sustainability
New Welding Technologies Grabbed Spotlight at K Show
Greater use of electric servo drives and new hybrid systems incorporating multiple joining methods were recurring themes among the latest plastics welding and assembly equipment introduced at the recent K 2007 show in Dusseldorf.
Read MoreRecycling Is Hot: Lots of New Plants Trying Out New Technologies
With virgin resin so expensive, there’s plenty of recycling action—from PET bottle-to-bottle plants to new projects aimed at agricultural film, carpets, and auto-shredder residue.
Read MoreCash From Trash Goes Back to the Workers
Until last November, custom injection molder Hoffer Plastics Corp. in South Elgin, Ill., spent $1000 a month to have its plant waste dumped in a landfill.
Read MoreWhat Happened to Your Ultrasonic Weld Quality?
The most important factor in troubleshooting problems in ultrasonic welding is understanding the fundamentals of the process.
Read MoreYour Business Recycle Pricing - March 2008
Recycled resin prices kept rising in the first quarter, even while overall domestic demand was slowing. Strong exports were a key culprit. Will that continue through the next quarter? For most resins, the answer looks to be yes. LL/LDPE might be the exception, though.
Read MoreAdditives and Colorants Score Dramatic Advances
Among the host of new additives at K 2007 were a number of unusual entries: additives to add scratch resistance or reduce odor, leaps ahead in PP clarifying, specialized antioxidant protection for nanocomposites, a growth enhancer for greenhouse films, and a naturally free-flowing TiO2. In addition, “Green” was the theme of exhibits that highlighted “all-natural” additives for biopolymers, and colors to enliven recycled resins.
Read MoreBottle-to-Bottle PET Recycling Uses Silicone Modifier
A new low-cost approach restores the properties of recycled PET bottle flake to produce new food-grade preforms and pellets.
Read MoreYour Business Recycle Pricing - December 2007
Recycled products are in hot demand as virgin resin prices continue to escalate. As a result, recycled PS prices have gone up 3垄 to 8垄 over the past year, and recycled PVC in some markets has risen up to 10垄/lb. Still, recycled material remains more affordable than virgin, but it is getting tougher and tougher to find. However, the outlook for recycled pricing and demand 2008 is as uncertain as the future state of the U.S. economy.
Read MoreFoamed PLA Shows Promise In Biodegradable Meat Trays
Foamed food trays made of polylactic acid (PLA) resin, the corn-based biopolymer, have a commercial toehold in Europe and are undergoing market tests here.
Read More'Green' and Growing
AERT (Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies) Inc. in Springdale, Ark., maker of ChoiceDek wood/plastic composite deck boards, has always had a “green” strategy.
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