News Plastech
The SKZ Plastics Institute in Würzburg is conducting a two-year research project to develop a simple method for assessing the quality of polypropylene recyclates using the strain hardening test (SHT).
BASF has developed a polyamide with increased hydrolysis resistance for use in pumps and valves of cooling systems in electric and commercial vehicles, meeting extended service life requirements.
Accurate measurement of material moisture in the wood, agricultural and plastics industries has a direct impact on process efficiency and product quality. The article discusses the importance of this parameter and the use of the PCE-UX 3081 analyzer.
SKZ and Fraunhofer IFAM are implementing the CloseT project to develop an industrial continuous chemical recycling process for mixed textile fibers using solvolysis.
A global Ipsos survey among 149 material engineering professionals ranks Envalior first among 13 international material suppliers in delivering added value through high‑quality development services and accessible material science expertise.
The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University and Oerlikon Nonwoven have agreed on cooperation in meltblown laboratory technology, centred on the installation of the hycuTEC hydrocharging system for advanced filtration media development.
The Reinholds project unites Alta Scuola Politecnica, Greenchemicals and industrial partners to investigate conversion of the PE-Al fraction from Tetra Pak packaging into aluminium hydroxide for use as a halogen-free flame retardant.
Elix ABS HH 3110 has received RecyClass Technology Approval and is recognised as compatible with ABS automotive and EEE recycling streams. The resin is also designated as a control material for RecyClass recyclability testing.
Alpla is establishing the international Plastic is Fantastic association to promote the responsible use of plastics and the development of a circular economy. The organization was founded in Vienna and is open to companies that use polymers.
The EU-funded Upcycle project will demonstrate circular value chains that transform non-recyclable plastic waste into highly recyclable, non-persistent packaging. Aimplas will develop and assess new polyesters and blends, focusing on recyclability and end-of-life safety.
ETH Zurich, in collaboration with BASF, reports that co-gasifying automotive shredder residue with biomass can cut greenhouse gas emissions versus incineration and yield synthesis gas for chemicals, offering policy-relevant insights as the EU prepares new rules on end-of-life vehicles.
RecyClass has issued its first Automotive and EEE Technology Approval to Dow’s Elvaloy AC 1330, confirming full compatibility with the ABS recycling stream under European-like conditions.
SI Group has opened a European Innovation Centre in Four Ashes, UK, expanding its global R&D network focused on plastics and rubber application development and analytical characterization.
Ecomondo 2025, the 28th edition of Italian Exhibition Group’s event on the green, blue and circular economies, will run on 4–7 November in Rimini. The Innovation District will feature 40 start-ups and host technology awards, training activities and a dedicated Green Jobs & Skills area.
Hiroyuki Industries in Malaysia uses Sikora's Purity Concept V optical system to inspect food-grade rPET pellets, replacing manual checks and enhancing consistency and traceability.
Davis-Standard is executing a company-wide transformation focused on customer service, digital manufacturing, and R&D reinvestment, including a new Customer Response Center and upgrades to its Extrusion Center of Excellence.
At K 2025, IMCD Advanced Materials will share findings from its Sustainability in Industry survey and provide segment-focused Future Briefs, with on-stand discussions at booth D28 in Hall 6.
The European plastics industry faces challenges from strict regulations, rising recycling demands, and record-high energy costs. Production is shifting outside the EU, risking dependence on imports and weakened competitiveness.
Atlas will unveil an updated Ci3000 Weather-Ometer at K 2025 in Düsseldorf. The compact rotating-rack xenon arc tester adds usability and connectivity enhancements aligned with integrated lab workflows.
KHS applies computational fluid dynamics to address liquid sloshing between filler, transfer star and capper, aiming to reduce product loss and hygiene risks at outputs up to 90,000 bottles per hour. The work is led by development engineer Dominik Weirich in Bad Kreuznach.
BMT will showcase its smart prototyping platform at Drinktec 2025 in Munich, combining virtual simulation, 3D-printed moulds and lab-scale testing to accelerate and de-risk bottle development. The approach integrates Blowscan and Thermoscan for tighter control of preform temperature and material distribution.
The SKZ Plastics Center is developing customized thermographic measurement systems for injection molding, using passive and active approaches with cost-effective thermal imaging cameras to automate defect detection and support process-integrated quality assurance.
Kreyenborg's IR-Clean technology succeeds: EFSA issues a positive scientific opinion on rPET flake decontamination.
Aimplas is leading the Deconwaste project to develop advanced cleaning and decontamination methods for recycled polyolefins, aiming to enable their safe use in food contact applications and comply with European regulations.
Together with partners, SKZ is investigating the long-term effects of mechanical stress caused by modern cleaning technology on pipe systems. Practical tests provide valuable insights for manufacturers, operators, and service providers.
RecyClass has released significant updates to its Design for Recycling Guidelines and Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, reflecting the latest scientific findings and ongoing collaboration across the plastic packaging value chain.
The annual Assembly of Amaplast - Italy's national trade association representing some 170 manufacturers of machinery, equipment, and moulds for plastics and rubber processing, and member of Confindustria - was held on 24 June 2025 at Villa Borromeo in Cassano d'Adda.
Emirates Biotech has announced a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain to conduct collaborative research on novel Polylactic Acid (PLA) applications and end-of-life solutions.
The new lab will increase the company’s biodegradability and (eco-)toxicology testing capabilities, accelerating the development of eco-friendly solutions.
Aimplas is leading the SAFEREUSE project, which aims to evaluate the risks associated with reusable plastic food packaging when exposed to high temperatures in microwaves and dishwashers.
Aimplas has developed a pioneering methodology that enables the biodegradability of plastic materials to be assessed three times faster than conventional testing methods.
Germany’s mouldmaking industry is navigating turbulent times and ongoing change, making it essential for companies to adapt their operations to meet evolving market demands.
The aim is to be able to process them using conventional technologies so that they can be used in applications that are currently occupied by petroleum-derived plastics.
The ENGEL Group, Europe's leading provider of injection moulding technologies, has provided the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences with a state-of-the-art injection moulding cell.
New research from Aquapak shows that 58% of UK shoppers see the effect of plastic breaking down to microplastics in the ocean and waterways as their biggest concern when it comes to the damage plastic causes to the environment.
Companies that switch their package printing to Südpack’s sustainable SPQ printing technol-ogy can reduce CO2 emissions from printing by up to 18%.