Plastic injection molding is a process of manufacturing plastic parts by injecting molten plastic into a mold cavity. It is a commonly used manufacturing process that can be very resource-intensive. To be sustainable in injection molding, it is important to use resources efficiently and recycle materials whenever possible. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the ways to be more sustainable in plastic injection molding operations.
The new drive for sustainability
As the world becomes more aware of the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment, many industries are under pressure to find more sustainable solutions. The plastic injection molding industry is no exception. In response to this pressure, injection molding companies need to now offer sustainable options to their clients.
Many products and pieces are made from plastic since it has many good qualities, such as durability, lightweight, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. It is for this reason that many designers still choose this material. Despite plastic’s negative connotations, it is still a necessary material and irreplaceable in industries such as healthcare, security and transportation. As long as we are aware of this, we can still protect our environment and be sustainable.
Sustainable plastic injection molding is the process of creating plastic parts using recycled or biodegradable materials as well as optimizing other resources like water, energy, etc. This can be accomplished in several ways, including using post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) or bioplastics made from renewable plant sources such as cornstarch, sugarcane or cellulose.
PCR is a type of recycled plastic that is made from used products that have been collected from consumers and processed into raw materials that can be used to create new products. PCR is a popular sustainable option because it requires less energy to produce than virgin plastic, and it reduces plastic waste in landfills or the ocean.
Bioplastics are another sustainable option for plastic injection molding. Bioplastics are made from renewable plant or organic resources and are designed to either decompose or recycle back into plant matter over time. Bioplastics offer an attractive sustainability solution because they do not require fossil fuels to produce and they emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional plastics.
The Benefits of Sustainable Plastic Injection Molding
There are many benefits to choosing sustainable plastic injection molding for your next project. In addition to the environmental benefits, sustainable plastics can also reduce your production costs and help you tap into new markets.
Recycled plastics cost less than virgin plastics because they require less energy and resources to produce. Bioplastics can also be cheaper to produce than traditional plastics, depending on the current market price of oil (plastic is made from petroleum). Using sustainable materials can help you save money on your production costs, which can attract more customers and help you compete in a more competitive market.
In addition, many companies and consumers are now looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Offering sustainable plastic injection molded products can help you tap into new markets and appeal to a wider range of customers.
Meeting your sustainability objective with the right partners
The use of recycled plastics is one way to reduce the impact of plastic products on the environment, but care must be taken in the selection and processing of these materials to avoid creating new environmental problems. Injection molding is a key manufacturing process for many plastic products, so choosing an injection molding partner that shares your commitment to sustainability is important.
Design for Recycling
When designing a product made from recycled plastic, it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of the product, from manufacture to end-of-life. Will the product be easy to disassemble and recycle at the end of its useful life? Can it be made using existing recycling infrastructure? Using recycled plastic can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, but only if the product is designed with recycling in mind.
Procurement of Sustainable Raw Materials
The first step in achieving sustainability objectives is to procure sustainable raw materials. Many types of recycled plastics are available on the market, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Working with a knowledgeable supplier who can help you select the right material for your needs is important.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastic
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is made from waste generated by consumers, such as water bottles or food containers. PCR plastic has already undergone its initial processing, so it requires less energy to recycle than other types of recycled plastic.
Pre-Consumer Recycled (Pre-Regrind) Plastic
Pre-consumer recycled (pre-regrind) plastic is generated during manufacturing but does not become part of the final product. This type of recycled plastic typically requires more energy to recycle than PCR plastic.
Selecting an Injection Molding Partner
If you have your product idea or design, look for a company that can partner with and guide you through your search for sustainable solutions. You should also consider a company’s waste reduction and management practices. Does the company recycle its waste? How do they optimize their production processes towards being more sustainable? Choosing an injection molding partner that shares your sustainability objectives will help you achieve your goals while minimizing your environmental impact.
Why IPIC Plastic is your eco-friendly & sustainability partner
At IPIC Plastic, we do our best at minimizing the environmental impact of plastic injection molding. We are a company that values sustainability, and we take action on finding sustainable solutions for our clients and our operations. We can combine bio-materials like wood, paper, or even oyster shells when producing plastic pieces. In addition, our injection molding process is energy-efficient as we use machine captors, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, we use rainwater to cool off and heat our machines. By partnering with IPIC, you can be confident that we will do the best we can to help you produce your products while being mindful of the environment.
Conclusion
Achieving sustainability objectives requires a commitment to using sustainable raw materials and having an environmentally-conscious manufacturing process. Working with an injection molding partner who shares your commitment to sustainability will help you achieve your goals while minimizing your environmental impact. With careful design, planning and execution, you can meet your objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption while still providing high-quality products.
Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our sustainable plastic injection molding solutions!