Page 45 - Plastics News Issue May 2025
P. 45
FEATURE NEWS
Research continues into next-generation coat- While the technology is still evolving, the poten-
ings made from algae, mushroom-based com- tial benefits—ranging from enhanced recyclabil-
pounds, and even by-products of food pro- ity and biodegradability to reduced carbon foot-
cessing, aiming for improved sustainability and prints—make it an exciting area to watch.
reduced production impact.
As awareness grows and innovation accelerates,
Final thoughts plant-based coatings could help rewrite the fu-
ture of plastic, transforming it from an environ-
Plant-based coatings for plastics represent a mental burden into a more sustainable resource.
crucial evolution in our relationship with synthet-
ic materials. They provide a bridge between the The journey is ongoing, but with each biode-
performance demands of modern plastic prod- gradable film and compostable package, we’re
ucts and the pressing need for environmental one step closer to a greener, cleaner planet.
responsibility.
Source – Packaging Gateway
How Acrylic Additives Are
Transforming PVC 3D Printing
improve the printability and performance of PVC
in fused deposition modeling (FDM).
Global Solutions for Local Challenges
Dow’s research leverages a global network of
expertise, with regional manufacturing and R&D
hubs in the U.S. (Louisville, Collegeville), Europe
(Luxembourg), and Asia (Singapore, Shanghai).
This infrastructure ensures rapid development
and deployment of tailored acrylic additives like
crylic additives are rewriting the rules PARALOID , which are already optimized for di-
TM
of 3D printing, turning brittle PVC layers
Ainto unbreakable bonds. verse polymer systems, including:
♦ Engineering thermoplastics (PC/ABS, PEEK)
The plastics industry is on the verge of a ma-
terials revolution. Researchers are solving one ♦ Commodity resins (PVC, HDPE)
of additive manufacturing’s biggest challenges: ♦ Bio-based polymers (via PARALOID BPW
TM
achieving strong interlayer adhesion in 3D-print- series)
ed thermoplastics. Dr. Manoj Nerkar from Dow
Inc. presented groundbreaking research on spe- The additives’ versatility stems from their core
cialized acrylic processing aids. These additives chemistry: high molecular weight MMA copoly-
May 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 45
