Paper to the Society of Plastics Engineering Conference, Toronto, Canada
Published in the Society of Plastics Engineering Antec Tech Papers, 43 3251-6 (1997)
S F Bush with J D Tonkin
Abstract
For given end-uses there are basically three strategies for minimising polymer consumption: redesign of the original articles, recycle for re-use, and recycle for reprocessing. Results are presented relevant to all three strategies in blow moulded and injection moulded articles. In thermoplastic packaging, discrete long-glass fibre compounds allow redesign to thinner sections and higher operating temperatures, while retaining acceptable impact strength. Re-use in the food packaging chain is increased by higher heat distortion temperatures to meet sterilisation requirements. The SAFIRE long-fibre compounding technology extends the range of high value outlets for reprocessed mixed recyclates by increasing their strength, stiffness, heat distortion temperatures and creep resistance.
Paper to the Polymer Processing Society 12th Annual Meeting, Sorrento, Italy, 27th-31st May 1996, paper 10-9.
S F Bush with J D Tonkin
Introduction
Too often, when attacked as wasteful of natural resources and a cause of litter, the polymer industry adopts a defensive stance, seeking to show that plastics usage, in particular plastics packaging, is not as bad as it is painted. Those who work for the polymer industry may know themselves that the charges are generally unfounded. However it is clear from the recent example of the Brent Spar that even the largest of the world’s oil and chemical companies can feel forced by environmental groups using inaccurate data, to abandon a course of action which had actually been calculated to be in the best interests of the environment.
In fact the science and engineering underpinning the polymer industry is a major environmental benefactor, but to show this it is important to consider the relevant total system. To bound the problem in a short paper, we will concentrate on packaging in the food system, noting that while packaging at about 40% is the largest single category of polymer use, it accounts for 1.6% only of oil usage in Western countries.
