I have been writing about bioplastics since the 1980s or ’90s, when I was introduced to the concept by Coors, the brewing company (now Molson Coors), which was an early investigator of polylactic acid (PLA); and by ICI of the UK, which introduced Biopol, a type of PHA. Biopol was sold to Monsanto and then to a startup called Metabolix, which struggled mightily to commercialize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), before selling the…
For nearly two years, PlasticsToday has followed the trials and tribulations of advanced recycling technologies — the good (what little there is), the bad, and the ugly. On July 29, Reuters released a report on this same topic that doesn’t contain much that is new; rather, it covers the ongoing problem of companies that have been making promises to solve the plastic waste challenges for the past decade (or longer), and…
Nantes, France-based auto supplier Faurecia has created a new division to develop and manufacture sustainable and smart materials.
Eastman announced that it has entered into an agreement with Procter & Gamble (P&G) to further accelerate the transformation of plastic packaging and collaborate on recycling solutions to enable a circular economy. P&G will use Eastman Renew materials in select products and packaging, supporting both companies’ goals to reduce the use of virgin plastic made from fossil resources. Additionally, the companies will collaborate on advocacy initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on…
Publicly traded Cary, N.C.-based Cornerstone Building Brands Inc. will acquire Spokane Valley, Wash.-based vinyl window and door manufacturer Cascade Windows in a $245 million cash deal.
While 3D printing opens up many new opportunities, there are still some limitations to overcome. According to the German research group Fraunhofer IPA, the integration of electronic components and the production of customized sensors presented a challenge. However, Fraunhofer IPA,, together with the Baden-Württemberg-based companies Arburg and Balluff, were able to solve this dilemma. Inductive proximity sensors are available in cylindrical metal casings in which a coil, a circuit board and…
Melanie Walker, president and CEO of CEO and president of auto supplier Tsuchiya Group North America and its Indiana-based Tasus Corp., has died. Indiana University announced her death Aug. 2.
Inductive proximity sensors are widely used in automation systems for noncontact detection of metal objects. Typically, they are composed of a coil, circuit board, and plug encased in a metal cylinder. The sensor’s construction and the rigid geometry of the housing limit the scope of its applications, however. Fraunhofer IPA in partnership with Arburg and automation company Balluff have developed a technology, anchored by a polymer with dielectric properties and…
ENGEL makes it possible to process plastic waste as flakes in injection molding directly after grinding. Since a complete process step is eliminated, the innovation significantly improves cost efficiency in recycling.