The Circular Economy: Injection Moulding ‘Going Green’?

We are really looking forward to the K show in Düsseldorf this October. The world’s number 1 trade fair for plastics and rubber will highlight Industry 4.0 with a focus on the ‘Circular Economy’ – a whole range of strategies for recycling and reuse of plastic waste, as well as design for recyclability.

New product and process innovations have been developed to realise a 'circular economy' within the sector. Several exhibitors at K will seek to answer the question, “How does injection moulding relate to the idea of the circular economy?” by showcasing a range of products and processes that could make the industry greener. These products and processes can help to reduce the amount of waste produced by the industry or provide new solutions to recycle and reuse where possible. From new methods and materials to intelligent software and machinery, here are just some of the innovations we are excited to learn more about. • Automatically adjusting weight control software to maintain consistent shot weight. • A complete circular economy cycle - moulding PP buckets to use every last piece of plastic. • ‘Skinmelt’ – reusing scrap or recycled plastics by burying them in the middle layer of a co-injected sandwich structure to achieve a recycled content of over 50%. • Machines for injection moulding liquid amorphous metals. These examples being showcased at K show how the future for the plastics sector can be far more ‘green’, and how the industry is working together to realise the goal of a circular economy.

Digitalisation: smart machines, smart processes and smart service. Alongside these innovations, there will also be live moulding demonstrations that aim to inspire attendees to challenge the limits of existing technology. The topic of digitalisation will also feature, with a focus on smart machines, smart processes and smart services. You can find out more about the K show at www.k-online.com. Or, if you would like to learn more about how we can help support your product vision from design through to manufacture, get in touch with us today at 01803 615308.