Plastics Technology Blog
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Plastics Technology covers technical and business Information for Plastics Processors in Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Plastic Additives, Compounding, Plastic Materials, and more.
Plastics Technology Blog
9M ago
Originally operating a single truck, Boston waste-management company Save that Stuff recently embarked on a mission to provide alternatives to traditional waste disposal, helping businesses dispose of recoverable plastics that may otherwise be landfill-bound.
Save That Stuff’s new recycling line processes hangers. (Photos: Cumberland)
Save that Stuff, which was founded in 1990 by CEO Erik Levy, provides waste-management services for a wide range of materials. It recently found opportunities to expand its plastic recycling operations, including a contract to r ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
10M ago
In December, the FTC announced it would seek public comments on potential revision to the Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, also known as the “green guides”, which were last updated in 2012. The guides advise marketers on how to avoid running afoul of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 USC 45, which prohibits ''unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. ''
The guidance covers general environmental claims and several specific claims. Among those likely to be of interest to plastic manufacturers are: compostable, degradable, free-of, and — of course — r ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
Collocating for the second time, the long-running Molding and all new Moldmaking conferences will provide attendees dedicated injection molding and moldmaking tracks in the morning, with combined sessions bringing the groups together in the afternoon to learn about big picture topics.
Attendees can move freely between the two events, taking in the tracks and presentations that resonate most with their businesses and the challenges they face. More than 40 presentations will be given over the two days — check out the agenda today and map out your Molding and Moldmaking plan.
Thought leaders at ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
What's new in extrusion? Leistritz talks with the Plastics Technology team on hot topics in extrusion including, biopolymers and recycled materials.  ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
Photo Credit: International Bottled Water Association
We recently heard from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) that new data from the Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) shows that bottled water has “reached new peaks in both volume consumed and sales”. IBWA has been an authoritative source of information on all types of bottled water—from spring, mineral, and purified to artesian and sparkling since its founding in 1958. BMC is a leading source of U.S. and global data and consulting for beverages ranging from bottled water and carbonated soft drinks, to beer, fruit beverag ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
New Polyfoil EcoPro squeeze-tube body structure from Hoffmann Neopac is praised for excellent barrier properties, 30% reduced wall thickness, use of up to 60% PCR and recyclability in the HDPE stream. EVOH constitutes around 2% of the structure – is that truly “mono-material”? (Photo: Hoffmann Neopac)
Today everybody wants to be considered “green,” but nobody wants to be accused of “greenwashing.” Unfortunately, being overly free with progressive-sounding environmental terms ends up constricting our freedom. We’ve already been told by government regulators when we can or can’t say something ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
Plastic Bank celebrated its 10-year anniversary, announcing it had surpassed a milestone of helping global communities divert 80 million kg (176 million pounds) of plastic waste. The company has enabled over 500 recycling communities in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
A Plastic Bank collection community member in Indonesia.
Photo Credit: Plastic Bank
Plastic Bank focuses on preventing discarded plastics from reaching the ocean. Collection community members gather plastic waste from areas within 31 miles (50 km) of coastlines and waterways, where mismanaged waste is considered “oc ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
A confluence of the broader trends of lightweighting, reshoring and automation that seem to be impacting so many different sectors are combining in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) space in a manner that could pose huge potential for injection molders. Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion at the Xponential 2023 show in Denver. Co-hosted by AUVSI (Assn. for Uncrewed Vehicles International) and Messe Düsseldorf North America, the event promises to help attendees “design the plan for an autonomous future.”
As UAVs seek to take on an array of new tasks from last-m ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
What does automation mean for injection molders? At #PTXPO23 we spoke with leaders in automation and molding about why injection molders might need to incorporate automation into their process ..read more
Plastics Technology Blog
11M ago
My colleagues and I have been increasingly reporting over the last few years on the monomaterial trend, particularly in the food and non-food packaging arena. Check out these two blogs from earlier this year on ‘Monomaterial’ Trend in Packaging and Beyond Will Only Thrive and In Sustainable Packaging, the Word is ‘Monomaterial’.
Photo Credit: Borealis Group
All-PE monomaterial structures, particularly in the flexible packaging sector, including standup pouches, have pretty much ruled in terms of commercial success. But, we have been expecting all-PP packaging to make up ground as the ov ..read more