sustainability
NatureWorks Launches Biopolymer Alloys
Joint venture with BioAmber, called AmberWorks, will produce blends of PLA and succinic-acid based biopolymers,
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NPE2012: The Big Picture -- Themes for Growth at the Big Show
In our last issue we examined three big themes that will serve as the foundation of many new technology developments at NPE 2012, April 1-5 at the Orlando Convention Center: sustainability, energy efficiency, and automation.
Read MoreMetabolix, ADM End Telles Joint Venture
The world of biopolymers got a jolt last month when Metabolix Inc., Cambridge, Mass., and the Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Decatur, Ill., announced the end of the Telles LLC joint venture for producing PHA biopolymer, effective Feb. 8.
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Sustainability Will Change Your Business
Do you have a sustainability officer yet? You might need one. It's probably even more likely that your customers have one, and you will have to pay attention to them if you want to continue to supply them with plastic parts or products.
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Prices Have Dropped
2011 was a difficult year for recycled plastics, mostly because of the unpredictability of the Chinese market, which soaks up a lot of U.S. material, mainly on the West Coast. “We are so tied to China,” says one broker. “If people think China isn’t going to take a particular material, then prices go down.”The end of a year can be a little confusing, as well, where pricing is concerned.
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Self-Cleaning Screen Changer Helps Recycle Dirty Scrap
Two different recyclers have discovered a way to process highly contaminated scrap without substantial losses in economy and productivity.
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Coca-Cola Joins Race for 100% Biobased PET Bottle
One of the more unusual aspects of the sustainability drive in the plastics industry (see NPE Sustainability article this month) is the way giant beverage companies are taking an active role in spurring development of biobased plastics for bottles.
Read MoreScrew Speed vs. Recovery Time
Many times the screw speed is not setup to operate at its most effective operation.
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Free Smartphone App Calculates IV for PET Blends
WEB EXCLUSIVE: PET Packaging specialist Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) has launched a free app that calculates the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of blends of virgin and recycled PET.
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Get Smarter About Melt Filtration
As quality specifications become tighter and the need to use more recycled materials becomes more prominent, more and more extrusion processors are examining their options in melt-filtration technology. Here's some help in evaluating your options.
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