Plastic has been around for more than a century. While it has drastically changed the way we live, plastic has also been a subject of concern. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Program, more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s.
Despite this, the demand for plastic products keeps rising, prompting the need for manufacturers to adjust their production processes without affecting the bottom line. With this in mind, five important trends have emerged as manufacturers highlight sustainability.
1. Introducing sustainability to production lines
Sustainable manufacturing is not anchored on reducing output. Instead, it focuses more on reducing waste and making the most of raw materials. This will involve repurposing instead of discarding residual waste. For instance, plastic molds can be delivered to a recycling plant where they can be processed into other components using methods such as feedstock recycling. Such innovation can help reduce overhead costs and minimize (or eliminate) production waste.
2. Creating recyclable packaging products
Recycling is still the most effective way to address our problem with plastic pollution. In recent years, however, manufacturers have produced plastics blended with non-recyclable materials in a bid to meet the demand for sturdier packaging products. These products may contain several layers of plastic and metal. Solving this will require single-layer plastic products that are just as strong as reinforced packaging materials. This allows manufacturers to provide quality products without the use of additives such as aluminum or lead.
3. Improving regulatory compliance
Nowadays, industries are under the prying eyes of regulatory institutions and the general public. A failure to observe sustainable practices and environmental standards can take a toll on the reputation of manufacturers. The years ahead will put more focus on stricter compliance. On top of purchasing Fortis skid loader tracks for heavy equipment and coming up with effective marketing strategies, manufacturers will also need to set up effective waste management in order to retain their ISO certification. For this, manufacturers will have to build quality assurance and compliance teams.
4. Investing in big data and machine learning
New technology remains to be a crucial part of improving sustainability in the plastics industry. In particular, manufacturers can employ machine learning tools that can help with preventive maintenance. These tools can also run and analyze production scenarios that result in the least amount of waste. Along with big data analytics, machine learning can also help manufacturers innovate the production process and design products that have a place in today’s circular economy.
5. Expanding bioplastic research
Bioplastics have been around for some time, but more research is needed to develop products that are 100% biodegradable without compromising functionality. One study published in the Journal of Molecular Structure suggests incorporating tapioca starch with polylactic acid to come up with safer and sturdier packaging materials for food. Such studies will need ample support from governments, the academe, and the private sector.
So much has happened since bakelite plastic was first introduced. Now as the impact of pollution becomes more apparent, the plastic industry can only look towards what needs to change in the way they manufacture their products.
