Plastic processing machinery encompasses a wide variety of machinery and devices used in the plastic processing industry. There are different pieces of equipment such as fluid and solid conveying, separation, grinding, crushing, and drying which also play an important role in the sector. However, extruders, injection modeling, blow molding, and film-blowing machines are a few types of plastic processing machinery that are useful in various activities throughout the recycling procedure.
A look into the popular forms of plastics processing machinery
Basically, there are three major varieties of plastics processing machinery. Extruders are the special types of processing machines that release molten plastic through a fixed-shaped extrusion port with the action of screws. These are mainly used in the continuous production of various products with the same cross-section such as pipes, profiled materials, and rods. In addition, it is used for plastic modification and granulation.
The second form of plastic processing machinery is injection molding machines. They are used to inject molten plastics into the mold and put them into water for cooling. These sets of machinery are the most demanding equipment in the recycling processing units. They help produce a huge number of products at a time. Moreover, these machines also play an important role in the injection stretch-blowing process in which molten plastics are used to make hollow containers such as bottles.
The third type is called blow molding machines which are broadly used for producing hollow thermoplastics products. This method is mainly used for high-speed and high-yield PET bottles and BOPP bottle production and for the manufacturing of other products such as multilayer composite films. These films are broadly used in the food, medicine, and cosmetics industries.
Automation and sustainable practices in driving the exponential growth of the landscape
Over the past few years, the plastics processing machinery market has observed significant growth due to significant technological advancements and the transition toward sustainability. According to Allied Market Research, the industry is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2022 to 2031. Automation and the integration of Industry 4.0 have remarkably revolutionized manufacturing processes. Many leading plastic machinery suppliers have incorporated Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, and data analytics to lower downtime, optimize production processes, and improve efficiency.
Moreover, the growing concerns about environmental impact have increased the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions within the landscape. Businesses in this sector have started developing innovative technologies such as energy-efficient machinery, recyclable materials, and biodegradable plastics to address emerging social needs.
Syklo joined forces with Impact Recycling to construct an advanced plastic recycling plant
In February 2024, Syklo, a leading Finland-based waste recycling company announced its partnership with Impact Recycling, a renowned plastic recycling firm to develop the biggest plastic waste recycling plant in Finland. The companies together aimed to construct a firm to process 50,000 tons of mixed plastic waste annually. This plant is equipped with advanced Impact Recycling technology that effectively separates various types of plastic waste from consumers’ mixed plastic waste streams. Such type of development is expected to result in the production of high-quality and recyclable products with an exceptionally high yield by 2025.
The plant developed by Syklo is facilitated with innovative systems that separate post-consumer waste into two consistent streams including polyethylene and polypropylene with an impressive 98% purity. Along with enhancing its recycling capabilities, the company also has emphasized sustainable practices by distilling and reusing wastewater generation during the recycling process. Through this initiative, the firm is predicted to address issues associated with microplastics by drying the sludge containing such particles.
Muller Technology’s custom mobile robotic systems boost plastic processing
In May 2024, Muller Technology, a leader in factory automation solutions for the plastic industry introduced custom mobile robotic systems at the NPE 2024 exhibition, held between 6th-10th May at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The company has developed these systems to address the labor shortage issue in the US plastic processing industry. The launch of a wide range of cutting-edge robots is expected to deliver greater flexibility and efficiency in the flow of operations. Muller’s new Autonomous Mobile Robots and Mobile Manipulators significantly improve the productivity of the recycling process, reduce OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recordable events, and offer marginal profits by running seven days a week, 24/7 around the clock. Carsten Eisenkrämer, the CEO of Muller Technology, said that with these innovative solutions, the company has envisioned catering to the emerging industry challenges.
Mobile manipulators launched by Muller are highly advanced solutions that have the potential to transform factory operations by automating various complicated tasks. They pick items from shelves, place delicate objects, and assemble components. They are easily integrated into the automation process to improve industrial efficiency by performing repetitive assembly processes and moving goods to the warehouse or trucks.
On the other hand, the company’s many plastic processing factories improve manufacturing and logistics processes, while enhancing the flexibility of production areas. Moreover, these cutting-edge systems have minimized health and safety risks in warehouses and factories. They have served as valuable components in facilities, improving efficiency and resulting in cost reductions.
Summing up
The continuous advancements in plastic processing machinery have created wide growth opportunities in the industry. Further, the rising demand for green machinery and the adoption of automation across businesses are expected to promote the production of more advanced solutions in the future.
Author’s Bio
Although belonging to an engineering stream, Rosy had a knack for writing throughout her student life. Her keen interest in creative compositions drove her to take up content writing professionally after graduation. For the last few years, she has been delivering impactful content, engaging and delighting readers, along with grabbing their attention.
**𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Rosy Behera
