 2026-04-02
- Modified: 2026-03-24
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/circular-automotive-ikv-colloquium-drives-real-change-010990/
- Categories: Elastomers, Foaming Agents, Industry, Materials, PET, Polyurethane, Process, Resins

OEM and material supplier innovations reveal breakthrough circularity solutions driving sustainable mobility at IKV Colloquium 2026.

OEM and material supplier innovations reveal breakthrough circularity solutions driving sustainable mobility at IKV Colloquium 2026. The focus key phrase “creating circular value chains in automotive” captures one of the central messages that defined the IKV Colloquium 2026 in Aachen. The event brought leaders from industry and academia together to accelerate circularity in mobility. Because the automotive sector now faces increasing regulatory pressure, material constraints, and customer expectations for sustainability, the Colloquium created a space where experts could align on practical pathways for future-ready vehicle development. You can also read: 32nd IKV Colloquium, The Five Cutting-Edge Topics. Volkswagen: Circularity as a Strategic Driver Volkswagen’s keynote delivered a strong message: circularity strengthens resilience, opens new revenue sources, and ensures long-term compliance. Dr. -Ing. Werner Tietz emphasized that upcoming regulations will reshape material strategies across the automotive world. These regulations will require 15% recycled plastics by 2032 and 25% by 2036, with all of it coming from post-consumer sources and at least 20% implemented in automotive closed loops. Additional steel and aluminum targets are also expected. As a result, Volkswagen plans its material transitions well ahead of regulatory timelines. To achieve this shift, Volkswagen promotes a Re‑X strategy for batteries—Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. This method increases the value of each battery, because it reduces costs, strengthens supply resilience, and supports long-term sustainability goals. It also prepares the company for future battery legislation that will place strong demands on traceability and recovered content. Real Vehicle Examples: T‑Roc and CUPRA RAVAL Volkswagen shared concrete...

---

- Published: 2026-04-01
- Modified: 2026-03-23
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/04/using-ai-for-transparent-policymaking-010926/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Circular Economy, Composites, Elastomers, Industry, Materials, People, Polyolefins, Regulation, Resins, Software, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending
- Tags: Environmental Impact, Machine Learning, Plastics industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may help bridge the gap between scientific research and policy in the plastics industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may help bridge the gap between scientific research and policy in the plastics industry. Better Data, Better Decisions Data is a key driver of evidence-based policy. Communicating the intricacies of the plastics industry to decision makers is crucial for effective governance. To support the interface of science and policy, researchers developed an AI-driven framework using plastic lifecycle environmental impacts (LCEI) data. This framework can help researchers and policymakers synthesize large-scale datasets to make informed decisions. You can also read: Smart Plastics: How Data Intelligence Is Reshaping Production LCEI data comprises interconnected elements, such as the studied product, system boundaries, methodological choices, and underlying data sources. This complex data can be difficult to parse using a large language model (LLM) without customization. Researchers used a customized LLM-driven workflow to build a Plastics LCEI database with over 65,536 data points. Developing a Knowledge Base To create the custom LLM-based framework, researchers developed a plastics lifecycle knowledge base. This knowledge base served to improve prompt precision and contextual understanding for the LLM. It focused on various areas vital to understanding the plastic lifecycle, including the fundamental properties of plastics. The knowledgebase also reviewed over 200 common production pathways for plastic resins and 130 typical recycling technologies. Creating a Structured LCEI Database With the foundation of the knowledge base, researchers created an automated workflow combining prompt engineering and LLM-driven information extraction. This process resulted in a structured database for LCEI in the plastics industry. The researchers conducted multi-dimensional statistical analyses to...

---

- Published: 2026-03-31
- Modified: 2026-04-08
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/flexforum-2026-key-policy-shifts-in-flexible-packaging-011125/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Cast Film/Sheet, Circular Economy, Decorating & Coatings, Extrusion, Film, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, PET, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending
- Tags: Extended producer responsibility, PPWR

Join FlexForum to explore PPWR, EPR, and PCR trends shaping flexible packaging design and recyclability.

Join FlexForum to explore EPR, PCR, and labeling trends shaping flexible packaging design and recyclability. The regulatory environment for flexible packaging is shifting from voluntary goals to enforceable legal mandates. As governments across the United States advance circularity policies, they are also aligning packaging design with real-world recycling systems. As a result, manufacturers must adapt their material selection, structural design, and reporting practices to meet evolving compliance requirements. You can also read: How Recyclability is Redefining Packaging Form and Function. Mandatory Recycled Content and Food Safety U. S. regulations are increasingly driving the adoption of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in plastic packaging, particularly through state-level mandates and corporate commitments. These requirements aim to stimulate demand for secondary materials while strengthening domestic recycling markets. However, increasing PCR content introduces both technical and regulatory challenges, especially in food-contact applications. In the United States, substances that may migrate from packaging into food must comply with U. S. Food and Drug Administration requirements, including GRAS determinations or Food Contact Notifications. As a result, not all recycled streams are suitable for high-value applications. Mechanical recycling remains the primary pathway, but its output depends heavily on feedstock quality and contamination control. Meanwhile, advanced recycling technologies may complement these systems, although questions remain regarding scalability, cost, and environmental performance. The Rise of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Across the United States, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are expanding at the state level. These policies shift the financial burden of waste management to producers while introducing fee structures that...

---

- Published: 2026-03-30
- Modified: 2026-03-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/sorting-construction-waste-in-real-time-010921/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Building & Construction, Composites, Education & Training, Equipment, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Process, Recycling, Resins, Sensors, Software, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Thermosets, Trending, Vinyl

Researchers are fine-tuning computer vision systems to help identify and sort plastic waste on construction sites.

Researchers are fine-tuning computer vision systems to help identify and sort plastic waste on construction sites. Construction and demolition (C&D) activities are major sources of waste, including plastic waste. Due to time constraints and cost limitations on construction sites, plastic scraps often become contaminated and eventually landfilled or incinerated. Additionally, manual sorting processes often overlook recyclable plastics. To improve the recovery and reuse of construction plastics, researchers developed a tool to automatically sort C&D waste onsite. You can also read: Hard-to-Recycle Plastics – Facing The Challenge. Construction-Focused Computer Vision To create the tool, researchers began by compiling a dataset of images and photographs of active construction and renovation sites. These images captured a range of lighting and environmental conditions, including those taken outdoors and indoors. Having a variety of realistic images in the underlying dataset improves accuracy for computer vision-based machine learning tools. This is especially crucial for real-time, real-life monitoring, such as on a construction site. The dataset categorized seven major objects frequently found on construction sites. These object classes included Bucket, Cable, Drum, Insulation, Liquid Container, Pipe, and PVC Profile. The PVC Profile object included various structural components made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Researchers used the Roboflow platform to annotate the images. Images in the dataset showed construction waste in real-world environments to improve accuracy. Figure courtesy of Real-time plastic waste segmentation for sustainable resource recovery in construction. Identifying Recyclable Plastics Using computer vision and machine learning, the tool successfully provided insights into C&D waste scenes. The Drum...

---

- Published: 2026-03-27
- Modified: 2026-03-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/digitalization-to-improve-productivity-010975/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Business, Education & Training, Equipment, Industry, Industry 4.0, Injection Molding, People, Process, Sensors, Software, Strategy, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Engel, Extrusion, Industry 4.0, Injection Molding, quality control

Plastic manufacturing data analytics shifts quality control upstream. Real-time monitoring and AI improve OEE and identify root causes before defects occur.

Plastic manufacturing data analytics shifts quality control upstream. Real-time monitoring and AI improve OEE and identify root causes before defects occur. This second installment of a three-part series explores how digitalization and data analysis impact quality control and productivity monitoring. While data has been available in machinery for years, the true breakthrough occurs when processors use this information to support decision-making. You can also read: Tooling Digitalization: Basics. Specifically, modern control systems now transform raw data into intelligence to solve problems before they occur or warn operators about impending defects. Tracking OEE and Machine Status Reifenhäuser, a German manufacturer of extrusion lines, has developed the NEXT platform to integrate industrial AI and real-time data monitoring. Consequently, the company can now track production variables and display them in a centralized dashboard. Data points such as throughput, energy consumption, and machine status are readily available for correlation. Through NEXT, the company aims to reach the full potential of production data with the data tool. Because extrusion processes generate large volumes of raw data, this approach uses real-time analytics to drive productivity. Furthermore, the tool includes automated OEE analysis that provides information on availability, performance, and quality. A similar approach exists for injection molding. For instance, Sumitomo Demag and Arburg demonstrated monitoring tools at the last K Show that track production plans directly on the machine. In this way, operators can view the progress of a production order, identify defective parts, and monitor essential KPIs like energy efficiency in kWh/kg. Data for Upstream...

---

- Published: 2026-03-26
- Modified: 2026-03-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/resin-drying-the-energy-elephant-hiding-in-plain-sight-011045/
- Categories: Auxiliaries, Blow Molding, Circular Economy, Equipment, Extrusion, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, People, Process, Sustainability
- Tags: energy efficiency, Injection Molding

Resin drying is a major energy consumer in plastics processing. Learn how to optimize dew point, airflow, and residence time to reduce costs and improve melt stability.

Resin drying is a major energy consumer in plastics processing. Learn how to optimize dew point, airflow, and residence time to reduce costs and improve melt stability. Resin drying precedes injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding, and often operates as a continuous utility system with limited parameter discipline and unclear process ownership. That operating profile imposes high, sustained electrical demand through heater duty, blower work, and desiccant-regeneration heat input. Drying also functions as a materials-conditioning operation that sets the resin moisture state before melting and homogenization in the screw. Moisture specification compliance governs melt stability, surface quality, and mechanical-property scatter in hygroscopic polymers. You can also read: Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Polymer Extrusion. Moisture Sensitivity and the Transport Constraint Splay marks on an injection-molded surface are typically caused by moisture or other volatiles flashing into gas during filling. Courtesy of Elastron. Hygroscopic resins sorb moisture into the polymer bulk, so drying must drive intrapellet desorption rather than surface evaporation. When residual moisture exceeds specification, the process shows splay, voids, haze, dimensional drift, and property scatter. PET represents the constraint case: residual water accelerates hydrolytic chain scission under melt conditions, lowering molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity and shifting melt viscosity and part performance. Many PET workflows therefore target ultra-low moisture, often in the tens of ppm, with values near

---

- Published: 2026-03-25
- Modified: 2026-03-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/digitalization-a-tool-to-access-industry-knowledge-010969/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Business, Education & Training, Industry, Industry 4.0, Injection Molding, People, Process, Software, Strategy, Trending
- Tags: Arburg, Digitalization, Industry 4.0, Machine Learning, Plastics industry, smart manufacturing

Digitalization bridges the knowledge gap in the plastics industry. AI tools, smart displays, and chatbots capture expert data for future generations.

Digitalization bridges the knowledge gap in the plastics industry. AI tools, smart displays, and chatbots capture expert data for future generations. This first installment of a three-part series explores how digitalization is shaping the plastics industry. Specifically, we analyze how digital tools transform education, troubleshooting, and the transfer of generational knowledge. The term digitalization often carries different meanings; some associate it with digital models, while others focus on monitoring, database building, or artificial intelligence. All these insights are correct. The umbrella of digitalization is broad, covering technologies from additive manufacturing and augmented reality to cybersecurity and process monitoring. Consequently, the industry is rapidly moving toward a digital transformation that redefines how we handle information. Making Information Accessible Chatbots enable direct interaction with machines for troubleshooting. They make information available and make handbooks easier to access. Courtesy of KraussMaffei. One of the most significant challenges for the current generation is the loss of a skilled workforce. As experts retire, transferring their knowledge becomes vital. Digitalization aids this process in two ways: it makes knowledge readily available and tracks veteran workers' experiences. For example, machine manufacturers now use AI to develop multilingual training videos for operation and troubleshooting. In this way, plastic converters in different countries can access standardized expertise without language barriers. Furthermore, AI-driven chatbots allow operators to enter specific questions and receive immediate setup adjustments or machinery solutions. Information integration within the machine display also marks a major trend. Notably, manufacturers such as Arburg are including data on molds and...

---

- Published: 2026-03-24
- Modified: 2026-03-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/next-generation-ev-battery-solution-wins-spe-award-010958/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Auxiliaries, Business, Composites, Compounding, Design, Education & Training, Electric Vehicles, Electrical & Electronics, Energy Generation, Equipment, Industry, Industry 4.0, Injection Molding, Materials, Mixing & Blending, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Resins, Thermoforming, Thermosets, Trending
- Tags: Electric Vehicles, Injection Molding, SABIC, Sustainability, Thermoplastics

A new hybrid composite EV battery housing reduces weight by 20% and costs by 30%. This SPE award-winning design optimizes safety and scalability.

A new hybrid composite EV battery housing reduces weight by 20% and costs by 30%. This SPE award-winning design optimizes safety and scalability. In the rapidly evolving hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, limited driving range remains a persistent challenge. This available distance is parameter that significantly depends on the vehicle’s weight. The EV’s battery accounts for 20-35% of the vehicle's overall weight. This further reduces efficiency, increases energy consumption, affects handling, and raises manufacturing costs. You can also read: What the EV Boom Means for Plastics. As the automobile market continues to grow and consumers demand longer-range EVs, the industry is taking innovative approaches to design, materials, and manufacturing. Innovators have been developing lightweight components that enhance vehicle performance while meeting safety standards and ensuring durability. Last year, engineers at Envalion, in collaboration with SABIC, ENGEL, Siebenwurst, and Forward Engineering, showed leadership in sustainable, high-performance lightweighting solutions for the automotive industry. They have introduced a new perspective on the design and manufacturing of hybrid composite battery housings. The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) recognized this development at the Automotive Awards in Bonn, Germany. Winners in the category of “Enabler Technology” for enabling lighter, safer, and more efficient to manufacture electric vehicle (EV) designs. Advanced Hybrid Composite Design for EV Battery Enclosures This collaborative development introduces a next-generation hybrid composite architecture for high-voltage electric-vehicle battery housings. The design centers on a lightweight sandwich structure that combines structural efficiency with thermal protection and functional integration. The battery cover features a multilayer...

---

- Published: 2026-03-23
- Modified: 2026-03-19
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/biochar-filled-polyolefins-enhancing-fire-safety-and-stiffness-010893/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Circular Economy, Compounding, Design, Durables, Education & Training, Electrical & Electronics, Industry, Materials, People, Process, Sustainability

Biochar improves fire performance and stiffness in polypropylene and polyethylene composites by reducing heat release rate and increasing thermal stability.

Biochar improves fire performance and stiffness in polypropylene and polyethylene composites by reducing heat release rate and increasing thermal stability. As sustainability drives material innovation in the plastics industry, researchers are developing bio-based additives as alternatives to synthetic reinforcements for polyolefin products. Among these additives, biochar has gained attention for its ability to improve fire performance and stiffness in polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) composites. Researchers show that adding biochar to polyolefins reduces peak heat release rate (PHRR), lowers smoke production, enhances stiffness-related mechanical properties, and supports waste valorization. You can also read: Natural and Mineral Fillers Improve UV Stability in Rotomolded Polyethylene. The Role of Pyrolysis in Biochar Production Biochar is a solid, carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass under oxygen-limited conditions in a process known as pyrolysis. This thermochemical process stabilizes carbon that would otherwise escape as CO2, which makes biochar a potential tool for carbon sequestration. Feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature strongly influence biochar’s surface area, pore structure, and chemical composition. Under controlled pyrolysis conditions, biochar develops a uniform and porous microstructure. This structure contributes to thermal stability and promotes interaction with polymer matrices. The high surface area of biochar enables thermoplastic chains to contact and anchor to its surface. During melt processing, molten polyolefins flow around and partially into the biochar structure, thereby promoting mechanical interlocking between the filler and the polymer. As industries seek value-added uses for residues, biochar offers a dual benefit: waste valorization and performance enhancement. Agriculture byproducts, such as rice husks and...

---

- Published: 2026-03-20
- Modified: 2026-03-19
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/self-healing-coatings-for-automotive-applications-010861/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Automotive & Transportation, Decorating & Coatings, Design, Education & Training, Elastomers, Equipment, Feeding Systems, Industry, Materials, Process, Thermoplastics, Trending

Photothermal-responsive coatings use shape memory polymers to repair surface defects. Structural encoding and light activation enable autonomous recovery.

Photothermal-responsive coatings use shape memory polymers to repair surface defects. Structural encoding and light activation enable autonomous recovery. Historically, automotive paint technology evolved from nitrocellulose lacquers to acrylic–polyurethane hybrid resin systems. Modern coatings combine pigments, binders, solvents, and functional additives to balance flexibility, hardness, and environmental compliance. To reduce weight, manufacturers keep multilayer coatings thin, normally around 65 to 150 microns, making them susceptible to chipping and light scratches. Surface defects are therefore a significant concern for drivers, as they can reduce a vehicle’s value, especially when caused by everyday wear and tear, such as tight parking, car washes, and road debris. You can also read: Graphene Nanofillers in PP for Automotive Applications Shape Memory Polymers (SPMs) SMPs represent a class of stimuli-responsive materials that recover a programmed geometry after mechanical deformation. Automotive coating systems can substitute the conventional clear coat with an SMP-based layer. This introduction enables rapid repair of surface defects through intrinsic self-healing. Researchers have investigated photothermal-responsive SMPs as protective coatings because they promote crack closure and restore barrier integrity under thermally activated recovery. Optical stimulation increasingly triggers this activation, since light enables remote, localized, and contactless healing. Photothermal fillers embedded in the SMP matrix convert incident light into heat, driving the transition between rigid and elastic states. In addition to self-healing capability, these smart materials offer low density, straightforward processability, high deformability, and enhanced corrosion resistance. In the industry, this constructive interaction seems attractive for advanced protective coating systems. Working Principle Photothermal-responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs)...

---

- Published: 2026-03-19
- Modified: 2026-03-05
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/mxene-hydrogels-dual-conductivity-self-healing-010779/
- Categories: Design, Education & Training, Electrical & Electronics, Energy Generation, Equipment, Hybrid Manufacturing, Hydrogels, Industry, Materials, Medical, Process, Sensors, Silicones, Trending
- Tags: Hydrogels, nanotechnology

Engineers leverage MXene/MWCNT dual-conductive percolation to solve cyclic fatigue in self-healing Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs).

Engineers leverage MXene/MWCNT dual-conductive percolation to solve cyclic fatigue in self-healing Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs). Materials engineers are coupling MXene nanosheets with solvated ions to develop robust, self-healing hydrogels capable of sustaining high power density under extreme mechanical strain. You can also read: Soft Robotics in Medicine: A Growing Trend Powered by Hydrogels. The Electromechanical Challenge in Soft Robotics Soft robotics developers frequently encounter a specific failure mode: repetitive elongation severs continuous conductive pathways. While rigid metallic conductors delaminate under stress, standard elastomers exhibit pronounced increases in electrical resistance during deformation. To resolve this degradation, engineers leverage dual-conductive percolation mechanisms. By embedding MXene nanosheets within elastomeric matrices, researchers couple high electronic charge transport with the intrinsic ionic conductivity of base hydrogels. This integration addresses the cyclic fatigue problem, enabling soft robotic interfaces to maintain electrical continuity under extreme operational deformations. 1. Conductivity Physics and Interconnected Network Topology To optimize electrical output, researchers configure percolation networks by precisely controlling the ratios of nanomaterials. Tests demonstrate that MXene/MWCNT composites reach a critical percolation threshold at 3. 5 wt% within self-healing elastomer sensors. This specific mass fraction preserves mechanical elasticity while ensuring a continuous electron flow. MXene nanosheets establish durable electronic pathways that complement the ionic conductivity generated by solvated lithium (Li+) and sodium (Na+) ions. To densify these interconnected networks, engineers often incorporate: Conductive Polymers: Such as PEDOT:PSS. Ionic Salts: To accelerate charge transfer efficiency. Hybrid Charge Transport: This mechanism stabilizes electrical output during ambient humidity fluctuations—a persistent reliability issue in purely electronic...

---

- Published: 2026-03-18
- Modified: 2026-03-04
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/smart-hydrogels-as-mechanically-programmable-networks-010855/
- Categories: Education & Training, Hybrid Manufacturing, Hydrogels, Industry, Materials, Medical, Process, Sustainability, Trending

Smart hydrogels for localized drug delivery have evolved from passive matrices to mechanically programmable polymer networks.

Smart hydrogels for localized drug delivery have evolved from passive matrices to mechanically programmable polymer networks. Polymer engineering has enabled the design of logical 3D networks characterized by high water retention. This results in programmable cross-linked architectures integrating hydrophilic groups and hydrophobic domains. Moreover, they can undergo sudden changes in response to small external stimuli. You can also read: Hydrogels in Drug Delivery: Smart Carriers for Targeted Therapies. From Passive Diffusion to Mechanically Controlled Release These hydrogels reversibly change their swelling, hydrophobicity, porosity, and mechanical properties in response to physical, chemical, and biological stimuli. Thus, the volume response is no longer an effect of diffusion, but an engineering variable used to achieve controlled release. In this way, hydrogels keep stable therapeutic concentrations and minimize drug accumulation in non-targeted tissues. Scientists can design smart hydrogels to respond to one or multiple external stimuli. Nevertheless, increasing the number of design variables often compromises structural stability, complicates synthesis, and challenges safety and biocompatibility. Courtesy of Current Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels as Smart Drug Delivery Carriers. A balance of pressures governs stress-strain behavior and swelling-collapse transitions. The network responds to interactions among polymer-polymer affinity, ionic pressure, and rubber elasticity. Hence, any stimulus that alters ionic distribution or solvation interactions disrupts this osmotic equilibrium. This forces the hydrogel to adjust its volume and thickness toward equilibrium. Network Architecture, Cross-Linking, and Stress-Strain Behavior The composition and degree of crosslinking are the most important variables for improving performance under stimuli and mechanical loading. This leads to the...

---

- Published: 2026-03-17
- Modified: 2026-02-27
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/transforming-packaging-into-recognition-tools-010850/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Decorating & Coatings, Design, Industry, Packaging, People, Process, Sustainability, Trending

Only 15% of brand assets are truly distinctive. Research confirms that product form and structure drive brand memory more effectively than color.

Only 15% of brand assets are truly distinctive. Research confirms that product form and structure drive brand memory more effectively than color. In a marketplace where consumers encounter thousands of products daily, most packaging investments focus on visibility. The real challenge lies elsewhere. Research reveals that only fifteen percent of brand assets achieve true distinctiveness, the dual capacity to be both recognized and correctly attributed. This gap between investment and effectiveness stems from a fundamental misunderstanding about how brand memory actually builds. You can also read: When Packaging Shape Speaks Louder Than Words. The Science Behind Brand Recognition Jenni Romaniuk, Research Professor at the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, has dedicated decades to understanding how brand assets build what she calls mental availability. Her research reveals a fundamental truth: brands need neural highways in consumer minds. When purchase decisions happen in seconds, these mental shortcuts determine which products enter consideration. Romaniuk establishes two criteria for asset effectiveness: fame and uniqueness. Fame measures how many people recognize the asset. Uniqueness determines whether it is correctly attributed to a single brand. An asset achieves distinctiveness only when both dimensions score high. Without this dual strength, elements on packaging occupy space without building memory. The Hierarchy of Asset Performance Johnnie Walker exemplifies the principle of "fresh consistency" through persistent amplification of its striding man character across generations of packaging design. The silhouetted figure achieves recognition levels that exceed most logos, operating as a visual shortcut that triggers brand recall before conscious processing begins. Courtesy of Diageo....

---

- Published: 2026-03-16
- Modified: 2026-02-26
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/how-recyclability-is-redefining-packaging-form-and-function-010845/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Decorating & Coatings, Design, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Packaging, People, Process, Sustainability, Trending

EPR mandates and monomaterial shifts are transforming packaging. Circular requirements now dictate structural design, material choice, and form.

EPR mandates and monomaterial shifts are transforming packaging. Circular requirements now dictate structural design, material choice, and form. In an era when less than 7% of materials used in the global economy come from recycled sources, the packaging industry faces a fundamental rethink of how products present themselves to the world. Design for recyclability represents the convergence of aesthetic intention, technical possibility, and systemic necessity. You can also read: Flexible and Recyclable: Monomaterial Packaging Meets Sustainability Needs. The Legislative Current Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are reshaping the packaging landscape across continents. These mechanisms make producers financially accountable for their packaging throughout its life cycle, particularly at the end of life. The principle operates through fee modulation, where packaging designed for efficient recycling carries lower costs than structures that complicate material recovery. The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, California's SB 54, and evolving frameworks in Asia create a global mosaic of requirements that share common threads: minimize resource use and maximize recyclability. Rethinking Structural Fundamentals Reducing shrink sleeve coverage improves detection in optical sorting facilities while transforming the bottle itself into a primary brand asset. When labels occupy minimal surface area, embossed structural features and tactile treatments carry identity through the container's form. Brands discover that less label coverage often creates more distinctive shelf presence through sculptural honesty and material authenticity. Design by Elmwood. The most profound shifts emerge not from revolutionary technologies but from questioning established assumptions. Monomaterial packaging structures eliminate the separation challenges that doom multi-material...

---

- Published: 2026-03-13
- Modified: 2026-02-26
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/the-regulatory-blind-spot-in-plastic-design-010790/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Compounding, Industry, Legal Analysis, Materials, Process, Recycling, Regulation, Sustainability, Testing & Analysis, Trending
- Tags: Circular Economy, Microplastics

The new EU 10/2011 and REACH mandates shift the focus of plastic compliance toward pigments and additives, affecting NIR recyclability and migration limits.

The new EU 10/2011 and REACH mandates shift the focus of plastic compliance toward pigments and additives, affecting NIR recyclability and migration limits. For the past decade, plastic regulation has focused on polymers. Policymakers targeted monomers of concern, recyclability targets, and resin-level bans. Environmental criteria entered slowly, often through voluntary programs and industry pledges. That focus is shifting. You can also read: Transforming Black Plastic Recycling Yet regulators are increasingly converging on a quieter vulnerability in plastic products. Additives, colorants, fillers, and effect pigments increasingly define whether a plastic product complies with the law. These materials give plastics their performance and appearance. They also introduce chemical, safety, and recycling risks that regulators can no longer ignore. Regulation Is Catching Up with What Formulators Already Know The shift is already visible in Europe. Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials, updated in January 2025, continues to expand its positive lists and migration limits, not only for base polymers but also for colorants, fillers, and functional additives. National authorities push even further. Germany’s BfR Recommendation IX restricts acceptable colorant chemistries in consumer plastics, while Switzerland’s revised food contact framework and ink requirements create a stricter regime than the EU baseline. Summary of updates under Switzerland’s RO 2024 755, tightening migration limits and group restrictions for additives in food contact plastics and packaging inks. Courtesy of SGS. This divergence matters. A formulator may secure EU approval for an additive, yet lose access to Switzerland or specific applications such as toys....

---

- Published: 2026-03-12
- Modified: 2026-02-26
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/aqueous-chemi-mechanical-polyolefin-recycling-010823/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Auxiliaries, Durables, Equipment, Industry, Materials, Medical, Packaging, People, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending, Wearables
- Tags: Circular Economy, Mechanical Recycling

Subcritical water treatment at 325°C removes 96% of VOCs and pigments from PE/PP blends while preserving 94% of molecular weight for high-value reuse.

Subcritical water treatment at 325°C removes 96% of VOCs and pigments from PE/PP blends while preserving 94% of molecular weight for high-value reuse. Less than 20% of global plastic waste gets recycled today. The main reason is that mechanical recycling degrades polymer properties while making plastics darker and smellier. The numbers tell the story clearly. Recycled polyolefins contain 420 micrograms of carbon per gram from volatile organic compounds. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) create the distinctive "recycled plastic smell" that limits reuse applications. Mechanical extrusion also reduces molecular weight by roughly 24% in PE-PP blends. This degradation means recycled plastics perform worse than virgin materials. You can also read: Reactive Extrusion for PCR Odor Control. Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Akron developed a different approach called aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling. Their study, published in Chemical Engineering Journal, demonstrates how the process uses hot water at 325°C to clean and blend mixed plastics. This single treatment simultaneously removes color, eliminates odor compounds, and preserves polymer strength. Their results show promise for making recycled plastics competitive with virgin materials. How Hot Water Changes Plastic Processing The key insight involves water's unusual behavior at high temperatures. Water at 325°C acts less like ordinary water and more like a mild solvent. It can penetrate plastics and extract contaminants without breaking the polymer chains that give plastics their strength. The researchers identified a sweet spot between conventional recycling at 200°C and chemical breakdown above 374°C. Graphical abstract. Courtesy of Aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling...

---

- Published: 2026-03-11
- Modified: 2026-02-25
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/am-and-conductive-polymers-next-gen-aerospace-electronics-010818/
- Categories: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing, Aerospace, Auxiliaries, Composites, Design, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Elastomers, Equipment, Feeding Systems, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Process, Resins, Thermoplastics, Thermosets, Trending
- Tags: additive manufacturing, PEEK, Polymer Composites

Multi-material 3D printing of PEEK and PEKK enables the consolidation of structural aerospace parts with embedded sensors and high-frequency antennas.

Multi-material 3D printing of PEEK and PEKK enables the consolidation of structural aerospace parts with embedded sensors and high-frequency antennas. Additive manufacturing (AM), widely known as 3D printing, is transforming how electronics are fabricated and designed for aerospace systems. Engineers and researchers can leverage design and integration freedoms not typically available in traditional circuitry. Instead of fabricating circuits separately on rigid boards, installing them into components and assemblies, there is another option for the fabrication and manufacturing of electronics and circuitry. You can also read: Additive Manufacturing of Conductive Electronics. Designers and manufacturers can leverage electrical functionality directly into or onto polymer components by additive manufacturing. Additive Manufacturing Circuitry 3D printed circuit board produced using polymeric circuitry. Courtesy of Hensoldt. AM builds parts layer by layer from digital models. In electronics, this enables embedded antennas, sensors, and electromagnetic control features within plastics. By leveraging the layer by layer fabrication, engineers can tailor geometry, material placement, and function simultaneously. Plastics play a pivotal role as they offer low density, design freedom, and compatibility with multi-material printing. Unlike traditional metal circuitry which requires soldering, design flexibility and components consolidation are leveraged. Extrusion-based approaches, like fused deposition modeling (FDM), fused filament fabrication (FFF), and direct ink writing (DIW), deposit thermoplastics or functional inks through a nozzle. These systems can readily combine structural polymers with conductive tracks in a single build. Laser-assisted technologies such as stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) cure photopolymers with specific wavelengths of light. These methods deliver high resolution...

---

- Published: 2026-03-10
- Modified: 2026-02-25
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/variothermal-molding-for-mass-production-010777/
- Categories: Design, Education & Training, Elastomers, Electrical & Electronics, Equipment, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Medical, Process, Silicones, Thermoplastics, Trending

Mass production of microfluidics requires replacing PDMS with thermoplastics. Variothermal molding solves the "frozen layer" problem, enabling cycle times of

Mass production of microfluidics requires replacing PDMS with thermoplastics. Variothermal molding solves the "frozen layer" problem, enabling cycle times of

---

- Published: 2026-03-09
- Modified: 2026-02-25
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/the-hidden-financial-cost-of-non-recyclable-polymer-design-010786/
- Categories: Business, Circular Economy, Industry, Materials, People, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Recycling, Results, Strategy, Sustainability

Non-recyclable polymer design destroys terminal value. Examine how NPV and IRR metrics can address structural financial distortions in plastics.

Non-recyclable polymer design destroys terminal value. Examine how NPV and IRR metrics can address structural financial distortions in plastics. A material choice is, in practice, a financial one. Designing for non-recyclability sacrifices residual value for short-term savings, effectively stripping embedded capital from the polymer value chain. As Design from Recycling (2023) emphasizes, material choices made during product development determine whether polymers are returned to high-value applications or permanently downcycled into low-margin uses. The authors argue that upstream design decisions, rather than recycling technology, constrain recyclability by shaping material quality and economic recoverability. From a financial perspective, these constraints affect long-term cash flows and residual value. The study shows that investments in advanced sorting and recycling lose value when polymer design prevents recycled materials from meeting performance standards. A simplified representation of how polymer design choices allocate value: good design expands applications and preserves capital; poor design collapses recyclability and destroys value downstream Courtesy of Design from Recycling. A simplified representation of how polymer design choices allocate value: good design expands applications and preserves capital; poor design collapses recyclability and destroys value downstream Courtesy of Design from Recycling From a capital-allocation perspective, non-recyclable design choices reduce return on invested capital not only for recyclers but across the entire polymer value chain. These decisions push costs downstream and reduce the economic viability of circular material flows. Evidence from recycling economics supports this view. Studies such as The Economics of Recycling show that recycling delivers cost savings and competitive advantages only when material...

---

- Published: 2026-03-06
- Modified: 2026-02-25
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/closing-the-loop-starts-with-product-design-010746/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Business, Circular Economy, Education & Training, Electrical & Electronics, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Medical, Packaging, People, PET, Polyolefins, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, Strategy, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Circular Economy

Upstream design decisions determine the success of plastic circularity. This analysis examines the gap between technical and effective recycling.

Upstream design decisions determine the success of plastic circularity. This analysis examines the gap between technical and effective recycling. Policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates promote plastic recycling as a pillar of the circular economy. Yet environmental leakage continues to rise, and packaging recycling rates remain low despite decades of investment. This gap has pushed attention upstream, to product and packaging design. You can also read: Combining Lean Thinking and LCA for Sustainable Manufacturing From “Technically Recyclable” to System Compatible Design A major weakness in today’s recycling debate is the focus on “technical recyclability. ” Designers and manufacturers can recycle many packaging formats in a lab or controlled settings. But real-world systems often fail. Materials degrade. Sorting systems miss items. Markets lack strong economic incentives. Design for recycling requires a shift in thinking. The goal is not nominal recyclability but effective recyclability. Designers must measure their choices against real recovery rates, not theoretical ones. If systems cannot collect and recycle packaging at scale, stakeholders should not label it recyclable, regardless of the material. Recyclability as a Design Attribute Guidelines and life-cycle research define the requirements for good recycling design. They agree on a few core principles. Reduce material complexity. Ensure sorting compatibility. Maintain stability during reprocessing. Preserve quality to avoid downcycling. The report Core Principles for Plastic Packaging Recyclability: A Summary of Recyclability by Design, turns these limits into clear design rules. Design for recycling guidelines for PET bottles, classifying packaging components as compatible, conditionally suitable, or not suitable for...

---

- Published: 2026-03-05
- Modified: 2026-03-04
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/at-antec-class-a-straight-from-the-mold-with-pu-overmolding-010945/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Design, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Polyurethane, Process, Trending
- Tags: ANTEC 2026, Injection Molding, Manufacturing Efficiency, polyurethane

By moving surface formation into the tool, PU overmolding can displace downstream paint operations with a reactive in-mold skin that stabilizes gloss and optical uniformity.

By moving surface formation into the tool, PU overmolding can displace downstream paint operations with a reactive in-mold skin that stabilizes gloss and optical uniformity. Paint operations remain prevalent because they mask molding defects and deliver a consistent appearance at the production scale. They add unit operations and tighten coupling across the process chain, which increases the likelihood of out-of-window process deviations. Teams route parts through cleaning, priming, coating, curing, inspection, and rework. Each additional handoff increases susceptibility to contamination, handling damage, and yield loss. Curing ovens impose substantial energy demand, while coating operations expand regulatory and compliance burden. Polyurethane (PU) overmolding reverses the sequence by forming the cosmetic surface within the mold, so the part exits the press with a finished Class A surface already in place. At ANTEC 2026, Dan Rozelman from KraussMaffei discussed a Class A PU overmolding and in-mold surface formation. You can also read: Controlling Gloss and Surface Appearance in Injection Molding. Why Class A Pushes Manufacturers Past “molded-in color. ” Class A surfaces demand tight control of surface topography and optical uniformity. Raking light exposes waviness, gloss nonuniformity, sink read-through, flow marks, and texture mismatch. The surface must also satisfy durability targets for scratch and mar resistance, UV stability, and chemical resistance. Uncoated thermoplastics may meet appearance requirements on small components, but large A-surfaces amplify marginal defects and process signatures. Those parts still require ribs, attachment features, stiffness, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. This mismatch drives layered architectures that decouple load-bearing function from cosmetic...

---

- Published: 2026-03-04
- Modified: 2026-02-25
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/scaling-enzymatic-polymerization-for-sustainable-fabric-care-products-010766/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Circular Economy, Durables, Education & Training, Foaming Agents, Industry, Materials, Packaging, People, Process, Sustainability, Trending, Wearables
- Tags: Biopolymers, Circular Economy, sustainable materials

Enzymatic polymerization of plant sugars allows for precise molecular control to replace persistent polyquaterniums in high-volume fabric care.

Enzymatic polymerization of plant sugars allows for precise molecular control to replace persistent polyquaterniums in high-volume fabric care. Bio-based polymers have been incorporated into consumer products unevenly over the past decade. Many struggled to meet formulation stability, processing, or supply requirements at scale. Regulatory scrutiny has increased around polymer persistence and environmental release, particularly in wastewater-linked applications. These pressures place polymer engineers at the centre of material selection decisions. You can also read: Carbios Broadens Enzyme Recycling Technology. Enzyme-designed polymers differ in that they address molecular control and manufacturing compatibility within a single approach. Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials, or DEB, represent an enzymatic polymerization technology now used in selected consumer formulations. Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials as a Technology Platform This is a biotechnology-based polymer design and manufacturing platform developed by IFF Health and Biosciences. DEB uses enzymatic polymerization of plant-derived sugars to produce tailored polysaccharide polymers. Enzymes control chain length, branching, and molecular uniformity during synthesis. Advanced engineered biomaterials produced through enzymatic polymerization of sucrose. Courtesy of IFF Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials™. The platform operates under mild aqueous conditions rather than high-temperature petrochemical routes. This process enables the production of consistent polymer structures comparable to industrial synthetic materials. For consumer markets, reproducibility determines whether polymers can be qualified at commercial scale. Polymer Design and Functional Performance Polymers produced using DEB technology exhibit controlled molecular weight distributions. These structural characteristics influence viscosity, surface interaction, and formulation stability. Functional groups can be introduced after polymerization to adjust charge density and compatibility. Technical Comparison: Synthetic vs....

---

- Published: 2026-03-03
- Modified: 2026-03-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/sustainable-healthcare-in-2026-materials-packaging-and-waste-010752/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Circular Economy, Decorating & Coatings, Extrusion, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Medical, Packaging, People, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending

Hospitals adopt sustainable materials, smarter packaging, and greener procurement to cut waste and emissions while protecting patient safety in 2026.

Hospitals adopt sustainable materials, smarter packaging, and greener procurement to cut waste and emissions while protecting patient safety in 2026. After more than a decade working across healthcare, medical manufacturing, and life sciences, I have watched the industry evolve through constant change. Sustainability now drives that change more than almost anything else. Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and suppliers no longer treat environmental performance as optional. They build it into everyday decisions as the sector moves through 2025 and into 2026. Hospitals now adopt sustainable bioprocessing materials—such as bio-based polymers and lower-impact plastics—in medical devices, consumables, and packaging. They aim to cut environmental impact while preserving safety, sterility, and hygiene. Healthcare protects people, but it also consumes large amounts of energy, water, and materials. Hospitals run 24/7, maintain strict temperature control, and use significant amounts of electricity and water. Pharmaceutical production relies on precise conditions and complex chemical processes. Many medical devices and consumables still depend on single-use plastics to meet infection-control requirements. These systems generate waste and emissions that healthcare leaders can no longer ignore. Growth of sustainable bioprocessing materials in 2026 In 2026, hospitals increasingly integrate sustainable bioprocessing materials to reduce plastic waste, improve operational efficiency, and maintain patient safety. Healthcare facilities use these materials across daily operations—from single-use devices and lab consumables to drug-delivery components and packaging. They also align these initiatives with regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability targets. Key adoption areas include: Materials: Bio-based polymers, compostable plastics, recyclable thermoplastics, and hybrid sustainable materials Applications: Single-use...

---

- Published: 2026-03-03
- Modified: 2026-03-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/sustainable-plastics-in-pharma-insights-from-dr-beate-mueller-tiemann-010911/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Business, Circular Economy, Design, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Elastomers, Industry, Materials, Medical, Packaging, People, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Regulation, Resins, Results, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending, Wearables
- Tags: ANTEC 2026, Circular Economy, Sustainable Plastics

What it takes for sustainable plastics to work in pharma, with insights from Dr. Beate Mueller-Tiemann.

What it takes for sustainable plastics to work in pharma, with insights from Dr. Beate Mueller-Tiemann. Sustainable plastics promise environmental improvement, but pharmaceutical production evaluates them differently. The question is not whether a material is better, but whether it behaves predictably every time it is used. That distinction shaped the discussion with Dr. Beate Mueller-Tiemann, whose work focuses on moving materials from development into validated manufacturing environments. You can also read: AI Redefines Packaging with Faster Development Cycles. Dr. Beate Mueller-Tiemann works across the full pharmaceutical value chain from discovery through commercial manufacturing. After leadership roles at Bayer and Sanofi, she joined Cytiva in 2023 to focus on turning innovation into dependable patient supply. Across biologics and synthetic molecules, she has seen the same barrier appear. A material may be promising, but unless its behaviour under production conditions is understood, it remains outside routine use. Addressing the Start of the Value Chain For companies producing plastics used in pharmaceutical applications, a practical question arises. As sustainable materials advance, what needs to change in how they approach development? Dr. Mueller-Tiemann explains that developers operate at the very start of the pharmaceutical and medical product development process, which means downstream users rely on the information they provide. Decisions increasingly depend on measurable environmental data such as feedstock origin, carbon footprint, and impact on water, land, and biodiversity. She also points to a recurring issue in development programs. Materials are sometimes created without an evidence-based end-of-life pathway. The problem then appears later in...

---

- Published: 2026-03-02
- Modified: 2026-02-25
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/03/at-antec-2026-high-performance-polymers-for-sealing-applications-010831/
- Categories: Building & Construction, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Elastomers, Industry, Materials, Process, Regulation, Testing & Analysis, Thermoplastics
- Tags: ANTEC 2026, PTFE

Move beyond ASTM D395 compression set to stress relaxation and DMA to predict contact stress retention and leakage risk in high-performance seals.

Move beyond ASTM D395 compression set to stress relaxation and DMA to predict contact stress retention and leakage risk in high-performance seals. High-performance polymer seals support applications that push beyond the limits of conventional elastomers and commodity plastics. Many designs combine high temperature, pressure cycling, aggressive media, tight tolerances, and long service life in the same system. In these conditions, a single property value rarely predicts sealing performance. Performance depends on whether the material maintains contact stress within the actual gland geometry over time. Characterization should therefore reflect the service environment, enabling teams to qualify materials, confirm batch consistency, and evaluate processability, with a clear link to leakage risk and service life. You can also read: The Cryogenic Challenge: Polymers for Liquid Hydrogen (LH₂) From Property Screening to Sealing Performance Even the simplest-looking seal depends on the right polymer and testing, because real performance comes down to how well it withstands contact stress over time. Courtesy of Highdom. Datasheet properties support screening, but sealing performance depends on time-dependent behavior under constraint. Stress relaxation, creep, and thermal softening reduce contact stress during dwell periods, while gland clearances can promote extrusion under pressure. Characterization should therefore probe these mechanisms under representative conditions rather than relying on one baseline test. The Limitations of Basic Screening (ASTM D395) ASTM D395 compression set remains a foundational test because it provides a widely recognized baseline for permanent deformation under compressive strain. Teams apply it for early screening and for monitoring production stability across batches. However, compression...

---

- Published: 2026-02-27
- Modified: 2026-02-24
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/developing-a-bio-based-polymer-made-for-cosmetics-packaging-010747/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Circular Economy, Compounding, Design, Education & Training, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Resins, Semi-Finished Products, Sustainability, Testing & Analysis, Thermoplastics
- Tags: additive manufacturing, Biopolymers, Circular Economy, PLA, Sustainable Packaging

Researchers developed a novel, bio-based composite, enhanced with essential oil and chitosan, designed specifically for cosmetics packaging.

Researchers developed a novel, bio-based composite, enhanced with essential oil and chitosan, designed specifically for cosmetics packaging. Cosmetic packaging, which is commonly single-use plastic, is often composed of polyethylene (PE). Polylactic acid (PLA), derived from natural resources, offers a more sustainable alternative. Through fillers and blending with other materials, manufacturers can enhance PLA properties to meet product design requirements. One such example is a novel, bio-based composite, designed specifically for cosmetics packaging. You can also read: Beauty Packaging Design for Social Commerce and Gen Z. A Multi-Part Solution The composite designed in this study comprised PLA blended with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). PLA/PHBV is an established composite for packaging, offering hydrophobicity, moisture resistance, and water insolubility. Its physical properties (tensile strength, melting temperature, crystallinity, and glass transition temperature) are comparable to those of polypropylene and polyethylene. You can also read: Beauty Packaging Design for Social Commerce and Gen Z. Seeking to further optimize this composite for the cosmetics industry, researchers investigated the addition of a variety of other components: Chitosan (CS), a cost-effective and plentiful industry by-product that can reinforce biobased composites. Plant essential oils (EOs), such as limonene or eucalyptol, which can decrease water vapor permeability of bio-based composites. EOs can also contribute a pleasant aroma to packaging, increasing its value in cosmetics applications. Phycocyanin (Pgm), a natural colorant with an intense blue color. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), an effective plasticizer for PLA that increases ductility, processability, and flexibility and reduces brittleness. Researchers developed multiple formulations for the potential cosmetics packaging...

---

- Published: 2026-02-26
- Modified: 2026-02-23
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/at-antec-2026-process-specific-rheology-for-advanced-material-selection-010839/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Business, Composites, Compounding, Education & Training, Elastomers, Equipment, Industry, Materials, Process, Resins, Software, Strategy, Testing & Analysis, Thermoplastics
- Tags: ANTEC 2026, Injection Molding, material selection

Moving beyond Melt Flow Index: select rheological measurements that match the deformation modes of injection molding and film blowing.

Moving beyond Melt Flow Index: select rheological measurements that match the deformation modes of injection molding and film blowing. Rheological data can support material selection, but only when measurements match the deformation modes and time scales of the target process. Many teams still screen materials with melt flow index (MFI) or a single viscosity value because these metrics are familiar and easy to compare. However, polymer processing rarely occurs at a single shear rate, temperature, or flow history. As recycled content rises and formulations grow more complex, single-point descriptors often miss the behavior that controls process stability and product performance. You can also read: Plastic Processing “Must have Equipment. At ANTEC® 2026, Christopher Macosko will present a structured strategy for selecting rheometry for a specific process. Processing demands shape the most useful measurements. Injection molding and film blowing rely on different indicators, especially for recycled blends. The same principle applies when microstructure drives performance in nanoparticle-filled melts and polymer–polymer blends. Why Single-point Metrics Do Not Generalize Across Processes A rotational rheometer supports melt characterization beyond single-point metrics, helping teams compare materials and select measurements that align with the demands of a specific polymer process. Courtesy of Tracomme. MFI remains useful as a screening tool, but it is an empirical flow indicator measured under a narrow set of conditions. Two resins with similar MFI can differ in shear-thinning behavior, elasticity, temperature sensitivity, and relaxation dynamics. These differences can translate into changes in filling pressure, die swell, flow instabilities, surface finish, and...

---

- Published: 2026-02-25
- Modified: 2026-02-23
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/optical-sieve-a-new-route-to-detect-nanoplastics-010743/
- Categories: Auxiliaries, Education & Training, Equipment, Industry, Materials, Microplastics, Nylons, Packaging, Polyolefins, Process, Resins, Sensors, Sustainability, Testing & Analysis, Thermoplastics, Trending, Wearables
- Tags: Microplastics

Optical sieve microcavities shift color when they trap nanoplastics, enabling fast detection, sizing, and counting with a standard microscope.

Optical sieve microcavities shift color when they trap nanoplastics, enabling fast detection, sizing, and counting with a standard microscope. In previous articles, we discussed microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) and identified the lack of fast and reliable detection methods. This limitation affects the accuracy and precision of current and future results. To address this issue, researchers from Germany and Australia collaborated to develop a simple, rapid method for NP detection. Unlike existing techniques—such as FTIR, SEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, and SRS microscopy—which are typically time-consuming and expensive, this new method promises rapid and cost-effective detection, sizing, and counting of nanoplastics. You can also read: Bio-Based Media for Micro- and Nanoplastics Removal. Using Color Physics to Detect Nanoplastics This novel detection method, known as the optical sieve, uses a strip with micro-scale cavities and a conventional optical microscope. Researchers fabricate the strip from a high-refractive-index material and incorporate multiple arrays of micro-holes, known as Mie voids. These cavities interact with light, producing a specific color depending on their size through a phenomenon known as optical resonance. When a droplet of liquid containing NPs is placed on the optical sieve, cavities trap particles with diameters that match those of the cavities. Particles that are either too large or too small do not fit properly, and the washing step removes them. A key advantage of this method is that empty cavities exhibit a characteristic color under illumination. When a particle enters a cavity, the reflected color changes immediately. Scientists observe this color...

---

- Published: 2026-02-24
- Modified: 2026-02-23
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/biodegradable-polymer-blends-key-findings-and-future-outlook-010584/
- Categories: Automation, Circular Economy, Compounding, Durables, Electrical & Electronics, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Medical, Packaging, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Circular Economy, PLA, Sustainable Packaging

Biodegradable polymer blends strengthen and diversify sustainable applications in packaging, agriculture, and medicine.

Biodegradable polymer blends strengthen and diversify sustainable applications in packaging, agriculture, and medicine. As industries work to reduce dependency on fossil‑based plastics, these innovative blends offer a powerful alternative that improves performance, reduces environmental impact, and moves us closer to a circular economy. You can also read: SABIC Makes Polycarbonate From Mixed Recycled Plastics Biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PBAT, PBS, PHB, PHBV, and TPS each provide unique advantages. However, when used alone, they often face limitations like brittleness, low heat resistance, or poor processability. Because of this, researchers increasingly combine these polymers into blends that create stronger, more flexible, and more functional materials. The importance of Blending Biodegradable Polymers Blending enables developers to combine the strengths of multiple polymers while minimizing their weaknesses. For example, PLA offers excellent strength and clarity, but it tends to be brittle. Meanwhile, PBAT delivers remarkable flexibility. When they are blended, manufacturers obtain a tough, flexible, and compostable material ideal for packaging and film applications. (a) Global plastic production from 2018 to 2022, (b) global plastic production by polymer type from 2018 to 2022. Data adapted from Plastics Europe 2023 report https://plasticseurope. org/knowledge-hub/plastics-the-fast-facts-2023/ accessed January 4, 2025. (Green Chem. , 2025, 27,11656) Moreover, blends allow for fine‑tuning degradation rates. This becomes essential for products such as agricultural mulch films or biomedical implants, which must break down at specific times. Improving Performance Through Compatibilization Even though blending is beneficial, many biodegradable polymers are naturally immiscible. Without intervention, they phase‑separate and lose mechanical performance. To solve...

---

- Published: 2026-02-23
- Modified: 2026-02-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/geolectric-lantern-rethinking-electronics-enclosures-beyond-plastics-010733/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Design, Durables, Electrical & Electronics, Hybrid Manufacturing, Industry, Materials, Process, Recycling, Regulation, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending

The Geolectric lantern shows how enclosure materials affect repairability, safety chemistry, and end-of-life pathways in electronics.

The Geolectric lantern shows how enclosure materials affect repairability, safety chemistry, and end-of-life pathways in electronics. Global consumer electronics markets face intensifying sustainability pressure. Electronic waste hit a record 62 million tonnes globally in 2022, making it the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide. Projections indicate volumes will reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, driven largely by rising consumerism, shorter product lifecycles, and increasing embedded electronics. You can also read: Nano Molding: The Future of Metal-Plastic Integration in Electronics. Despite this growth, only about 22% of global e-waste is formally collected and recycled, leaving the majority unmanaged. This creates significant environmental and health risks from hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants, that are commonly found in electronic components. At the product level, enclosures and housings account for a substantial share of material mass and embodied carbon. Plastics typically represent 20 to 25% of consumer electronics by weight, yet recovery rates for these polymers remain low. Meanwhile, policy drivers such as the EU Right to Repair and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation now require longer lifespans, improved repairability, and clearer end-of-life pathways. Together, these pressures compel manufacturers to reassess enclosure strategies for user-facing electronics. Why the Geolectric Lantern Matters to End-User Markets Geolectric Lantern with embedded touch sensors. Courtesy of MIT Design Intelligence Lab. The Geolectric lantern developed at the MIT Design Intelligence Lab offers a practical case study. Unlike conceptual design work, the lantern functions as a complete lighting product with embedded sensors and electronics. It targets...

---

- Published: 2026-02-20
- Modified: 2026-02-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/fraunhofer-turns-contaminated-packaging-waste-into-textile-grade-fibers-010728/
- Categories: Business, Circular Economy, Education & Training, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Recycling, Resins, Sustainability, Trending, Wearables

Fraunhofer validates solvent and glycolysis routes that convert contaminated packaging waste into textile-grade PP and PET fibers.

Fraunhofer validates solvent and glycolysis routes that convert contaminated packaging waste into textile-grade PP and PET fibers. The European Union generated 18. 5 million tonnes of post-consumer packaging waste in 2022. Only 38% were recycled, 45% were sent for energy recovery, and 17% were sent to landfills. These rates fall substantially short of the 55% recycling target mandated by 2030 under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. You can also read: Recycled Polyurethane Gives New Life to Insulating Mortars Filament production requires contaminant-free feedstock that mechanical processes cannot deliver from heavily contaminated mixed waste streams. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy have demonstrated that solvent-based recycling and chemical depolymerization enable the production of textile-grade recyclates from packaging waste previously destined for incineration. Technical Barriers in Melt Spinning Recyclates Conventional recyclates fail in melt-spinning operations because fiber extrusion imposes stringent requirements on material homogeneity and purity. Feedstock must flow uniformly through capillaries with diameters of tens of micrometers during the extrusion process. Foreign polymer fractions as low as 2-5% can cause defects in extruded filaments. These defects act as weak points under the high tensile forces applied during post-extrusion drawing. Production lines incur costly shutdowns when broken filament bundles necessitate replacing yarn guides. Injection molding processes tolerate contamination levels between 5 and 10% that completely halt continuous fiber spinning operations. Processing temperatures between 220°C and 280°C accelerate the degradation of residual additives and thermally unstable polymer chains in mechanically recycled materials. Selective Dissolution Achieves Textile-Grade rPP...

---

- Published: 2026-02-19
- Modified: 2026-02-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/when-color-becomes-waste-010718/
- Categories: Auxiliaries, Circular Economy, Design, Equipment, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Packaging, People, Polyolefins, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, Sensors, Sustainability

A decision made at the pigment stage can decide whether a plastic product is recyclable at all.

A decision made at the pigment stage can decide whether a plastic product is recyclable at all. Black plastic dominates modern life. It appears in food trays, electronic housings, automotive components, and cosmetic packaging. Manufacturers have used black carbon as their preferred pigment for decades. It costs little, blocks light, resists UV damage, and ensures consistent production. Manufacturers and brands value these advantages. Recyclers face a different reality. Black plastic disrupts sorting systems and undermines recycling efforts. You can also read: Is Color Affecting Plastic Recycling? How Sorting Really Works Most material-recovery facilities use near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to sort plastic waste by polymer type. PET, HDPE, PP, and PS reflect distinct spectral signatures under near-infrared light. The light typically ranges from 800 to 2,500 nanometers. Optical sorters illuminate fast-moving waste streams; sensors capture the reflected signal, and software identifies the polymer. Air jets separate materials at industrial speed. The system is efficient, automated, and highly accurate, until color interferes with light. Why Carbon Black Breaks the System Carbon black strongly absorbs near-infrared radiation across a broad spectrum. Instead of reflecting light back to the sensor, it absorbs it and dissipates the energy as heat. The reflected signal is effectively zero. To an optical sorter, a carbon-black plastic item contains no usable information. In practical terms, it is optically invisible. This issue is not a marginal problem. Numerous studies have shown that NIR-based systems cannot reliably identify plastics containing conventional carbon black pigments, regardless of polymer quality. The material may be...

---

- Published: 2026-02-18
- Modified: 2026-02-17
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/pla-meets-regulation-at-antec-2026-010681/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Cast Film/Sheet, Circular Economy, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Process, Regulation, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics

Packaging laws are accelerating. Learn how policy reshapes PLA choices, end-of-life claims, and design constraints ahead of ANTEC 2026.

Packaging laws are accelerating. Learn how policy reshapes PLA choices, end-of-life claims, and design constraints ahead of ANTEC 2026. For decades, regulators applied relatively stable logic to packaging oversight. They evaluated materials primarily on safety and functionality, while environmental requirements evolved through guidelines, voluntary targets, and industry initiatives. Today, that predictability has faded. Packaging legislation is accelerating, fragmenting, and becoming more prescriptive. This shift raises a hard question for packaging professionals: will today’s material decisions still hold up under tomorrow’s rules? That question sits at the center of an ANTEC 2026 presentation by Mariagiovanna Vetere, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs at NatureWorks. Her work connects public policy, materials science, and the realities of waste management systems. When Regulation Becomes a Design Constraint Historically, innovation led, and regulation followed. Companies introduced materials, and legislators responded later. Now, regulators increasingly shape material development from the start. Policy frameworks influence which end-of-life claims companies can legally make, which materials can enter specific markets, and how authorities measure and enforce environmental performance. As a result, a technically strong package can still fail compliance due to conflicting definitions of recyclability, compostability, or carbon impact across jurisdictions. These inconsistencies already strain global supply chains. A single packaging format may require multiple regional versions—or risk exclusion altogether. Consequently, material selection has become as much a regulatory decision as a technical one. Designers and engineers must account not only for performance, but also for policy intent and real-world enforcement. You can also read: U. S. Regulations...

---

- Published: 2026-02-17
- Modified: 2026-02-17
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/electrifying-aviation-polymer-electrolytes-for-al-air-batteries-010701/
- Categories: Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Composites, Education & Training, Elastomers, Electrical & Electronics, Energy Generation, Hybrid Manufacturing, Industry, Materials, Process, Thermoplastics

Polymer electrolytes boost aluminum-air batteries with safer, leakproof, high-energy performance, unlocking aviation and aerospace electrification.

Polymer electrolytes boost aluminum-air batteries with safer, leakproof, high-energy performance, unlocking aviation and aerospace electrification. Electrification of vehicles, energy defense, and aerospace applications are experiencing a surge in new research. Aluminum-air (Al-air) batteries are fueling this resurgence. Although not a new category of batteries, Al-air batteries have been hampered by limitations that have prevented widespread adoption. Solid polymer matrix electrolyte (PME) technologies hope to fill this gap by enabling safety, reliability, and high energy density. You can also read: Demand materializes for electric urban air mobility vehicles and materials. Aluminum-Air Battery Technology Simplified configuration of aluminum air battery (left) and discharge performance with PVA-based electrolyte at varying KOH levels (right). Courtesy of Energy & Fuels: Polymer Electrolytes for Al-air Batteries: Current State and Future Perspectives. Typical Al-air battery design includes an Al anode, an aqueous electrolyte, and an air cathode. Together, the Al and oxygen in air undergo a redox reaction, using flight as the reaction initiator. The product is solid metal oxides and energy output. Although promising, aqueous electrolytes limit the efficiency, controllability, and reliability of these batteries, severely limiting their use in aerospace applications. Solid PME for Al-air batteries expands practical applications, enabling aerospace research and ultimately adoption. The most widely used and successful synthetic polymer backbone is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), though many polyacrylic acids, polyethylene oxides (PEOs), and polyacrylamides have been synthesized and investigated. The success of PVA is driven by its ability to incorporate only small amounts of electrolyte, owing to its high electrochemical and thermal...

---

- Published: 2026-02-16
- Modified: 2026-02-17
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/at-antec-why-additive-dispersion-governs-flame-retardancy-in-gf-pp-010695/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Building & Construction, Compounding, Education & Training, Industry, Materials, People, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Regulation, Trending

In high-loading Glass fiber–reinforced polypropylene composites, dispersion, not chemistry, determines flame-retardant performance.

In high-loading Glass fiber–reinforced polypropylene composites, dispersion, not chemistry, determines flame-retardant performance. Glass fiber–reinforced polypropylene (GF PP) continues to gain traction in lightweight structural applications, particularly in automotive and new-energy vehicles. Designers value GF PP for its high strength-to-weight ratio, dimensional stability, and cost efficiency. Many of these applications must also meet strict flame-retardancy requirements. Together, these demands create a complex materials challenge. You can also read: Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants in Electrical & Electronic Components. Why Flame Retardancy Remains Difficult in GF PP Polypropylene is not readily flame-retardant, and performance in standard fire tests such as UL 94 often depends on how the formulation behaves during combustion rather than on additive chemistry alone. As a polyolefin, it exhibits a high heat of combustion of approximately 46 MJ/kg, which promotes rapid flame propagation after ignition. Glass fibers further complicate fire behavior. Fiber networks create capillary pathways that transport molten polymer toward the flame front, a phenomenon widely known as the wick effect. This mechanism accelerates flame spread and undermines the effectiveness of many flame-retardant systems. Historically, halogenated flame retardants have effectively addressed these challenges. Environmental and regulatory pressures have since rendered these systems unusable. As a result, the industry has shifted toward halogen-free alternatives. Polyphosphate-based flame retardants have emerged as leading candidates. In high-loading composites such as GF PP, however, conventional ammonium polyphosphate (APP) formulations often fail to deliver consistent performance. Dispersion as the Hidden Failure Mode In high-glass fiber-content formulations, flame retardancy depends on more than additive chemistry. Dispersion quality...

---

- Published: 2026-02-13
- Modified: 2026-02-11
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/managing-extruder-maintenance-in-the-pfas-free-transition-010689/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Durables, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Extrusion, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Medical, Packaging, PFAS, Polyolefins, Process, Resins, Sports & Recreation, Thermoplastics, Toys, Trending
- Tags: PFAs

Without PFAS, extrusion systems lose their tolerance for small mechanical flaws. What once ran unnoticed now drives degradation, buildup, and instability.

Without PFAS, extrusion systems lose their tolerance for small mechanical flaws. What once ran unnoticed now drives degradation, buildup, and instability. The move away from PFAS requires processors to rethink more than polymer formulations. It also changes extruder maintenance requirements. PFAS-based processing aids reduced metal–polymer friction and limited die and barrel buildup. This effect reduced the impact of equipment condition on process stability. Their removal increases direct interaction between the melt and equipment surfaces, making wear, surface finish, and cleaning discipline more critical. Experimental studies in blown film extrusion show that PFAS-based processing aids increase wall slip and reduce time-to-clear at the die. This confirms their role in controlling melt–metal friction and buildup. When processors eliminate these additives, deposits and material retention become more sensitive to screw condition and barrel surface finish. Maintenance now directly controls process stability. You can also read: Tosaf Introduces New Line of PFAS-free Processing Aids. Why PFAS Removal Changes the Maintenance Equation PFAS-based additives delivered low surface energy and high thermal stability, reducing die buildup, stabilizing melt flow, and extending cleaning intervals. Their removal increases direct interaction between the polymer melt and metal surfaces. Friction rises, residence-time effects intensify, and deposits form more rapidly and in less predictable locations along the flow path. Extruders that operated “clean enough” under PFAS-friendly conditions now reveal dead zones, localized surface damage, and temperature nonuniformity. Maintenance teams report more frequent pressure fluctuations and higher torque demand. These trends indicate mechanical limitations that PFAS once masked. PFAS-Free Additives Change the...

---

- Published: 2026-02-12
- Modified: 2026-02-10
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/research-breakthrough-in-biobased-engineered-plastics-010582/
- Categories: Business, Circular Economy, Design, Industry, Materials, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Sustainable Plastics

3 key technical goals shaping innovative biobased and biohybrid materials engineered for high performance and sustainable transformation.

3 key technical goals shaping innovative biobased and biohybrid materials engineered for high performance and sustainable transformation. The plastics industry must now meet high mechanical and environmental expectations at the same time, and research teams across multiple Fraunhofer institutes respond by focusing on three interconnected scientific goals. These goals aim to redefine polymer development by advancing biobased materials, enabling biological functionality within polymer systems, and accelerating innovation through digital engineering. As a result, they create pathways toward high‑performance materials that address both sustainability requirements and industrial performance standards. You can also read: 3D-Printed Biodegradable Meshes for Guided Bone Regeneration Goal 1: Engineering High‑Performance Biobased Materials Through Molecular Precision Researchers concentrate on designing biobased polymers with fine‑tuned molecular structures, because renewable feedstocks provide unique reactive building blocks. One promising example involves 3‑carene, a terpene originating from cellulose processing. Scientists transform this molecule into two chiral lactams, 3S‑caranlactam and 3R‑caranlactam, which they then use to synthesize distinct polyamides with superior performance characteristics. Chirality allows precise control over crystallinity, segmental mobility, and chain packing, which directly influences stiffness, optical behavior, and thermal stability. Monofilaments, foams and plastic glasses made from Caramide. Copyright Fraunhofer IGB Through this approach, the team produces Caramid‑S® with a partly crystalline microstructure that enhances tensile strength and heat resistance. Consequently, this material performs well in fibers, monofilaments, and mechanically loaded components. In contrast, Caramid‑R® forms an amorphous polymer structure that improves energy absorption and transparency, making it suitable for specialty foams, safety glass components, and optical applications. Both polyamides...

---

- Published: 2026-02-11
- Modified: 2026-02-11
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/ica-manas-zloczower-breaking-barriers-without-asking-permission-010707/
- Categories: Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Industry, Materials, People, Process, Trending
- Tags: ANTEC

From polymer processing to vitrimers, Ica Manas-Zloczower’s story highlights mentorship, persistence, and ANTEC recognition.

From polymer processing to vitrimers, Ica Manas-Zloczower’s story highlights mentorship, persistence, and ANTEC recognition. She earned a BS/MS degree in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute Jassy, Romania, a Doctor of Science degree from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in 1983, completed postdoctoral work at the University of Minnesota, and joined Case Western Reserve University in 1985. She moved quickly through the ranks, becoming an associate professor within five years and a full professor in nine. You can also read: Vitrimers in Polyolefins: Processing Control of Crosslinked PE. Today, she holds the Thomas W. and Nancy P. Seitz Professorship in Advanced Materials and Energy and has been a Distinguished University Professor since 2015. Still, when I asked her what matters most, she did not start with titles. She started with people. A Career Measured in People, Not Only Papers I expected her proudest moment to be easy to predict: a major award or a breakthrough paper. She did mention a formal milestone, the Distinguished University Professor title, which she described as deeply meaningful. Yet she placed equal emphasis on something less public: the notes from former and current students who tell her she changed their lives. She described that as her highest achievement, because it keeps multiplying beyond the lab. She recently graduated her 36th PhD student and has advised dozens of master’s, undergraduate, and postdoctoral researchers. Building Authority in Polymer Processing Prof. Manas-Zloczower knew early on that polymer engineering was not designed to make it easy for women to...

---

- Published: 2026-02-10
- Modified: 2026-02-06
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/ai-screens-7-4m-polymers-for-recyclable-food-packaging-010675/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Bioplastics, Business, Education & Training, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Packaging, People, Polyolefins, Recyclate, Resins, Software, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending
- Tags: AI, Chemical Recycling, Machine Learning, PE, PLA, PP

AI-assisted polymer design screens millions of candidates to identify chemically recyclable packaging polymers that still meet barrier and thermal targets.

AI-assisted polymer design screens millions of candidates to identify chemically recyclable packaging polymers that still meet barrier and thermal targets. Food packaging forces polymer engineers to balance barrier performance, toughness, and thermal stability under real converting conditions. Meanwhile, today’s dominant structures still rely on multilayer films that resist sorting, reprocessing, and closed-loop recycling. The industry often pairs polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer to meet oxygen and moisture requirements. You can also read: Active Learning Speeds Discovery of Antimicrobial Polymers. However, those layers remain chemically incompatible, so recyclers struggle to recover clean material streams at useful purity. Recent research demonstrates that polymer informatics can reduce the design bottleneck. Researchers used machine learning to screen approximately 7. 4 million synthetically accessible polymers for food-packaging performance and chemical recyclability. Rather than optimizing one resin at a time, the workflow optimized the entire design space. As a result, the study reframed packaging sustainability as a data-driven materials selection problem. Why Multilayer Packaging Still Breaks Circularity Multilayer films deliver performance because each layer performs a specialized function in the structure. For example, one layer provides stiffness, another seals, and a third provides an oxygen barrier. Yet those benefits create end-of-life penalties. Recyclers rarely efficiently separate layers, and mixed fractions degrade performance in both mechanical and chemical recycling. Consequently, packaging teams face a structural tradeoff. They can meet performance targets today or design for recyclability, but they rarely achieve both. How the AI-Enabled Workflow Narrowed 7. 4 Million Options The team used Virtual Forward Synthesis...

---

- Published: 2026-02-09
- Modified: 2026-02-06
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/ai-control-for-recycled-pp-cuts-injection-defects-010657/
- Categories: Durables, Equipment, Industry, Industry 4.0, Injection Molding, Materials, Packaging, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Sensors, Software, Sports & Recreation, Toys
- Tags: Circular Economy, Injection Molding, Machine Learning

AI control for recycled plastics stabilizes injection molding despite resin variability, reducing defects and improving operator confidence with explainable models.

AI control for recycled plastics stabilizes injection molding despite resin variability, reducing defects and improving operator confidence with explainable models. Recycled plastics challenge molders. Inconsistent material quality frequently causes production defects. Manufacturers need a solution to reliably process these materials. New Artificial Intelligence tools are solving this problem. These systems adjust machine settings in real time. Consequently, they ensure consistent part quality despite material variations. This technology bridges the gap between sustainability and precision. It enables molders to adopt the circular economy without sacrificing profitability. Stabilizing Recycled Polypropylene Recycled polypropylene (rPP) varies in composition. This variability leads to unstable processing. Molecular breakdown affects viscosity and flow. Repeated heating degrades polymer chains unpredictably. Standard injection molding machines struggle to compensate. They typically use a velocity-controlled switch-over method. However, this approach fails when viscosity fluctuates. You can also read: Plastics 2028: AI, Circularity, and Smart Materials from K-2025 Researchers recently built a Machine Learning model to fix this. The system uses a pressure-controlled (P-Ctrl) strategy. It continuously monitors injection pressure and melting temperature. The model predicts the viscosity of the incoming material batch. It adjusts pressure setpoints immediately to match that batch’s needs. Therefore, the process remains stable despite changes in the raw material. Results validated this approach. The model predicted part weight within a tight 5% margin of error. This precision allows molders to use cheaper, variable recycled stock. Errors between experimental and predicted responses for all models. MAE: Mean Absolute Error. MSE: Mean Squared Error. Courtesy of Machine Learning-Based Process...

---

- Published: 2026-02-06
- Modified: 2026-02-04
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/film-extrusion-troubleshooting-stability-defects-control-010639/
- Categories: Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Equipment, Film, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Process, Resins
- Tags: Polyolefins

Film defects are process signals. Connect die flow, cooling symmetry, and winding stress to improve gauge control and roll quality.

Film defects are process signals. Connect die flow, cooling symmetry, and winding stress to improve gauge control and roll quality. Film extrusion is one of the most technically demanding polymer processing operations. Equipment design, control systems, and material formulations have improved significantly. Even so, processors still face recurring problems. These include process instability, film defects, gauge variation, and roll quality issues. Such challenges affect both blown and cast film lines. They often persist despite modern automation and advanced monitoring tools. A common thread among many of these problems is that they do not originate from isolated faults. Instead, they emerge from interactions among extrusion, cooling, and winding conditions. Understanding these interactions is essential for improving consistency, productivity, and long-term process reliability. You can also read: Extrusion Troubleshooting – Key Drivers (Part 1 of 3) Instability as a Root Cause Schematic of a typical blown film extrusion line, showing the extrusion, cooling, collapsing, and winding stages where process interactions influence film quality. Courtesy of Permeability Properties of Plastics and Elastomers (Fourth Edition) Process instability plays a central role in many film quality issues. In blown film extrusion, small fluctuations in melt temperature, output rate, or cooling symmetry can result in bubble movement, frost line oscillation, and circumferential thickness variation. In cast film operations, similar disturbances may manifest as draw resonance, edge weave, or periodic gauge bands. These fluctuations frequently remain within acceptable control limits, which makes them difficult to detect in real time. However, their cumulative effect becomes evident downstream, particularly...

---

- Published: 2026-02-05
- Modified: 2026-02-03
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/eu-ppwr-vs-us-state-laws-packaging-regulation-trends-010634/
- Categories: Building & Construction, Circular Economy, Durables, Industry, Materials, Medical, Packaging, People, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending, Wearables
- Tags: EPR, PCR, PPWR

Regulating for resilience, safety, and sustainability is crucial in the packaging industry.

Regulating for resilience, safety, and sustainability is crucial in the packaging industry. The packaging industry is experiencing a rapidly changing regulatory landscape. As regulations shift towards circular economic principles, sensitive sectors may face technical and logistical challenges within their supply chains. Questions regarding product safety, especially in sectors such as food, highlight the need for transparent regulation. Regulations Across the EU and US The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) imposes standards for packaging used within, or imported to, Europe. This regulation aims to reduce per capita waste generation and sets recycling targets for 2030. In the United States, many regulations vary from state to state. Many of these regulations focus on post-consumer recycled (PCR) content minimums. Additionally, certain states have taken actions such as banning single-use plastic bags in grocery stores and restaurants. You can also read: Plastics Compliance Becomes a Business Imperative Understanding Common Types of Regulation Though the regulatory landscape for packaging varies across the world, current regulatory measures generally fall into five categories: Packaging Prohibitions: These regulations ban specific packaging types, such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, due to challenges in recycling. They may also ban packaging including added substances, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Promotion of Reuse and Refill Strategies: These strategies, such as deposit-return schemes, intend to establish systems for packaging reuse. They also set target minimums to increase the proportion of reusable packaging. Emphasis on Achieving Recyclability and Increasing Recycling: Strategies to achieve and increase recycling may, for example, establish...

---

- Published: 2026-02-05
- Modified: 2026-02-11
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/at-antec-2026-compatibilizing-amorphous-pha-and-pla-for-blown-film-010667/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Blow Molding, Building & Construction, Compounding, Education & Training, Equipment, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Medical, Packaging, Process, Thermoplastics, Trending
- Tags: PHA, PLA

PLA PHA compatibilization for blown film can widen processing windows and improve toughness. See why morphology and moisture control matter.

PLA PHA compatibilization for blown film can widen processing windows and improve toughness. See why morphology and moisture control matter. PLA can meet compostability goals, yet blown film lines still expose its weakest link: process stability. Processors often observe brittle tear, bubble flutter, and narrow windows when increasing output or switching material lots. Moreover, small fluctuations in moisture and thermal history can alter viscosity and crystallization during cooling. You can also read: Custom Blow Molding Machines Redefine Packaging Efficiency. Because these effects compound, teams rarely fix them with a single setting change. Instead, they must manage material variability, extensional flow behavior, and morphology development at the same time. Why Engineers Keep Looking for Toughening Modifiers PLA delivers stiffness, but it often sacrifices ductility in thin films. Therefore, formulators look for modifiers that absorb energy during impact and tear without undermining end-of-life claims. Amorphous PHA offers one pathway because it can behave like a rubbery phase at ambient conditions. CJ Biomaterials developed PHACT A1000P as an amorphous PHA grade designed primarily as a polymer and biopolymer modifier. In practice, it aims to tune blend performance rather than replace a base resin. This distinction matters in film design because the modifier must enhance toughness while still allowing the PLA matrix to carry load and draw consistently. What Amorphous PHA Adds to PLA Blends Amorphous PHA can provide flexibility through a low glass transition temperature. A1000P exhibits a sub-ambient glass transition temperature, indicating mobility near typical service temperatures. In addition, the grade exhibits...

---

- Published: 2026-02-04
- Modified: 2026-02-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/plastics-geo-operations-co-pyrolysis-pathways-for-carbon-capture-010629/
- Categories: Business, Circular Economy, Industry, People, Process, Recycling, Regulation, Strategy, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Circular Economy, LCA, plastic waste, supply chain

Circularity delays emissions, but geo-operations target mitigation by redirecting carbon from plastics into long-term geosphere storage via co-pyrolysis.

Circularity delays emissions, but geo-operations target mitigation by redirecting carbon from plastics into long-term geosphere storage via co-pyrolysis. Carbon Capture: An Operations and Supply Chain Perspective With a growing demand for plastic materials, the circular economy is at the forefront of many researchers’ minds. Still, this framework does not have a significant effect on climate change mitigation. To expand the scope of the circular economy for plastics, researchers evaluated carbon transfer flows in the plastics industry. One such pathway involves “geo-operations”, which combines production, logistics, and operations solutions to enhance traditional geo-engineering. You can also read: Capturing CO₂ with Recycled Household Plastics Plotting Plastic Impact Pathways To understand a path towards geo-operations, researchers looked at the plastics industry holistically. Referred to as the “plastics technosphere”, this encompasses both infrastructure, such as petrochemical plants, and business systems. Production theory and operations management principles can function as a framework for carbon flow impact pathways. Figure courtesy of Impact Pathways: geo-operations for turning plastic waste into carbon capture. The framework tracks carbon transfers between natural spheres and the plastics technosphere. It uses arrows to show how operations move carbon over a plastic lifecycle. Climate-inhibiting pathways (1 → 2 → 3) capture atmospheric carbon and store it in the geosphere. Current dominant pathways (4 → 2 → 5) move fossil carbon from the ground to the atmosphere, accelerating emissions. Circular flows (2 → 2) keep carbon in the technosphere longer, which delays emissions and reduces virgin inputs. The authors emphasize that combinations of interventions...

---

- Published: 2026-02-03
- Modified: 2026-04-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/eu-pfas-restriction-update-echa-consultation-in-2026-010625/
- Categories: Industry, PFAS, Process, Regulation, Sustainability, Testing & Analysis, Trending
- Tags: Fluoropolymers, PFAs

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) met to re-evaluate its 2023 proposal regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) met to re-evaluate its 2023 proposal regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In December 2025, the EU Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) met to evaluate current PFAS regulations. These committees are part of ECHA, which implements the EU’s chemical legislation. In 2023, ECHA released a proposal outlining PFAS restrictions, aiming to make them effective in 2026 or 2027. Proposal evaluation has been a continuous effort, and last month’s meeting resulted in an expansion of these regulations. You can also read: PFAS Contamination Tests the Limits of UK Policy Horizontal Issues: Fluoropolymers, Emissions, and Waste The RAC and SEAC’s December meeting was intended to examine horizontal issues in the PFAS landscape across industries. Because many products incorporate PFAS into their manufacturing processes, regulation affects a variety of sectors. RAC establishes which PFAS are subject to regulation, as well as their hazards, risks, and concentration limits. Decision-makers also consider the enforceability and the monitoring of the progress of restrictions. SEAC focuses more specifically on how regulation can impact trade and competitiveness. By meeting collaboratively, these committees can gain a holistic understanding of PFAS regulation. Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden assessed over 5,600 scientific and technical comments to prepare the ECHA proposal revision. Image courtesy of ECHA. Key focuses of the RAC included emissions estimations in the PFAS lifecycle, specifically for fluoropolymers and the waste stage. They also proposed additional regulatory risk management options, including site-specific PFAS management plans. This includes benefits...

---

- Published: 2026-02-02
- Modified: 2026-01-29
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/02/sedimentology-inspired-classification-for-plastic-waste-010621/
- Categories: Durables, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Industry, Materials, Medical, Microplastics, Nylons, Packaging, People, Polyolefins, Process, Recyclate, Regulation, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending, Wearables

Drawing on sedimentology, researchers have proposed a novel classification scheme for plastic waste of all sizes.

Drawing on sedimentology, researchers have proposed a novel classification scheme for plastic waste of all sizes. Plastics researchers face a barrier when classifying plastic waste: the industry’s lack of acceptance of a consistent categorization method. Though the plastics community has made many calls to action, it has yet to agree on a universal classification system. This makes it difficult to predict and regulate waste behavior on a global scale. The solution? A clear, universally accepted, easily accessible classification scheme. A group of researchers has proposed a classification scheme that takes insights from sedimentology and applies them to plastic waste. You can also read: EU Launches First Certified Reference Material for Microplastic Analysis Why Sedimentology? Sedimentology, a subset of Earth science, focuses on the formation and deposition of sediments such as sand, silt, and clay. By considering plastic as a “sediment,” scientists can apply the well-established classification methodologies of sedimentology to plastic. This is especially relevant when studying the relationship between plastic grain size and particle behavior during transport and accumulation. With sedimentology as a guide, researchers can more readily observe long-term trends in plastic pollution in the environment. Considering the Properties of Plastic The differences between plastic and sediment are key to adapting this scheme to plastic waste. Notably, plastics and microplastics comprise a wide range of materials with different properties and behaviors. For larger waste, the object shape can play a role in its behavior in the environment. One such example is a water bottle, which could sink if...

---

- Published: 2026-01-30
- Modified: 2026-01-29
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/bold-minimalism-in-packaging-clarity-that-wins-attention-010563/
- Categories: Business, Design, Industry, Packaging, People, Results, Strategy, Sustainability, Trending

Bold minimalism uses negative space, typography, and color blocks to improve shelf impact and thumbnail readability in digital commerce.

Bold minimalism uses negative space, typography, and color blocks to improve shelf impact and thumbnail readability in digital commerce. Digital life compresses attention and increases cognitive load. Consequently, packaging competes against overstimulation, not only against adjacent SKUs. As information density rises, consumers increasingly reward visual restraint that feels intentional and confident. You can also read: How Packaging Pictograms Shape Consumer Decisions in Seconds. Gen Z experiences constant input across feeds, messages, and commerce platforms. Therefore, they respond to designs that reduce complexity and signal certainty quickly. Bold minimalism answers that demand by stripping elements to essentials and amplifying what remains through scale, contrast, and discipline. The Architecture of Impact Bold minimalism creates impact through radical reduction and strict hierarchy. Compared with earlier “neutral minimalism,” this approach uses fewer elements but pushes them harder. As a result, each surviving element carries more visual and semantic weight. First, designers maximize negative space to create breathing room on crowded shelves. Next, they use solid color fields to establish immediate recognition and legibility. Finally, they commit to one dominant idea—logo, wordmark, or symbol—rather than stacking competing focal points. Typography becomes the primary design tool in many systems. Heavy-weight geometric sans serifs often operate at poster scale, so the package reads instantly. Moreover, high-contrast pairings create shelf presence without adding visual noise. In practice, scale and spacing do more work than ornament. Gelo Celo uses a bold logomark and strong color blocks to create variation without visual clutter. Design by Boo Republic. Clarity as a...

---

- Published: 2026-01-29
- Modified: 2026-01-27
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/upcycling-of-polyolefins-through-c-h-bond-activation-010568/
- Categories: Durables, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, Sustainability, Wearables

Polyolefins define modern plastics, but their chemical stability now drives a new search for smarter transformation pathways

Polyolefins define modern plastics, but their chemical stability now drives a new search for smarter transformation pathways Polyolefins rank among the simplest polymers in widespread use. Polyethylene and polypropylene consist almost entirely of carbon–carbon and carbon–hydrogen bonds. This structure delivers durability, chemical resistance, and low cost. The same simplicity, however, creates problems at end of life. Conventional chemical recycling relies on high temperatures and non-selective reactions to break these stable materials. These processes often yield broad hydrocarbon mixtures with limited value. Recent research takes a different approach. Instead of relying on high heat, it targets the fundamental chemistry of polyolefins. Catalytic C–H bond activation enables selective transformation, controlled deconstruction, or direct functionalization under milder conditions. This shift changes how the industry views polyolefin waste. Polyolefins move from intractable materials to chemically addressable feedstocks. You can also read: New Polyolefin Recycling Technology Has Commercial Promise. Why C–H Bond Activation Changes the Conversation Comparison of copolymerization and post-polymerization routes for introducing functional groups into polyolefins with different architectures. Courtesy of Selective, Catalytic Oxidations of C–H Bonds in Polyethylenes Produce Functional Materials with Enhanced Adhesion. C–H bonds dominate the structure of polyolefins and are among the strongest single bonds in organic chemistry. Their stability explains both the long service life of these materials and the difficulty of selectively modifying them after use. Traditional recycling methods bypass this challenge by breaking polymer chains indiscriminately, sacrificing selectivity for throughput. Catalytic C–H bond activation takes the opposite approach. Instead of forcing chain scission through heat, catalysts...

---

- Published: 2026-01-28
- Modified: 2026-01-27
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/beauty-packaging-design-for-social-commerce-and-gen-z-010549/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Decorating & Coatings, Design, Finishing, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Packaging, People, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Resins, Semi-Finished Products, Silicones, Thermoplastics, Trending

Social commerce shifts beauty packaging into feeds. Engineers must control gloss, haze, defects, and durability while meeting barrier targets.

Social commerce shifts beauty packaging into feeds. Engineers must control gloss, haze, defects, and durability while meeting barrier targets. Digital platforms now shape discovery, preference, and conversion in beauty markets. Therefore, cosmetic containers function as protective shells and identity media. Gen Z consumers curate purchases deliberately, selecting packages that reinforce their visual narrative online. You can also read: Optimizing Pearlescent Pigment Dispersion. As a result, packaging teams must design for shelf performance and camera performance simultaneously. Moreover, teams must meet compatibility, barrier, manufacturability, and sustainability constraints. This dual requirement changes how engineers specify materials, surfaces, decoration, and geometry. Identity Through Aesthetics Consumers increasingly use beauty packaging as a social signal with commercial consequences. Specifically, engagement metrics reward distinctive products and reinforce repeat-purchase behavior. When a container looks luxurious or unconventional, it becomes a symbolic marker rather than a neutral vessel. In addition, packaging communicates affiliation and taste through consistent cues and brand codes. For example, weight, closure sound, and tactile texture signal quality and precision. Likewise, color, gloss, and silhouette drive immediate recognition in crowded feeds. Platform dynamics also compress decision cycles and amplify imitation effects. Nearly three-quarters of beauty buyers rely on platform recommendations, and two-thirds follow brands across networks. Consequently, repeated exposure to influencers normalizes a product’s visual signature and accelerates group adoption. Designing for Digital Consumption This shift forces teams to reconsider core assumptions about container development. Historically, brands competed at point of sale through shelf blocking and in-store trial. Now, brands compete in scrolling environments where...

---

- Published: 2026-01-28
- Modified: 2026-01-29
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/advancing-fire-performance-with-flame-retardant-fiber-reinforced-thermoplastic-composites-010604/
- Categories: Composites, Materials, Thermoplastics
- Tags: ANTEC 2026, Composites, Flame-Retardant

Fire performance of materials used in building and construction applications plays a critical role in protecting human life and limiting property damage during fire events.

Fire performance of materials used in building and construction applications plays a critical role in protecting human life and limiting property damage during fire events. While traditional flame-retardant (FR) solutions—such as surface coatings, films, or laminated sheets—can improve fire resistance, they are often vulnerable to damage during handling, fabrication, and installation. These approaches may also add cost, complexity, and time to construction projects. Conventional FR chemistries, including halogenated, phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based, and mineral-filled systems, present additional challenges. Common limitations include environmental and regulatory concerns, degradation of mechanical properties, increased part weight due to high additive loadings, and reduced long-term durability. These drawbacks have driven demand for integrated flame-retardant technologies that preserve structural performance while meeting increasingly stringent fire safety requirements. Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites for Fire-Safe Construction Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites offer a compelling solution for modern building and construction applications. These materials provide an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, design flexibility, and durability, making them attractive alternatives to traditional construction materials. However, achieving high flame retardancy without compromising mechanical performance has historically been a challenge. A newly developed embedded flame-retardant technology addresses this gap by delivering enhanced fire performance while maintaining the structural and mechanical integrity of fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites throughout their service life. This technology is integrated directly into the composite architecture and its derived sandwich panel systems (Hammerhead™ FR), eliminating the need for external coatings or secondary fire-protection layers. Embedded Flame Retardancy with Durable Performance By embedding the FR functionality within the composite, this drop-in flame-retardant solution simplifies...

---

- Published: 2026-01-27
- Modified: 2026-01-26
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/bio-based-media-for-micro-and-nanoplastics-removal-010542/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Education & Training, Foam Processing, Industry, Materials, Microplastics, People, Process, Resins, Sustainability, Testing & Analysis, Trending

Green coagulation and nanocellulose foams improve microplastic removal, yet integration challenges include clogging and media handling.

Green coagulation and nanocellulose foams improve microplastic removal, yet integration challenges include clogging and media handling. Microplastics are persistent contaminants in wastewater treatment systems, and these systems are significant microplastic entry points into the environment. Traditional treatment methods, such as filtration, coagulation, and sedimentation, have significant limitations for removing nanoscale microplastics. You can also read: PFAS Contamination Tests the Limits of UK Policy. Developing biopolymer- and nanocellulose-based systems for managing microplastics in wastewater is an emerging area of research. As this research continues, policy will play a key role in ensuring new solutions are both practical and effective. Nanocellulose for Capturing Pollutants Nanocellulose can serve as a substrate for affordable, ecologically sound water-treatment media. This abundant, biodegradable biopolymer has a high surface area, which is beneficial to microplastic absorption. Pickering foam composed of nanocellulose can further increase its specific surface area through its numerous pores. Nanocellulose remediates microplastic contamination in water through adsorption, filtration, aggregation, and surface modification. Figure courtesy of Microplastic removal from wastewater through biopolymer and nanocellulose-based green technologies. Biopolymers: Renewable Microplastic Removal Biopolymers, including chitosan, alginate, starch, polylactic acid, polysaccharides, and lignin, can also remove microplastics in wastewater. Chitosan and polysaccharides, for example, are both bioflocculants. These materials promote microplastic aggregation, facilitating sedimentation or filtration for removal. Research has demonstrated that cationically modified starch effectively removes microplastics across a range of water conditions. Starch can also destabilize microplastic suspensions, allowing them to aggregate and form larger, easily removable flocs. Coagulation and flocculation are important processes for removing...

---

- Published: 2026-01-26
- Modified: 2026-01-23
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/mxene-chipless-rfid-plastic-recycling-sorting-010521/
- Categories: Auxiliaries, Bioplastics, Business, Circular Economy, Equipment, Hydrogels, Industry, Materials, Polyolefins, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Sensors, Strategy, Sustainability, Thermoplastics
- Tags: plastic recycling

Printable chipless RFID tags using MXene inks enable remote sorting and then dissolve in a caustic wash to avoid contamination of recyclate.

Printable chipless RFID tags using MXene inks enable remote sorting and then dissolve in a caustic wash to avoid contamination of recyclate. Plastic recycling still struggles with a basic problem: plants cannot reliably distinguish what is on the conveyor belt. Today’s systems depend on visual inspection, SPI codes, NIR/VIS/FTIR spectroscopy, or printed barcodes and QR labels. These methods work poorly with dark or multilayer plastics, dirty packaging, or misoriented items on the belt. As a result, mixed polymers and additives continue to contaminate recycling streams and limit material performance. You can also read: Flake Sorting: Elevating Plastic Recycling. A recent study proposes a different approach: printable, chipless RFID tags based on MXene conductors that can be read remotely, tolerate dirt, and then disappear during standard recycling washes. The work targets high-speed, industrial sorting and aims to support higher-purity polymer streams without adding new contamination. From Optical Codes to Chipless RFID Diagram to illustrate that the size and spacing of the rings produce unique resonance patterns in the CRR's frequency response. Courtesy of Printing 2D MXene-Based Chipless Radio Frequency Identification Tags to Enable Plastic Waste Sorting for Recycling. Diagram to illustrate that the size and spacing of the rings produce unique resonance patterns in the CRR's frequency response. Courtesy of Printing 2D MXene-Based Chipless Radio Frequency Identification Tags to Enable Plastic Waste Sorting for Recycling. Optical identifiers require line of sight and clean surfaces. In contrast, radio-frequency identification (RFID) can read tags through dirt, curvature, and partial occlusion. Conventional RFID, however,...

---

- Published: 2026-01-23
- Modified: 2026-01-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/active-learning-speeds-discovery-of-antimicrobial-polymers-010525/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Bioplastics, Industry, Materials, Medical, People, Process, Resins, Testing & Analysis, Trending

Machine learning (ML) enables rapid design of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-mimetic polymers to treat bacterial infections.

Machine learning (ML) enables rapid design of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-mimetic polymers to treat bacterial infections. AMPs, natural antibacterial molecules, are a vital part of the immune system. These peptides can help combat multidrug-resistant bacteria but come with a high cost and low stability. AMP-mimicking antimicrobial polymers are an alternative candidate for combating bacterial infections. With diverse functionalities and controllable structures, these polymers can be designed for biocompatibility. Manufacturers can control the charge and amphiphilicity of their materials, tailoring them to fight bacterial infections. Using ML, combinatorial chemistry, automated synthesis, and characterization platforms, researchers are developing a novel method to design these polymers. This method yielded a large-scale polymer library and the synthesis of 103 promising antimicrobial polymers. You can also read: Antibacterial Polymers: Advancing in Public Health. Deep Learning for Design In this study, researchers created a deep learning model based on a pre-trained graph transformer. Graph-based models can effectively capture molecules’ structural information and relationships. They then applied a linear projection layer onto the graph transformer to predict antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The antimicrobial polymers consisted of combinations of 11 cationic, 13 hydrophobic, and 6 hydrophilic monomers. With 16 different molecular-ratio combinations, these materials yielded 13,728 unique polymer combinations. Using this polymer library and ML, researchers then correlated polymer structural features with antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. The polymer library (a) enabled seed dataset generation for the screening of antimicrobial polymers (b). Figure courtesy of AI-guided precise design of antimicrobial polymers through high-throughput screening technology on an automated platform. Designing,...

---

- Published: 2026-01-22
- Modified: 2026-01-26
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/3d-printing-finds-growth-niches-in-the-plastics-industry-010509/
- Categories: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing, Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence, Automotive & Transportation, Auxiliaries, Building & Construction, Business, Durables, Elastomers, Electric Vehicles, Electrical & Electronics, Equipment, Feeding Systems, Industry, Industry 4.0, Injection Molding, Materials, Medical, Mold & Die Making, Process, Resins, Sensors, Thermoplastics, Trending
- Tags: additive manufacturing

Insights from K Show: 3D printing finds key niches in plastics, from conformal-cooling tooling to large-format parts and TPU lattices.

Insights from K Show: 3D printing finds key niches in plastics, from conformal-cooling tooling to large-format parts and TPU lattices. More than 40 years after its debut, additive manufacturing has moved beyond speculation and prototype curiosities. Today, tooling, large-format parts, and engineered lattice structures clearly show how 3D printing occupies real, commercial niches within the plastics industry. You can also read: Tooling Digitalization: Applications. Early discussions in the 2000s often framed 3D printing as a potential replacement for injection molding. Two decades of industrial maturation have proved a different point. Additive manufacturing remains a niche technology, but it has become strategically important—especially when design freedom, customization, or lead-time reduction delivers clear value. The most recent K show highlighted several applications already in production or close to it. Tooling Manufacturing: A Mature Use Case Among plastics processors, tooling represents the most established implementation of additive manufacturing. 3D printing enables them to produce inserts and mold components that conventional machining cannot easily create. Many companies now use additive manufacturing to build inserts with conformal cooling. Multiple suppliers offer solutions that combine variothermal temperature control with conformal cooling to target surface gloss, reduce visible weld lines, and improve cycle times. HB-Therm, for example, supplies variothermal control units that keep the mold wall temperature above the polymer’s glass transition during filling, then switch to a standard molding temperature during solidification. This temperature profile supports improved surface quality without sacrificing productivity. Companies such as Contura provide contour-based tempering solutions that use conformal cooling channels following...

---

- Published: 2026-01-21
- Modified: 2026-01-21
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/can-art-shift-behavior-on-plastic-waste-insights-from-trace-p-010530/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Design, Industry, People, Recycling, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: plastic pollution

Collaborating through “COM-ART”, researchers and artists are turning information into action to support the circular economy of plastics.

Collaborating through “COM-ART”, researchers and artists are turning information into action to support the circular economy of plastics. In 2021, Nature reported an increase in the number of scientists working with artists. Products of these collaborations include artworks such as “Catching a Wave”, a multi-media installation focused on coastal sustainability. In 2020, the groundbreaking Transitioning to a Circular Economy (TRACE) with artists project combined creative art and scientific communication (“COM-ART”). This project was a collaboration among scientists, artists, and primary schoolchildren, centered on e-waste and principles of the circular economy. It centered on combining intergenerational influence with an artist’s skills to enhance scientific communication and facilitate behavior change. TRACE-P: Pairing Artists and Scientists Following the TRACE project, TRACE-P aimed to expand on this research, specifically regarding plastic waste. TRACE-P partnered an artist-in-residence with academics and children to discuss the challenges of plastic waste management. In this study, the “intergenerational influence” involved children interacting with art, thus influencing adults to catalyze behavioral change. One objective of this study was to discover how artwork can more effectively communicate scientific ideas to the public. You can also read: Sustainability Meets Competitiveness: Key Takeaways from K-2025. Painting Sustainability The artist, Susannah Pal, conducted many discussions with researchers from the University of Southampton about plastic waste management. She then translated the academic research into action-inspiring works of art. Pal’s work consisted of 13 pictures of coastal scenes that illustrated consumerism and the prevalence of throwaway plastic. The project included two public art exhibitions and a...

---

- Published: 2026-01-21
- Modified: 2026-01-20
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/international-polyolefins-conference-industrys-competitive-edge-010483/
- Categories: Business, Circular Economy, Design, Industry, Materials, Process, Resins, SPE News, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Circular Economy, plastic recycling, Polyethylene, polymer processing, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Sustainability

The International Polyolefins Conference is where market intelligence meets practical solutions. For leaders, attending is essential for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

The International Polyolefins Conference is where market intelligence meets practical solutions. For leaders, attending is essential for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Why Attending the International Polyolefins Conference Matters The global polyolefins market—driven by polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)—reaches approximately $268 billion in 2024. Moreover, analysts forecast that the market will climb to $340–$400 billion by 2030, reflecting a steady 4–6% CAGR. The packaging, automotive, and construction sectors continue to propel this expansion, while rising sustainability expectations, feedstock price volatility, and evolving regulatory frameworks increasingly shape industry strategies. As a result, companies shift their priorities and actively reassess their approaches to maintain competitiveness. Within this environment, the International Polyolefins Conference 2026 (Galveston, February 23–26) stands out as more than a traditional event; it offers a strategic forum where industry leaders convert market realities into practical, actionable insights. You can also read: New Polyolefins Meet Demanding Use and Sustainability Needs. Market Context and Strategic Imperatives Global Polyolefins Market Growth (2024–2032). Source: Research and Markets; Strategic Market Research Polyolefins remain fundamental across key end‑use sectors, including packaging, automotive components, and infrastructure. In fact, packaging alone represents more than half of global demand, driven not only by the continued rise of e‑commerce but also by stringent food safety and shelf‑life requirements. However, despite this strong demand base, the industry now faces growing challenges, including new sustainability mandates, fluctuating oil and gas prices, and increasingly strict environmental regulations. As a result, these pressures extend far beyond daily operations—they directly influence investment pathways,...

---

- Published: 2026-01-20
- Modified: 2026-01-16
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/3d-printed-biodegradable-meshes-for-guided-bone-regeneration-010504/
- Categories: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing, Bioplastics, Design, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Industry, Materials, Medical, People, Process, Trending

3D-printed biodegradable meshes improve guided bone regeneration by combining custom fit, mechanical support, and enhanced tissue integration.

3D-printed biodegradable meshes improve guided bone regeneration by combining custom fit, mechanical support, and enhanced tissue integration. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons use GBR to augment bone before procedures such as dental implant placement. This bone graft procedure blocks soft-tissue invasion using a barrier membrane. Traditional GBR meshes are made of titanium or biodegradable materials, such as collagen. Titanium offers superior mechanical robustness but may cause stress shielding, leading to bone loss. Additionally, titanium meshes may require additional surgery for their removal. Collagen, on the other hand, does not provide sufficient strength for all surgical applications. You can also read: Bioactive Bone Implants: The ELAINE Project’s 3D Printing Breakthrough. In a novel prototype, researchers are proposing a new mesh material that may be more suitable for tissue regeneration. This 3D-printed, biodegradable composite comprises medical-grade poly(L-lactide-co-D, L-lactide (PLDLLA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Using 3D printing and ARBURG Plastic Freeforming (APF) technology, this approach enables practitioners to create patient-specific meshes. Fabricating Mesh Samples Researchers created solid disks, porous disks (50% infill), and gyroid samples of the mesh. Gyroid surface patterns have been shown to enhance cell proliferation in previous studies. In this study, these gyroid samples had the same porosity as the porous disks. The disks' pores averaged 243±17 μm, an ideal size for reducing fibrous tissue ingrowth. The gyroid designs exhibited larger pores (620±64 μm), which could facilitate angiogenesis and blood vessel growth. Researchers fabricated solid (A), porous (B), and gyroid (C) mesh specimens. Courtesy of Guided Bone Regeneration: A novel approach...

---

- Published: 2026-01-19
- Modified: 2026-01-15
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/hyper-nucleated-pp-for-clear-monomaterial-packaging-010463/
- Categories: Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Film, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Resins, Trending

Hyper-nucleated polypropylene improves clarity, stiffness and recyclability in rigid packaging by controlling crystallization.

Hyper-nucleated polypropylene improves clarity, stiffness and recyclability in rigid packaging by controlling crystallization. Packaging designers want clarity, stiffness, and recyclability in the same structure. Polypropylene (PP) already fits existing recycling streams and resists many chemicals. However, its semicrystalline structure limits optical performance. Traditional clarifying systems improve transparency, but they often reduce stiffness or narrow the processing window. Commercial nucleator systems already apply hyper-nucleation in PP packaging at an industrial scale. Hyper-nucleated PP changes this balance by controlling crystallization at a different scale. This material relies on a very high nucleation density during solidification. Instead of slightly shrinking spherulites, hyper-nucleation forces crystal growth to compete as soon as the melt cools. As a result, crystal domains stay uniformly small across the full part thickness, even at cooling rates typical of injection molding and sheet extrusion. This fine morphology directly improves optical behavior. You can also read: Essential Additives for Plastic Modification. Crystallization Control Beyond Conventional Nucleation Optical haze in PP does not come only from the presence of crystals. It forms when refractive index differences appear at crystal–amorphous interfaces near the wavelength of visible light. Hyper-nucleated PP shifts these interfaces below the scattering limit. Light then passes through the structure with minimal deviation, which improves clarity without reducing overall crystallinity. Unlike random copolymer approaches, hyper-nucleated PP keeps a homopolymer-dominant backbone. This structure preserves flexural modulus, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. These properties remain critical in thin-wall packaging and thermoformed parts, where appearance alone does not define performance. Transparency Without Mechanical Tradeoffs...

---

- Published: 2026-01-16
- Modified: 2026-01-14
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/recycled-polyester-textiles-for-injection-molded-products-010496/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Education & Training, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, PET, Polyamide, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Sustainability, Trending, Wearables

Researchers have developed a method for recycling post-consumer garments into injection-molding materials.

Researchers have developed a method for recycling post-consumer garments into injection-molding materials. Every year, the textile industry generates approximately 58 million tons of plastic waste. This amount continues to increase, with only 1% of clothes recycled globally. Textile recycling poses a slew of challenges, including sorting mixed fibers and developing processes better suited to textiles. To overcome these challenges, researchers are developing new recycling methods to manage textile waste on an industrial scale. You can also read: MacroCycle’s Molecular Approach to PET and Polyester Recycling. Challenges of Textile Recycling Many consumer goods, including textiles and packaging such as water bottles, are composed of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Nevertheless, the process for producing PET for textiles differs than other goods. This results in PET with a lower molecular weight and higher crystallinity. Thus, effective textile recycling processes may require additional design considerations. Additional challenges include: Material Sorting: Textiles are often comprised of PET mixed with cotton or other synthetic polymers. Recent research has shown that sorting techniques leveraging spectroscopy and artificial intelligence (AI) can more effectively sort textiles. This results in a recycled product with better mechanical properties. Compaction: Increased temperature and pressure, followed by grinding, can increase the density of textile PET material. This results in flakes of material. Compounding: During compounding, PET often results in a material with a very high fluidity, making it difficult to extrude into pellets. PET is the most widely used synthetic material in the textile industry. Figure courtesy of Recycling Textiles: From Post-Consumer Polyester Garments...

---

- Published: 2026-01-15
- Modified: 2026-01-12
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/solvent-free-mechanochemistry-for-efficient-thermoplastics-recycling-010458/
- Categories: Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, People, Polyolefins, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending

Recycling plastics at scale remains a challenge as waste streams grow more complex. Mixed materials and contamination limit the performance of many recycling routes.

Recycling plastics at scale remains a challenge as waste streams grow more complex. Mixed materials and contamination limit the performance of many recycling routes. Recycling plastics at scale remains difficult because real waste rarely matches lab conditions. Waste streams include mixed polymers, leftover additives, and contamination. These issues limit both mechanical and chemical recycling. Mechanochemistry offers a solvent-free option that uses mechanical energy to drive chemical change in polymer materials. For thermoplastics, this approach supports practical recycling that fits existing processing lines. You can also read: Unlocking Business Potential in the Plastic Recycling Market by 2030. Where Mechanochemistry Fits in Recycling Mechanical recycling reshapes polymers but does not alter their chemical structure. Repeated cycles lower the molecular weight and reduce performance. Chemical recycling alters the polymer structure but often requires solvents, high temperatures, or complex separation steps. These needs raise cost and add operational complexity. Mechanochemistry fills the gap between these approaches. Mechanical forces, such as shear and compression, activate polymer chains and trigger reactions in the absence of a liquid medium. This method supports targeted modification instead of full depolymerization. For processors, this means more flexibility when working with recycled thermoplastics. How Mechanical Energy Drives Chemical Change Mechanochemistry relies on localized energy input. Shear and stress distort polymer chains and disrupt crystalline regions. These effects create reactive sites such as chain ends or radicals. Unlike thermal processes, mechanical activation concentrates energy at the reaction site rather than heating the entire material. Many mechanochemical studies demonstrate these effects at the...

---

- Published: 2026-01-14
- Modified: 2026-01-14
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/spe-notice-to-councilors-010522/
- Categories: SPE News
- Tags: SPE

This notice is made by the SPE Board of Directors to the SPE Council as required by Section 17.5.1.7 of the SPE Bylaws.

Official notice to all SPE Members Published in Plastics Engineering The official publication of SPE January 14th, 2026 This notice is made by the SPE Board of Directors to the SPE Council as required by Section 17. 5. 1. 7 of the SPE Bylaws. In September 2025, the SPE Board of Directors determined that a full integration of SPE with the Plastics Industry Association (“Integration”) is in the best interest of SPE, its members and the industry and authorized the execution of an Asset Transfer Agreement in order to finalize the Integration. Section 17. 5 of the SPE Bylaws provides that the SPE Board of Directors may temporarily suspend the SPE Bylaws. In order to implement the Integration and to ensure business continuity by minimizing any significant future operational disruptions related to the Integration, the SPE Board of Directors, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 17. 5 and its subsections, temporarily suspended the following provisions of the SPE Bylaws: 17. 1. 2 17. 1. 3 17. 1. 4. 1 17. 1. 4. 1. 1 17. 4, in its entirety The temporary suspension of these provisions of the SPE Bylaws will be in effect from December 31, 2025, until December 30, 2026. Respectfully submitted, on behalf of the SPE Board of Directors. Patrick Farrey SPE Chief Staff Executive

---

- Published: 2026-01-14
- Modified: 2026-01-12
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/the-cryogenic-challenge-polymers-for-liquid-hydrogen-lh%e2%82%82-010451/
- Categories: Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Composites, Education & Training, Energy Generation, Industry, Materials, PFAS, Process, Resins
- Tags: Fluoropolymers, PEEK

As liquid hydrogen systems expand across energy and aerospace sectors, polymers face one of their most demanding service environments yet.

As liquid hydrogen systems expand across energy and aerospace sectors, polymers face one of their most demanding service environments yet. Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) supports new energy systems, aerospace propulsion, and long-term storage. Its boiling point is close to 20 K. At this temperature, materials experience severe mechanical and physicochemical stress. Metals still dominate LH₂ infrastructure. However, engineers now consider polymers for liners, seals, insulation, and composite structures. These uses require a clear understanding of polymer behavior under cryogenic conditions. Designers cannot treat LH₂ environments like standard low-temperature service. Hydrogen creates a unique mix of thermal contraction, molecular permeation, and mechanical embrittlement. Polymers react to these effects very differently from metals. For this reason, engineers must evaluate polymer selection using criteria specific to cryogenic conditions. You can also read: Rotomolding: A Key Process in Hydrogen Tank Production. Cryogenic Temperature Effects on Polymer Structure At room temperature, polymer chains exhibit segmental mobility, enabling energy dissipation under load. As the temperature drops towards cryogenic levels, molecular motion decreases sharply. The glass transition temperature (Tg) becomes a critical threshold. Below Tg, polymers enter a glassy state with high stiffness and limited ductility. For LH₂ service, Tg alone does not define suitability. Even polymers with low Tg experience changes in secondary relaxation mechanisms at 20 K. These changes increase elastic modulus while reducing fracture toughness. Microstructural heterogeneity, such as crystalline–amorphous interfaces or filler–matrix boundaries, amplifies local stress concentrations. Thermal contraction adds another layer of complexity. Polymers usually expand and contract more than metals. In composite...

---

- Published: 2026-01-13
- Modified: 2026-01-09
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/vitrimers-in-polyolefins-processing-control-of-crosslinked-pe-010471/
- Categories: Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Education & Training, Industry, Materials, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Process, Testing & Analysis

Dynamic covalent networks allow crosslinked polyethylene to flow, weld, and relax stress during processing.

Dynamic covalent networks allow crosslinked polyethylene to flow, weld, and relax stress during processing. Polyethylene (PE) dominates many structural and functional plastic applications. Conventional crosslinking locks the molecular architecture. Once crosslinks form, melt flow disappears. Designers gain thermal stability but lose processability, weldability, and repair options. Dynamic covalent bond exchange enables network rearrangement upon heating while preserving crosslink density. In polyethylene systems, this behavior enables stress-induced flow. It also links molecular exchange kinetics with rheology, forming behavior, and mechanical performance. Vitrimer chemistry changes rheology, processing windows, and damage behavior in polyolefin systems. In PE networks, these changes link molecular exchange kinetics with forming behavior and mechanical performance. You can also read: New Polyolefins Meet Demanding Use and Sustainability Needs. Network Dynamics Beyond Melt Flow Creep–recovery behavior of XLPE, LLDPE, PE-MAH, and dynamically crosslinked polyethylene (DTPE) under a constant stress of 2 MPa at 20 °C (a) and 90 °C (b), showing temperature-dependent deformation and recovery controlled by network structure. Courtesy of Dynamically cross-linked polyethylene vitrimers: An alternative approach to high-performance high-voltage cable insulation. In vitrimeric PE, macroscopic flow depends on covalent bond exchange within the crosslinked network. Linear chain slippage plays only a minor role. Stress relaxation occurs through network rearrangement, while temperature controls the exchange rate and defines the transition from elastic solid behavior to processable flow. This behavior matches published creep–recovery measurements in dynamically crosslinked polyethylene. This mechanism yields a material that resists creep at service temperature but flows during processing. Designers gain a tunable relaxation spectrum instead...

---

- Published: 2026-01-12
- Modified: 2026-01-08
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/flexible-packaging-collective-testing-delivers-new-insight-into-real-world-recycling-010443/
- Categories: Auxiliaries, Bioplastics, Education & Training, Equipment, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Polypropylene, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Regulation, Resins, Sensors, Software, Sustainability

A two-year program conducted by CEFLEX gathered information from 1,700 data points and over 600 packaging samples. As a result, a design guide was developed to ensure the practical recyclability of flexible packaging.

A two-year program conducted by CEFLEX gathered information from 1,700 data points and over 600 packaging samples. As a result, a design guide was developed to ensure the practical recyclability of flexible packaging. A two-year CEFLEX program gathered data from more than 1,700 measurements and over 600 packaging samples. As a result, the initiative developed a design guide that supports recyclable flexible packaging in practice, not only on paper. CEFLEX is a European initiative that works toward the circularity of plastics, with over 180 companies, associations, and organizations. Over the past two years, it has led a multi-country testing program focused on the recyclability of flexible packaging in real-world settings. You can also read: Flexible and Recyclable: Monomaterial Packaging Meets Sustainability Needs. Under the “Designing for a Circular Economy” (D4ACE) program, CEFLEX brought together brand owners, converters, suppliers, recyclers, laboratories, and academics. They tested actual packaging structures rather than relying on theoretical assumptions or isolated laboratory trials. The program covered more than 1,700 data points, 55 materials, and 600 samples across several countries and market conditions. Therefore, it generated a broad and comparable evidence base for design-for-recycling decisions. In flexible packaging, small structural or formulation changes can significantly alter sortability and recyclability in existing infrastructures. Designing for recycling is now essential, especially given the proposed PPWR target of achieving recyclability for all packaging by 2030. D4ACE set out to clarify what “recyclable by design” actually means in current European recycling systems. For converters and brand owners, the resulting guide supports...

---

- Published: 2026-01-09
- Modified: 2026-01-07
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/pvc-waste-to-fuel-room-temperature-chemical-recycling-breakthrough-010439/
- Categories: Building & Construction, Business, Education & Training, Electrical & Electronics, Industry, Materials, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Results, Sustainability, Trending, Vinyl

A new PVC chemical recycling process converts mixed PVC and polyolefin waste into chlorine-free gasoline-range fuels at low temperatures.

A new PVC chemical recycling process converts mixed PVC and polyolefin waste into chlorine-free gasoline-range fuels at low temperatures. Plastic waste continues to grow faster than treatment systems can manage. A US-China research team now reports a one-step route that converts mixed PVC and polyolefin waste into gasoline-range hydrocarbons and hydrochloric acid at room temperature and ambient pressure. The work appears in Science and involves researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Columbia University, the Technical University of Munich, and East China Normal University. You can also read: Plastic Waste to Hydrogen—and Lubricant Additives—for H₂ Engines. The team states that the method reaches more than 95% conversion while using less energy and simpler equipment than many current plastic-to-fuel processes. They designed the approach to scale within industrial settings. Prof. Wei Zhang at the State Key Laboratory of School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, ECNU. Courtesy of ECNU Why PVC Requires a Different Solution PVC accounts for about 10% of global plastic waste and is used in pipes, flooring, wiring, and medical devices. Vinyl chloride, the building block of PVC, is listed as a carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Most thermal treatments must remove chlorine before processing to prevent the formation of toxic compounds. This requirement increases cost and restricts the range of viable waste treatment units. As a result, PVC often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, even when its hydrocarbon content has value. A Combined Reaction Sequence The study proposes a single-stage system that performs dechlorination and...

---

- Published: 2026-01-08
- Modified: 2026-01-06
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/what-comes-next-for-eps-recycling-in-the-uk-010408/
- Categories: Automotive & Transportation, Business, Durables, Equipment, Foam Processing, Industry, Materials, Packaging, People, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Resins, Results, Sports & Recreation, Sustainability, Trending

How the UK is scaling EPS recycling through better data, new collection tools, and chemical routes, while awareness still lags.

How the UK is scaling EPS recycling through better data, new collection tools, and chemical routes, while awareness still lags. EPS Recycling Rises but Challenges Remain EPS recycling is gaining strategic importance as the UK moves toward its 2050 net-zero target. Industry experts from the BPF EPS group in the UK estimate that 66% of discarded EPS packaging was recycled in 2023. This recovery rate surpasses many other packaging materials and demonstrates strong operational capability. However, researchers report that polystyrene can still occupy 30% of landfill volume and 20% of litter. Moreover, the material can remain in the environment for more than 500 years. These findings highlight the urgent need for better systems and more transparent communication. UK Public Awareness and Collection Access EPS is fully recyclable, yet many consumers do not know this. A 2025 YouGov survey found that 84% of UK adults were unaware of EPS recyclability. However, 88% of respondents still regarded EPS recycling as necessary. The survey also found that 80% would use a dedicated service. These findings expose a significant awareness gap that affects disposal behaviour. You can also read: Inside Materials – Polystyrene Collection Remains Inconsistent Across the UK EPS recycling access varies nationwide. Most councils do not collect EPS at the kerbside due to its low density and complex handling needs. Some authorities now accept EPS at household waste recycling centres. Some retailers such as Currys also offer take-back options for protective packaging. A customer returns packaging from a television at a branch...

---

- Published: 2026-01-08
- Modified: 2026-01-08
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/spe-launches-impact-awards-to-celebrate-excellence-in-injection-molded-part-design-and-performance-010475/
- Categories: Design, Injection Molding, Process, Semi-Finished Products, SPE News, Trending
- Tags: Injection Molding, Part Design, SPE

SPE, in collaboration with the SPE Injection Molding Division and the SPE Product Design & Development Division, has launched a new awards program: SPE’s IMPACT: Injection Molding Performance Awards.

Injection molding remains one of the most powerful and versatile manufacturing processes in the plastics industry—driving innovation across automotive, medical, consumer, industrial, and emerging markets. Recognizing the engineering rigor and creative problem-solving behind great molded parts, SPE, in collaboration with the SPE Injection Molding Division and the SPE Product Design & Development Division, has launched a new awards program: SPE’s IMPACT: Injection Molding Performance Awards. The IMPACT Awards are designed to recognize outstanding injection-molded parts that demonstrate excellence in design, engineering, manufacturability, sustainability, and user-focused innovation. Winners will be announced at ANTEC® 2026, bringing national and international visibility to the teams and individuals shaping the future of injection molding. Showcasing the Best in Injection Molding From high-precision medical components to complex automotive structures and thoughtfully designed consumer products, injection molding continues to push technical boundaries. The IMPACT Awards spotlight the ingenuity behind these achievements—celebrating parts that excel not just in appearance, but in performance, reliability, and manufacturability. The program is open to both commercially produced parts and student-developed concepts, offering a platform for seasoned professionals and emerging talent alike to gain recognition within the global plastics community. Why Plastics Engineers and Designers Should Enter For engineers and designers, the IMPACT Awards provide an opportunity to highlight real-world solutions to complex challenges—whether that’s optimizing part geometry, selecting advanced materials, improving tooling strategies, or reducing environmental impact. Finalists and winners gain: Industry recognition from a panel of technical experts Increased visibility with peers, customers, and decision-makers Professional credibility tied to design and...

---

- Published: 2026-01-06
- Modified: 2026-01-06
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/how-flexible-polyesters-transform-plla-010388/
- Categories: Aerospace, Bioplastics, Building & Construction, Compounding, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Materials, Medical, Packaging, Process, Resins, Sports & Recreation, Sustainability, Trending

Flexible bio-based polyester blocks transform brittle PLLA into ultra-tough copolymers with high extensibility and industrially relevant strength.

Flexible bio-based polyester blocks transform brittle PLLA into ultra-tough copolymers with high extensibility and industrially relevant strength. Poly(L-lactic acid), or PLLA, occupies a central position in today’s bio-based plastics landscape. It originates from renewable feedstocks and offers biodegradability, already serving packaging, medical, and consumer product applications. However, PLLA behaves like a brittle glass, which limits its use in demanding, impact-prone, or load-bearing applications. Consequently, engineers often view PLLA as environmentally attractive yet mechanically unreliable when parts must deform rather than fracture. Researchers recently proposed a strategy that addresses this weakness without abandoning PLLA’s bio-based character or scalable processing routes. They introduce a highly flexible polyester segment into the molecular architecture, transforming brittle PLLA into an ultra-tough, energy-dissipating material. Moreover, the resulting copolymers retain functional strength and rely on bio-based building blocks accessible through established industrial chemistries. Why Toughening PLLA Remains Challenging Traditional toughening strategies for PLLA include blending with softer polymers, inserting flexible mid-blocks, or designing specialized block copolymers. However, these approaches often require high soft-segment content, complex synthetic routes, or expensive monomers with limited commercial availability. As a result, designers frequently face difficult trade-offs among toughness, stiffness, clarity, cost, and sustainability objectives. Increasing toughness may compromise stiffness or strength, complicate processing, or move the system away from simple, bio-based chemistries. Therefore, an ideal solution should combine high toughness, tunable thermal properties, scalable synthesis, and strong sustainability credentials. Designing a Highly Flexible Polyester Macroinitiator The new approach begins with a highly flexible, fully amorphous polyester designed as a macroinitiator for...

---

- Published: 2026-01-05
- Modified: 2026-01-05
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2026/01/how-private-labels-embody-store-identity-010381/
- Categories: Business, Decorating & Coatings, Design, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, People, Process, Strategy, Trending

How private-label packaging systems balance brand coherence, differentiation, and material constraints across diverse retail categories.

How private-label packaging systems balance brand coherence, differentiation, and material constraints across diverse retail categories. In supermarket aisles where hundreds of products compete for attention, private-label packaging serves a fundamentally different purpose than branded packaging. These containers don't establish independent identities. They embody the retailer's personality, transforming abstract values into tangible experiences that customers can hold. Every jar, bottle, and box becomes a physical extension of the store's promise. You can also read: Top 5 Additives for Packaging Production. This creates a unique challenge in package development. Where traditional brands build recognition through repetition across limited product lines, private labels must maintain coherence across hundreds of disparate categories while allowing each product to communicate its specific purpose. The Duality of Familiarity and Distinction Successful private label systems navigate inherent contradictions. They require consistency that builds recognition without monotony across vast portfolios. The design architecture must feel familiar enough to signal trust while being distinctive enough to compete with category leaders. Materials must communicate quality without premium pricing, broadness without blandness. Please consider the technical implications. A single design system might encompass rigid bottles for beverages, flexible films for snacks, injection-molded closures for personal care, and thermoformed trays for prepared foods. Each format demands different material formulations, processing parameters, and decoration techniques, yet all must express a unified set of brand values. The Fresh Market's private label system demonstrates how design architecture can translate culinary philosophy into visual language. The brand's packaging approach transforms specialty food positioning into coherent identity across...

---

- Published: 2025-12-31
- Modified: 2025-12-29
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/the-science-of-persuasive-packaging-design-010375/
- Categories: Business, Design, Food Packaging, Industry, Packaging, People, Strategy, Trending
- Tags: packaging design

Behind every shelf decision lies a three-second battle for attention where brain patterns determine commercial success.

Behind every shelf decision lies a three-second battle for attention where brain patterns determine commercial success. In the average supermarket, a shopper encounters more than 40,000 products. Their brain processes fewer than 30% consciously. The rest do not exist. This reality defines the central challenge of modern packaging: in a world saturated with options, invisibility equals nonexistence. You can also read: How Packaging Pictograms Shape Consumer Decisions in Seconds. Visibility follows specific neuroscientific patterns that designers can understand and leverage strategically. Effective packaging embodies the systematic application of knowledge about how shoppers' minds work at the purchase decision moment. The Three-Second Window The brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text. Shoppers first see color, then shapes, then images, and finally text. This sequence follows neurological imperatives. The shopper's brain operates in automatic mode, seeking familiar patterns and visual shortcuts. When encountering a product, three unconscious questions emerge: "Can I see it clearly? " "Do I understand what it is? ", and "Does it generate trust? ". Packaging that fails at the first step never reaches the second. A confusing design generates automatic rejection. Design that fails to connect emotionally becomes instantly forgettable. The Power of Intelligent Contrast Contrast involves highlighting intelligently within the specific display context. A red package can disappear where everyone uses red, yet prove impactful in a blue-dominated category. Effective designers understand their true canvas extends beyond individual packaging to encompass the entire shelf. They study the visual landscape to identify differentiation opportunities through clear communication....

---

- Published: 2025-12-30
- Modified: 2025-12-19
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/foam-additive-manufacturing-for-next-generation-mono-materials-010371/
- Categories: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Bioplastics, Building & Construction, Circular Economy, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Process, Resins, Sustainability

Made from polylactic acid (PLA), these mono-material sandwich structures with foam-filled cores offer sustainability and high performance.

Made from polylactic acid (PLA), these mono-material sandwich structures with foam-filled cores offer sustainability and high performance. Designing mono-material products simplifies the recycling process for end-of-life plastic goods. Recently, researchers developed a high-performance foam that combines mono-material design with sustainable manufacturing processes. Foam additive manufacturing (FAM) eliminates the need for molds and tooling, thus reducing energy and resource consumption. Additionally, FAM’s layer-by-layer approach minimizes material waste during manufacturing. This study resulted in a high-performance foam-filled sandwich structure printed entirely from PLA. You can also read: Advanced Sandwich-Structured Composites. In a previous study, researchers found promising performance from entirely PLA honeycomb sandwich structures. Now, researchers seek to improve fully PLA sandwich structures further using FAM. Advantages of FAM Using FAM technology, manufacturers can tailor foam morphologies to create structures customized to their desired application. For the sandwich structures, bulk PLA foam with a density of 1. 24 g/mm3 made up the rigid skin of the specimens. Bulk PLA acts as the outer skin of each specimen, as shown in blue. Figure courtesy of Mono-material sandwich structures design produced by Foam Additive Manufacturing: study of performances under dynamic conditions. For comparison, the researchers also fabricated specimens with a honeycomb infill. These samples had similar densities to their foam counterparts. Testing Impact The researchers conducted impact testing on the specimens using a drop test machine. Through drop testing, they quantified the specimens’ energy absorption properties using the following parameters: Total energy adsorption (J) Specific energy absorption relative to mass (J/kg) Specific energy absorption...

---

- Published: 2025-12-29
- Modified: 2025-12-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/cobots-in-plastic-bag-manufacturing-010367/
- Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Film, Flexible Packaging, Industry, Industry 4.0, Materials, Packaging, Polyethylene, Polyolefins, Process, Resins, Software, Trending

As manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0, collaborative robots leveraging machine learning (ML) bring autonomy and efficiency to the factory floor.

As manufacturers embrace Industry 4. 0, collaborative robots leveraging machine learning (ML) bring autonomy and efficiency to the factory floor. Data indicates that implementing Industry 4. 0 technology can make supply chains more efficient and sustainable. Additionally, innovative technology can increase productivity, prevent occupational accidents, and reduce factory waste. Researchers in Edinburgh are investigating how innovative Industry 4. 0 technology can support plastic bag manufacturing. Collaborative Robotics: Overcoming the Challenges of Transparent Bags Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” work alongside humans without extensive restrictive measures, such as safety barriers and cages. A recent study hopes to overcome some of the obstacles of manipulating and autonomously cutting transparent plastic bags with cobots. You can also read: Robotics and Automation to Reap Benefits from AI Because these bags are transparent, their light reflection and refraction make computer vision challenging. Furthermore, plastic bags are deformable, making them difficult to manipulate. This study integrates advanced object detection tools, such as YOLOv5, with convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms into cobots for this purpose. Mechanisms of Plastic Bag Manufacturing Researchers created a prototype industrial automation system that comprises three main systems. Feeding: The feeding system consists of a Franka Emika Panda cobot arm, a camera, and a custom suction cup gripper. The camera identifies the top of plastic stacks and establishes a picking order. Then, the robot arm places the stacks into custom enclosures. Cutting: The cutting system consists of both a gripping and cutting mechanism. Suction secures the packaging of the stacks while the cutting mechanism...

---

- Published: 2025-12-26
- Modified: 2025-12-26
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/polymer-aerogels-for-advanced-thermal-control-010353/
- Categories: Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Cast Film/Sheet, Education & Training, Electric Vehicles, Electrical & Electronics, Foam Processing, Industry, Materials, Sustainability, Trending

A new generation of polymer aerogels drives significant gains in thermal control across modern industries.

A new generation of polymer aerogels drives significant gains in thermal control across modern industries. Thermal management in modern systems demands materials with low density, high stability, and strong performance under mechanical and environmental stress. Polymer aerogels enter this field with a profile that meets those needs. Their structure delivers very high porosity, a large internal surface area, and tunable chemistry. These features give engineers direct control over heat flow, moisture behavior, and structural response. This combination places polymer aerogels as a strong option for insulation, packaging, electronics, and mobility systems. They support applications that require lightweight components with precise, reliable thermal performance. You can also read: Next-Gen Flame Retardants: Hydrogels & Aerogels. Performance Gains Beyond Traditional Aerogels A thin polymer aerogel piece highlights the optical and structural features that make aerogels distinct: low density, high porosity and strong insulation capability within a near-weightless form. Courtesy of Aerogel. Polymer aerogels differ from inorganic aerogels because they carry more molecular flexibility and offer a broader processing window. Silica aerogels still deliver the lowest thermal conductivity on the market, but they crack easily and create handling challenges. Polymer aerogels avoid those issues and keep their structural integrity during machining, laminating and forming. Their organic backbones tolerate vibration, bending and impact loads that usually damage brittle inorganic networks. This mix of strength and insulation performance opens new design options. Microstructure That Controls Thermal Flow SEM images of a cellulose-derived polymer aerogel showing (a) macroporous network and (b) nanofibrillar scaffold. This hierarchical porosity reduces...

---

- Published: 2025-12-23
- Modified: 2025-12-17
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/liquid-crystal-elastomers-in-soft-robotics-010338/
- Categories: Aerospace, Design, Education & Training, Elastomers, Electrical & Electronics, Equipment, Hybrid Manufacturing, Industry, Materials, Medical, Process, Sensors, Trending

Reconfigurable liquid crystal elastomers use pixel-based director patterns for multi-mode shape morphing in soft robotics and adaptive surfaces.

Reconfigurable liquid crystal elastomers use pixel-based director patterns for multi-mode shape morphing in soft robotics and adaptive surfaces. LCEs are monolithic materials that exhibit programmable, three-dimensional (3D) shape morphing. Multi-mode shape morphing of LCEs is in high demand but difficult to achieve. After configuring the LCE director patterns, reconfiguration is generally not possible. Novel research has demonstrated the ability to assemble and disassemble LCE pixels, enabling manual reconfiguration. This approach demonstrates multi-mode shape morphing in LCEs, enabling broader LCE applications in fields such as soft robotics. You can also read: 3D Printing in Space with Liquid Crystal Polymers Reconfiguring Shape Morphing Modes Researchers fabricated LCE films with planar alignment on the bottom surface and perpendicular alignment on the top surface. This splay alignment enabled simple pixel assembly and the design of the shape-morphing mode. Then, they cut the LCE film along the design orientations. Next, the researchers used UV glue to reassemble the pixels into an LCE film with designed director patterns. By cutting and arranging LCE pixels, the researchers could assemble a LCE with custom director patterns. Courtesy of Reconfigurable Liquid Crystal Elastomer Director Patterns for Multi-Mode Shape Morphing. The researchers assembled LCE films with pixels of varying geometries. This allowed them to investigate the effect of pixel size and shape on LCE shape morphing. Temperature change is one method to evoke the shape morphing behavior of LCEs. In this study, researchers heated the film to 30 °C, 60 °C, and 90 °C. After heating the LCEs and observing...

---

- Published: 2025-12-22
- Modified: 2025-12-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/polyurethane-composites-with-industrial-waste-fillers-010343/
- Categories: Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Circular Economy, Compounding, Durables, Editor's Choice Technical Paper, Education & Training, Energy Generation, Industry, Materials, Polyurethane, Process, Recycling, Software, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Machine Learning

Rigid polyurethane composites with industrial waste fillers: mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and machine-learning guided optimization.

Rigid polyurethane composites with industrial waste fillers: mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and machine-learning guided optimization. Polyurethane composites with industrial waste fillers support both high performance and circularity in rigid insulation applications. First, researchers developed rigid polyurethane composites using a conventional MDI–polyol matrix filled with salt-clay waste and other industrial byproducts. You can also read: Lignin Polyurethanes: Byproduct to Solution. This formulation strategy sought to increase compressive strength and hardness while preserving low thermal conductivity suitable for building insulation systems. In parallel, the study applied data-driven models to quantitatively and predictively understand how formulation variables affect mechanical and thermal behavior. A schematic experimental diagram. Courtesy of Development of Polyurethane-Based Composites With Salt Clay and Industrial Wastes as Fillers: Corrosion, Mechanical Properties, and Machine Learning Insights. Matrix Design and Stoichiometry The polymer matrix comprised methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and a commercial polyether polyol with moderate molecular weight and high chemical purity. Importantly, researchers selected the polyol based on molecular weight, functionality, viscosity, and processing temperature, parameters that govern foaming kinetics and cell morphology. Additionally, a cobalt octoate catalyst accelerated urethane formation, while stoichiometric isocyanate–hydroxyl ratios used one hundred grams of polyol as a reference. Based on this, the team determined the required masses of MDI, catalyst, salt-clay waste, and secondary fillers for each experimental formulation. Inorganic Waste Filler System The filler system incorporated several inorganic wastes with distinct chemistries, crystallinities, and particle morphologies derived from industrial operations. Specifically, the study evaluated ulexite, colemanite, Kırka clay waste, tincal, coal fly ash, and salt-clay waste...

---

- Published: 2025-12-19
- Modified: 2025-12-12
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/high-temperature-photopolymer-inserts-for-injection-molding-010325/
- Categories: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Auxiliaries, Composites, Design, Education & Training, Equipment, Hybrid Manufacturing, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Process, Thermosets

High-temp DLP/SLA photopolymer inserts enable hybrid tooling, short-run injection molding, and faster iteration with stable, metal-like performance.

High-temp DLP/SLA photopolymer inserts enable hybrid tooling, short-run injection molding, and faster iteration with stable, metal-like performance. Photopolymer tooling no longer sits only in the prototyping corner of the industry. DLP and SLA systems now deliver high-temperature, reinforced photopolymers that handle demanding molding environments. These materials reshape the economics of short-run production and unlock new hybrid tooling strategies for processors who want speed without sacrificing dimensional performance. You can also read: Reduce Thermoforming Mold Production Time & Costs With 3D Printing. This shift comes from two parallel developments. First, resin suppliers continue to design formulations with higher glass-transition temperatures, improved heat-deflection values, and better fracture toughness. Second, printers now deliver tighter voxel control and more consistent light-exposure profiles. The combination creates inserts that tolerate real processing conditions, not just low-pressure test cycles. Closing the Gap Between Photopolymers and Metals Conventional machined metal inserts are used in standard injection-molding tooling. These assemblies form the performance baseline that high-temperature photopolymer inserts aim to replicate in short-run production. Courtesy of LSR Mold. Conventional thinking places photopolymers far below aluminum or steel in thermal stability and fatigue resistance. That gap still exists, but advanced chemistries continue to narrow it. Modern high-temp DLP/SLA resins reach Tg values of 180–230°C, depending on network design and filler architecture, and some formulations tolerate even higher short-pulse exposures during fast-cycle molding. During each shot, the insert sees peak melt temperature for only a brief thermal pulse, so the network relaxes before significant degradation develops. This combination of high Tg,...

---

- Published: 2025-12-18
- Modified: 2025-12-12
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/reactive-extrusion-for-pcr-odor-control-010314/
- Categories: Additives & Colorants, Circular Economy, Extrusion, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Materials, Packaging, Process, Recyclate, Recycling, Recycling, Regulation, Sustainability, Trending

Reactive extrusion reduces odor in post-consumer resins by leveraging targeted chemistry and venting to enable higher-quality circular PCR.

Reactive extrusion reduces odor in post-consumer resins by leveraging targeted chemistry and venting to enable higher-quality circular PCR. Post-consumer resin enters the market with momentum, yet odor still limits adoption because molecular interactions lock contaminants deep in the matrix. Converters run controlled workflows, but organic residues bind to chain segments via polar sites, thereby raising the baseline odor intensity. Volatile compounds migrate into microvoids and disordered domains during earlier service life, and this confinement slows release and sharpens the chemical signal. Wash stages add surfactant fragments and oxidized species, which attach via secondary interactions and broaden the odor spectrum. You can also read: Additives for PE-Nylon Film Recycling Compatibility. Storage and transport introduce hydrocarbons and microbial metabolites that merge with existing residues, intensifying the overall signature. Thermal treatment drives off only the lighter fractions, leaving the heavier species behind. Vacuum systems clear limited volatiles, which narrows the benefit. Masking agents suppress odor briefly, then diffusion re-establishes the original profile. Recent studies highlight the importance of advanced odor-management strategies to improve PCR quality and enable stable circularity pathways. Why Reactive Extrusion Shifts the Landscape Key processing zones in reactive extrusion, including grafting, devolatilization, and reactive blending, enable chemical intervention inside the melt. Courtesy of Experimental and modelling aspects of the reactive extrusion process. Reactive extrusion reshapes this landscape because the melt shifts into a chemically reactive domain rather than a transport phase. The process drives chain scission, radical activation, and focused functionalization, so it moves past surface-level masking and into direct...

---

- Published: 2025-12-17
- Modified: 2025-12-11
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/injection-mold-fouling-formulation-and-monitoring-010308/
- Categories: Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Auxiliaries, Education & Training, Equipment, Feeding Systems, Industry, Injection Molding, Mold & Die Making, Process, Sensors, Software, Testing & Analysis

Fouling comes from additive volatility and interfacial energetics. Early shifts in cavity-pressure and ejector-force trends reveal their growth and prompt planned interventions.

Fouling comes from additive volatility and interfacial energetics. Early shifts in cavity-pressure and ejector-force trends reveal their growth and prompt planned interventions. Modern injection molding runs on thin margins and unforgiving schedules. High-cavity tools push complex geometries with aggressive cycles, recycled content is increasingly incorporated into many formulations, and customers are tightening dimensional and cosmetic tolerances across every program. In this environment, mold fouling no longer looks like an annoying maintenance item; it defines real capacity, real scrap rates, and real profitability. Polymer engineers who treat deposit formation as a predictable outcome of formulation chemistry, flow conditions, and surface energetics can secure cleaner tools, longer campaigns, and higher process capability than competitors who still blame “dirty molds” and solvents. You can also read: Laser Texturing for Molds: From Aesthetics to Function Mechanism Spotlight Fouling typically initiates within the polymer compound as internal species redistribute under processing and thermal stress conditions during normal operation. First, slips, lubricants, process aids, stabilizers, flame retardants, and pigment carriers introduce low-molar-mass species with distinct volatility and polarity profiles. Then, under high shear and compression, these moieties migrate toward melt–air interfaces, cavity walls, vents, and shut-offs within complex tooling. Next, sharp thermal gradients drive local supersaturation of volatiles, subsequent condensation events, and the progressive growth of thin organic films. Moreover, mismatched formulations generate microphase domains that detach, deposit on cooler steel, and provide nucleation sites trapping additional condensables locally. Recycled or re-compounded streams introduce residues, unknown contaminants, and oxidized chains that decompose into higher volatile loads...

---

- Published: 2025-12-16
- Modified: 2025-12-15
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/biopolymer-seed-coatings-to-reduce-microplastics-in-agriculture-010332/
- Categories: Bioplastics, Building & Construction, Circular Economy, Industry, Materials, Microplastics, Packaging, People, Regulation, Resins, Sustainability, Trending

Biopolymer seed coatings cut agricultural microplastics while maintaining adhesion, dust control, and germination for safer, more sustainable farming.

Biopolymer seed coatings cut agricultural microplastics while maintaining adhesion, dust control, and germination for safer, more sustainable farming. In the agricultural industry, farmers use seed coatings for various reasons. These coatings improve adhesion for seed treatments that protect crops from insects, fungi, and bacteria. Coatings can also improve sowing precision, enhance seed flow, and reduce dust accumulation during seed handling. Furthermore, colored seed coatings allow farmers to identify seeds and differentiate them from untreated seeds. You can also read: EU Biodegradability Regulations for Agricultural Applications. Seed Film Coatings Film coatings for seeds may be comprised of a simple adhesive polymer or a formulated seed film-coating agent. Careful consideration of chemical composition of the seed coatings ensures their applicability for use in agriculture. These coatings must dry quickly to maintain effectiveness and reduce surface contamination. Their adhesion must be sufficient to limit dust but not so high as to inhibit flowability. Additionally, seed coatings should be hydrophilic, releasing seed treatments gradually upon contact with water and promoting germination. At the same time, they must exhibit sufficient hydrophobicity to prevent the rapid leaching of seed treatments into the environment. Farmers apply film coatings (shown in the leftmost image) in a thin layer to the surface of the seed. Figure courtesy of Transitioning to Microplastic-Free Seed Coatings: Challenges and Solutions. Limiting Microplastics through Alternative Materials Conventional adhesive polymers for seed film coatings include polyvinyl acetate dispersion, styrene acrylate copolymer dispersion, and ethylene acrylic copolymer dispersion. To replace these materials and limit the generation...

---

- Published: 2025-12-15
- Modified: 2025-12-10
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/tracking-year-on-year-increases-in-recycled-pvc-use-010276/
- Categories: Building & Construction, Circular Economy, Industry, Materials, Process, Recycling, Recycling, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Trending, Vinyl
- Tags: Sustainable Plastics

Europe’s PVC industry boosts circularity, increasing recycled PVC use despite weak demand, cutting emissions and supporting sustainable manufacturing.

Europe’s PVC industry boosts circularity, increasing recycled PVC use despite weak demand, cutting emissions and supporting sustainable manufacturing. Recycled PVC use in Europe continued to expand in 2024, despite a challenging industrial environment. The euro area recorded a 3% decline in industrial output, with weak construction activity and high energy costs affecting material demand. However, recycled PVC uptake by converters increased by 4. 3% compared with 2023. Converters used 490,278 tonnes of recycled PVC in new products during the year. This reflects a consistent long-term upward trend in circular material integration within the PVC value chain across Europe. Steady Growth in Recycled PVC Use PVC recycling volumes remained strong. A total of 724,638 tonnes of PVC waste were recycled in 2024 within the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. This figure represents around 35% of available PVC waste. Post-consumer recycling accounted for approximately 25% of total post-consumer PVC waste, according to a 2021 dynamic waste model developed by Conversio. Pre-consumer recycling made up around 61. 4% of the total PVC recycled last year. PVC recycled within the VinylPlus Framework. Courtesy of VinylPlus. Year-on-year trends show that recycled PVC use has grown due to increased demand from product manufacturers. Industries are responding to policy incentives, sustainability targets, and customer expectations for lower-carbon materials. Recyclate is being used in window profiles, pipes, flooring, cables, coated fabrics, and medical-grade applications. You can also read: Inside Materials – PVC Why PVC Recyclate Use Is Increasing PVC has inherent characteristics that support recycling. The polymer...

---

- Published: 2025-12-13
- Modified: 2025-12-12
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/plastics-2028-ai-circularity-and-smart-materials-from-k-2025-010290/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Design, Industry, Materials, Resins, Sustainability, Trending
- Tags: Chemical Recycling, Circular Economy, Mechanical Recycling, Plastics industry, predictive maintenance, Sustainable Plastics

The future of plastics engineering is evolving rapidly, and K-Show 2025 in Düsseldorf showcased groundbreaking innovations that will shape the next three years.

The future of plastics engineering is evolving rapidly, and K-Show 2025 in Düsseldorf showcased groundbreaking innovations that will shape the next three years. From AI-driven injection molding to circular economy strategies, and from smart materials to digitalization, industry leaders revealed what’s coming and how the future of plastics will be. You can also read: Next Gen Injection Molding: Best Practices This article is a sample of interviews conducted by Plastics Engineering with selected exhibitors, offering a clear forecast from top players in materials to machinery. If you want to stay ahead in the plastics industry, keep reading because these insights will define the future. Interviewed Experts Gerhard Dunkler, CTO – Engel Austria Felix Schmidt, Application Engineering Manager – Engel Mexico Dominik Wiesner, Marketing Manager Europe – Haitian International Markus Huber-Lindinger, Managing Director – EREMA Group Roel Gunnink, Director of Marketing Insulating Solutions – Performance Materials EMEA – BASF Christian Arger, Marketing Manager – Wacker Chemie AG Covestro Circularity & Recycling Division Team Injection Molding Technology – From Inject 4. 0 to Inject AI Engel is pushing boundaries with Inject AI, which represents a significant leap forward from the connectivity-driven Inject 4. 0 introduced in 2016. In the photo are from left to right: Felix Schmidt (Application Engineering Manager – Engel Mexico), Andres Urbina (Content Editor Europe – Plastics Engineering powered by SPE) and Christian Öllinger (Global Key Account Manager Automotive – Engel Austria). Photo by Andrés Urbina at the K-Show 2025. First of all, Engel is pushing boundaries with Inject...

---

- Published: 2025-12-12
- Modified: 2025-12-09
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/lightweight-surgical-guides-with-syensqo-ketaspire-peek-010281/
- Categories: Design, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Medical, People, Process, Thermoplastics

KetaSpire PEEK surgical guides replace metal, offering lightweight, radiotransparency, and reliable sterilization for precise orthopedic surgery.

KetaSpire PEEK surgical guides replace metal, offering lightweight, radiotransparency, and reliable sterilization for precise orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic procedures require exact and reproducible instrumentation, so surgical guides now play a central role in implant positioning. Historically, manufacturers relied on metallic alloys for these guides, which provided high strength and stiffness for demanding orthopedic applications. You can also read: Elevating PEEK Composites with Glass Fiber. However, metallic guides introduced drawbacks, including higher mass, limited design freedom for complex geometries, and interference with intraoperative imaging quality. Today, a new generation of guides made from KetaSpire PEEK, a medical-grade polyetheretherketone from Syensqo, is redefining instrumentation. From Metallic Alloys to High-Performance PEEK To begin with, the transition from metal to KetaSpire PEEK aims to achieve one core goal: preserving mechanical performance while improving ergonomics. KetaSpire PEEK surgical guides are up to 70% lighter than comparable metal designs, substantially reducing the mass handled during procedures. Consequently, surgeons experience less hand and forearm fatigue, which can enhance fine motor control and comfort in lengthy operations. At the same time, the material still delivers the stiffness, strength, and fatigue resistance required for high-load orthopedic applications. Moreover, KetaSpire PEEK maintains stable mechanical behavior under repeated use, clamping, and drilling, supporting consistent performance case after case. Additionally, the material withstands multiple sterilization cycles without significant property degradation, reinforcing safety and reliability in clinical environments. Radiotransparency Enables Unobstructed Intraoperative Imaging One of the most notable advantages of KetaSpire PEEK is its intrinsic radiotransparency during intraoperative imaging procedures. Unlike metal, this polymer...

---

- Published: 2025-12-11
- Modified: 2025-12-05
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/pva-based-soil-stabilization-for-landslide-deposits-in-tibet-010272/
- Categories: Building & Construction, Business, Education & Training, Industry, Materials, Microplastics, People, Recycling, Sustainability, Thermoplastics, Vinyl

This polymer-based soil stabilization method shows potential for stabilizing landslide deposits in complex geological environments, such as southeastern Tibet.

This polymer-based soil stabilization method shows potential for stabilizing landslide deposits in complex geological environments, such as southeastern Tibet. In southeastern Tibet, high altitude, frequent seismic activity, and abundant rainfall significantly affect soil stability. These factors make the area particularly vulnerable to landslides. Landslide deposits consist of coarse-grained, mixed soils, which exhibit poor engineering properties. Physical stabilization methods are one approach for soil stabilization, but they can cause disturbances that lead to secondary landslides. Alternatively, chemical stabilization can enhance the soil's mechanical properties through cementation, void filling, and improved particle bonding. You can also read: Thermosetting Resin: Plugging Abandoned Oil Wells Methods for Soil Stabilization Cement and lime are traditional binding agents for soil stabilization. Environmental concerns regarding CO2 emissions from cement production and hydration limit cement’s usability in southeastern Tibet. Additionally, cement’s alkalinity can have adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystem. Because the Tibetan plateau region is ecologically sensitive, this factor is of even greater concern. Polymer-based soil stabilization methods using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are an emerging alternative to cement binders. Incorporating supplementary materials, such as silica fume (SF), into PVA can further improve the mechanical properties of stabilized soils. The use of PVA for this application has shown promise in sandy and clayey soils. Researchers are now investigating whether this technology applies to landslide deposits with soil of mixed grain sizes. As an alternative to cement, PVA could provide remote, mountainous regions such as southeastern Tibet safer and more sustainable infrastructure. Binding the Soil To create a binding...

---

- Published: 2025-12-10
- Modified: 2025-12-05
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/lichens-show-how-greenspaces-cut-atmospheric-microplastics-010266/
- Categories: Circular Economy, Equipment, Industry, Materials, Microplastics, People, Process, Sensors, Sustainability, Testing & Analysis, Trending

As biomonitors, lichens show how green spaces buffer urban areas from atmospheric microplastic pollution.

As biomonitors, lichens show how green spaces buffer urban areas from atmospheric microplastic pollution. Microplastics are a growing concern in the environment, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Traffic, industrial emissions, textiles, waste disposal, and construction are some of the primary sources of these urban microplastics. Atmospheric conditions, such as wind and precipitation, often influence their dispersion throughout the environment. You can also read: Engineering Innovations for Microplastic Prevention and Control Measuring atmospheric microplastic content can require specialized infrastructure for sampling networks. This can be prohibitive for data collection, which is generally labor-intensive. An alternative approach is biomonitoring—the measurement of air pollutants using plants. Lichens, specifically, are effective biomonitors of airborne pollutants and can thrive in diverse environments. A recent study characterized microplastic content along a gradient from urban to rural environments using lichens. Furthermore, this study compared the amount of microplastics between parking lots and urban parks. This research suggests that green spaces can function as a buffer for atmospheric microplastics while helping detect and assess environmental pollution. Planting and Analyzing Lichen Researchers in Tuscany selected 54 lichens and their substrates for this study. They transplanted them in remote, rural areas, as well as urban parks and parking lots. After seven weeks, they collected the lichen samples for analysis. By placing lichens in various environments, researchers could plot a gradient of microplastic content against population density. Figure courtesy of Greenspaces can reduce the level of airborne microplastic contamination in urban environments: Evidence from a lichen biomonitoring study. To prepare...

---

- Published: 2025-12-09
- Modified: 2025-12-05
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/how-xact-metal-conformal-cooling-cut-k-rain-cycle-time-20-010255/
- Categories: 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing, Building & Construction, Business, Hybrid Manufacturing, Industry, Injection Molding, Materials, Process, Resins, Trending
- Tags: additive manufacturing, Injection Molding

K-Rain cuts sprinkler molding cycle time by 20% using Xact Metal 3D-printed Corrax inserts and conformal cooling for better quality.

K-Rain cuts sprinkler molding cycle time by 20% using Xact Metal 3D-printed Corrax inserts and conformal cooling for better quality. K-Rain, a leading manufacturer of irrigation products, set a clear goal: increase productivity by cutting injection-molding cycle times for a sprinkler head component. Their first attempt, using stainless-steel inserts with conventional straight cooling rods, did not provide the gains they expected. You can also read: Affordable Metal-Additive Manufacturing for the Plastics Industry. To unlock further efficiency, K-Rain partnered with Michigan-based mold builder Zero Tolerance LLC and turned to metal additive manufacturing and advanced tool steel. The Challenge: Faster Cycles Without Compromising Quality The sprinkler head mold needed shorter cycle times while maintaining surface quality and dimensional stability. Traditional cooling channels restricted design freedom. Straight-drilled lines could not reach hot spots effectively, limiting heat extraction and extending cooling time. K-Rain wanted a solution that offered: Lower overall cycle time Stable, repeatable processing Improved part aesthetics, especially reduced sink marks They recognized that achieving these goals required a new approach to both tooling design and material selection. The Solution: 3D-Printed Inserts in Uddeholm Corrax Steel Zero Tolerance proposed a new mold insert design with conformal cooling channels, produced via metal 3D printing. They used Xact Metal’s powder-bed fusion technology and Uddeholm Corrax®, a corrosion-resistant tool steel tailored for additive manufacturing. Engineers designed the conformal channels in Cimatron CAD software so the cooling passages followed the cavity geometry closely. This layout allowed coolant to remove heat more evenly across the part. Simulations in...

---

- Published: 2025-12-08
- Modified: 2025-12-02
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/12/packaging-color-strategy-for-stronger-shelf-impact-010249/
- Categories: Design, Flexible Packaging, Food Packaging, Industry, Packaging, People

In a marketplace saturated with chromatic abundance, brands face a fundamental choice about color strategy that extends far beyond aesthetic preference.

In a marketplace saturated with chromatic abundance, brands face a fundamental choice about color strategy that extends far beyond aesthetic preference. The science of color perception reveals that hue is the sole visual stimulus our eyes process without focused attention, making it the first signal that guides shoppers through retail environments. Yet this decisive advantage carries strategic complexity that many packaging designers underestimate. You can also read: Color Coordinates The Chromatic Shortcut Color creates immediate emotional connections. Research shows that 52 percent of shoppers register color first when scanning products, making it the primary driver of visibility. Coca-Cola's red communicates joy. Cadbury's purple conveys royalty. These associations become so deeply embedded that changing brand colors can increase average recognition time by 1. 2 seconds, potentially jeopardizing selection at the critical moment of purchase. The brain relies on learned color categories to process visual information rapidly, making chromatic consistency essential for automatic brand identification. This reveals color's strategic power: it functions as the fastest route to consumer memory. While typography and symbols provide structural identity, color delivers the emotional shortcut that drives split-second decisions in competitive retail environments. Color accelerates recognition and deepens connection, functioning as the emotional multiplier of solid visual identity. Three Strategic Approaches Packaging design presents three distinct color strategies, each with specific advantages for different market positions. Brand color consistency creates unified visual presence through repetitive color across all variants. This approach leverages the billboard effect: accumulated chromatic mass signals brand strength through perceived market dominance. When...

---


---


## Events

- Published: 2023-09-18
- Modified: 2023-09-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-3-challenges-of-testing-plastics/
- Event categories: Webinar

The world of plastics is constantly evolving, with new applications such as high-performance polymers, additive manufacturing, and bioplastics continually emerging to transform the field. Common to all applications - old and new - is the importance of mechanical testing that ensures manufacturers are producing quality products. In this webinar we'll be discussing the specific challenges of testing plastics, the importance of repeatable and reliable mechanical testing results, and what you can do to improve your results.

---

- Published: 2023-09-18
- Modified: 2023-09-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-plastics-weathering-from-basic-principles-to-recent-developments-in-technology-and-standardization/
- Event categories: Webinar

Products based on plastics can degrade by the effects of the environment. This webinar addresses the basic principles of polymer degradation caused by the effects of weather. The main environmental stress factors are solar radiation, heat, and moisture. Testing of the environmental durability can be done under natural conditions; however accelerated laboratory testing offer the potential of acceleration. Today xenon-arc instruments (full solar simulation) and fluorescent UV instruments are the main technologies used to test the weathering stability of plastics. Modern test instruments offer control of the simulated environmental parameters, but also measurement of specimen properties, such as the surface temperature. International weathering standards are the base for reproducible testing. Recent standardization efforts focus on better parameter control and on more realistic simulation of environmental degradation effects. Plastics can degrade when exposed to environmental stress – some faster than others. This webinar addresses the basic principles of polymer degradation under the synergetic impact of solar radiation, heat, and water. The online seminar will show how weathering testing of plastics can be performed under natural conditions, but also in the most common laboratory weathering instruments: Filtered xenon-arc (full spectrum solar simulation, including UV) Fluorescent UV (UV only) Finally, recent developments in testing technology and international standardization will be presented.

---

- Published: 2023-07-18
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/antec-2024/
- Event categories: Conference

ANTEC® 2024 will showcase the latest in advances in industrial, national, laboratory, and academic work focused on plastics and polymer science. (more... )

---

- Published: 2023-07-13
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-an-overview-of-polycarbonate-resin/
- Event categories: Webinar

Polycarbonate resins are used across a wide range of applications in many different sectors. They offer many advantages to the product designer in physical properties and aesthetics. Polycarbonate is also compounded with a variety of thermoplastics to, and these blends results in an even more diverse property set. It is essential to thoroughly understand the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of polycarbonate and polycarbonate-based resins to effectively utilize their potential. This webinar is a practical introduction to polycarbonate, covering: Structure Polymerization Typical properties and applications Advantages/disadvantages Failure Tendencies In particular, attendees will become familiar with this important resin and understand its properties and potential failures.

---

- Published: 2023-07-13
- Modified: 2023-09-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-fractography-of-glass-reinforced-plastics/
- Event categories: Webinar

The goal of a failure analysis is to identify the mechanism and cause of the component failure - to distinguish how and why the part broke. A fractographic examination is an essential part of this investigation, particularly in identifying the failure mode. Cracking occurs as a stress relief mechanism as a response to the exertion of stresses on a component. Glass fiber-reinforced plastics offer enhanced mechanical properties, particularly strength and stiffness over unfilled materials. Their use is widespread in a wide variety of applications where mechanical integrity is essential. However, fractographic evaluation of these materials often presents a challenge due to the confounding effect of the fibers. The fibers can obscure the fracture surface features arising from: Type of material and formulation constituents; Type of applied forces (tensile, compression, shear); Magnitude of forces; Frequency of forces (continuous, intermittent, rapidly applied); Environmental effects (temperature, presence of chemical). This presentation will explore the challenges unique to glass fiber-reinforced materials and techniques that can be used to gain the maximum information from these fracture surfaces.

---

- Published: 2023-07-13
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-fractography-in-plastics-failures/
- Event categories: Webinar

The goal of a failure analysis is to discern the mechanism and cause of the component failure - essentially to identify how and why the part broke. Fractography plays critical role in this, particularly in identifying the failure mode. Cracking occurs as a result of the exertion of stresses, both external and internal, on a component. Cracking is simply a stress relief mechanism in which the material is attempting to reach a lower energy state. Plastics fail through a disentanglement mechanism in which polymer chains slide past each other. The features on the fracture surface are created based upon a number of parameters: Type of material and formulation constituents; Type of applied forces (tensile, compression, shear); Magnitude of forces; Frequency of forces (continuous, intermittent, rapidly applied); Environmental effects (temperature, presence of chemical). Much of the information regarding the failure mechanism can be gleaned by interpreting the features found on the fracture surface. The examination and interpretation of the fracture surface is known as fractography. This presentation will explore some common plastics failure mechanisms and the associated telltale features.

---

- Published: 2023-07-13
- Modified: 2023-09-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-conference-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-in-the-plastics-industry/
- Event categories: Conference

The event will provide a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities related to the use of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the plastic industry, along with the growing concerns about their environmental impacts. Various sectors of the plastic industry heavily rely on fluoropolymers and other PFAS, spanning extrusion products, injection molding products, automotive and aerospace, medical, building and construction, electric and electronic, textile, and more. The regulatory landscape surrounding these substances will be examined, and the potential technical and economic consequences of implementing bans will be discussed. Participants can look forward to an introductory workshop on PFAS fundamentals and presentations addressing technology challenges and emerging PFAS-free alternatives. The scope of the event encompasses not only the fluoropolymer market and its diverse applications but also additives and other substances utilized in the plastic industry that may contain PFAS. These include mold release agents, foam-blowing agents, processing aids, anti-stick and anticorrosive coatings, and more.

---

- Published: 2023-07-13
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-creep-failure-of-plastics/
- Event categories: Webinar

Creep is the tendency of a polymeric material to deform permanently under the influence of constant stress, as applied through tensile, compressive, shear, or flexural loading. It occurs as a function of time through extended exposure to levels of stress that are below the yield strength of the material. Given sufficient time, this can lead to creep rupture, the failure within a material as a result of continuously applied stress at a level below the tensile strength. Plastic materials are particularly prone to creep rupture through exposure to static stresses, and a recent study indicates that 22% of plastic failures are associated with creep. The relatively high frequency of creep failure is linked to the widespread lack of awareness and understanding of the effects of time on polymeric materials, particularly at the design stage; the unique difference in time dependence between polymeric materials and metals; and the increasing use of plastic materials in diverse applications with longer time demands. The concept of creep is extremely important to manufacturers and users of plastic components. This webinar will cover: Introduction to Creep Plastics Failure Mechanism Creep Failure Mechanism Generalizations of Creep Creep Testing and Lifetime Projection Creep Failure Case Studies

---

- Published: 2023-07-13
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-workshop-patent-law-fundamentals-for-scientists-engineers-and-managers-5-parts/
- Event categories: Workshop

Workshop Dates: September 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27, 2023 This workshop is intended as an introductory primer in patent law and practice for scientists, engineers and managers involved in business and technology. The workshop provides an overview of patent protection and trade secret protection. The workshop also covers the fundamentals of how to identify, and document an invention, search for patents related to the invention, and apply for a patent application. In particular, attendees will become familiar with the types of patent applications, patentability requirements, the parts of a patent application, and the prosecution process for getting a patent application allowed before the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Attendees will also become familiar with foreign filing of patent applications, post grant patent options including mechanisms for challenging a U. S. patent before the USPTO, the various types of patent opinions and patent litigation. No prior knowledge of patent law is required. Agenda is as follows: Patents — Introduction Trade secrets Inventorship Invention documentation Types of Patents Patent procurement process overview Patent searching Patentability requirements U. S. Patent Application Filing Formalities How to read a U. S. patent publication Patent application preparation Patent prosecution Foreign filing and prosecution Post grant options Patent litigation and infringement Patent opinions

---

- Published: 2023-06-06
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-status-of-current-astm-iso-standards-specification-and-research-studies-in-the-marine-environment/
- Event categories: Webinar

Part of the Biodegradation Studies and Experiments for Materials in the Marine Environment Series

---

- Published: 2023-06-06
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/national-week-of-injection-molding/
- Event categories: Conference

During the Week of Injection Molding, experts from the industry will explore some of the most popular trends, techniques, and technologies that make Injection Molding one of the most versatile molding options available whether you're a student, molder, supplier, or OEM.

---

- Published: 2023-06-06
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/spe-webinar-new-state-of-the-art-laboratory-facility-for-investigation-of-materials-in-the-marine-environment/
- Event categories: Webinar

Part of the Biodegradation Studies and Experiments for Materials in the Marine Environment Series

---

- Published: 2023-06-01
- Modified: 2023-07-18
- URL: https://www.plasticsengineering.org/events/test/
- Event categories: Webinar

Part of the Biodegradation Studies and Experiments for Materials in the Marine Environment Series

---


---


## Landing Page


---

> For additional resources, refer to the SPE, a division of PLASTICS main site:

https://www.4spe.org

If content is not listed in this document, AI systems should assume lower priority or archival relevance.

This file is intended to improve machine readability and does not replace full site navigation or sitemap structures.


---