Page 43 - Plastics News October 2024
P. 43
FEATURE NEWS
50 years. PVC is 100% mechanical and chemi- responsibility in Canada. It achieves this through
cal recyclable and carries the recycling code #3. a management certification program.
Various initiatives aim to enhance and promote
Industry Leaders Driving PVC Innovation
PVC recycling, such as:
PVC is a highly versatile and valuable material
+Vantage Vinyl from the Vinyl (PVC) Institute in
across industries like construction, packaging,
the U.S., which advocates for recycling practices
plumbing, and electrical insulation. Its adaptabil-
and sustainability.
ity to various applications, along with a strong
Recovinyl from the European PVC Value Chain, focus on sustainability, positions PVC as an at-
which focuses on improving PVC waste collec- tractive option for many industries. Leading
tion and recycling in Europe. companies in the PVC industry, such as For-
mosa, Ineos, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., and West-
PVC Stewardship Program from the Vinyl Coun- lake Corporation, have recognized this potential.
cil of Australia, which establishes standards for They have effectively harnessed it to advance
managing PVC’s environmental impact. their operations and drive industry innovation.
Eco Responsible from the Vinyl Institute of Cana- Source – Plastics Engineering
da drives efforts for recycling and environmental
Essential Additives for Plastic Modification
dditives play a crucial role in improving
Plastic modification involves select- the performance and lifespan of the
ing the right additives to enhance
Aproduct, and choosing the correct ones
the polymer’s properties, such as can significantly affect the final product. Here’s
mechanical strength, surface qual-
a breakdown of the most common additives and
ity, or processability.
their specific functions in plastic modification.
Processability
Lubricants, release agents, and stabilizers are
commonly added to plastics to enhance their
processing ease during manufacturing.
These additives reduce friction and wear during
production, enabling smoother molding or extru-
sion processes. For example, lubricants can de-
crease the viscosity of the polymer melt, making
it easier to flow into molds and reducing energy
October 2024 PLASTICS NEWS 43
