As the plastic industry evolves, more and more plastic trends are appearing. Many industries rely on plastic such as aerospace, automotive, packaging, medical, and many other industries. If you’re involved with an industry that relies on plastic for business, then you’ll need to keep up with the latest plastic trends.
Several different plastic trends debuted in 2018, and today they remain strong as improvements on these trends keep them at the top. Therefore, let’s take a look at some of the latest trends in plastic. Continue reading below.
1. Increased Production of Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics are those made from plant-based materials. This allows the plastic to decompose naturally. And by 2023, the market for biodegradable plastic is said to be worth around 6.12 billion dollars.
That’s a pretty high number that is largely due to the fact that plastic awareness that has flooded the nation. More and more companies and individuals are opting for biodegradable plastics made from plant-based materials. These products sit on your lunch table as cups, straws, napkins, and more.
Using these materials reduces toxic emissions, allows for safer disposal methods, and much more. Green is in, and so are “green” plastics. But bioplastics aren’t the only things experiencing some major development.
Thermoplastics are also on their way to becoming biodegradable and will be hitting production soon. Plastic has become more degradable by having prodegradant concentrates added into them. Therefore, helps speed up the oxidation and disintegration of those plastics. These additives are metal compounds like cobalt stearate.
2. Increased Demand for Reinforced Plastics
Reinforced plastics are the new alternative to many metal materials. Because of this, reinforced plastics became quite popular in the automotive industry. But reinforced plastics don’t stop there.
They’re also now used in the medical, construction, and military sectors. This product is lightweight yet durable, which adds to its popularity. By the end of 2019, the reinforced plastics market will reach around 16 billion dollars globally.
3. Automation and Industry 4.0
The combination of data exchange and automation in manufacturing technologies is known as Industry 4.0. The fourth revolution made its way into manufacturing. Another rising trend in the plastic industry used to save money and simplify the process.
Robotic technologies work to bring faster and more precise programming, simplify the process by conducting maintenance and making the manufacturing cycle faster.
4. Use of 3D Printing for Production Efficiency
3D printing is bringing many benefits to the plastic industry. Using 3D printing to create plastic parts means a quicker finalized product. However, the cycle time reduces and quality stays the same.
This is a way to have more efficient production cycles. Using prototyping optimizes the production process. Because of this, you’ll see more and more plastic manufacturing companies deciding to spend their money on research for and development of the advanced plastics used for 3D printing.
Durability, more consistency, and higher-quality plastic materials help in the adaptation of technology.
5. Plastic Injection Molding
Plastic injection molding is widely used in automobiles because of its versatility. With innovative design, plastic is becoming popular for use under the hood, in new smart surfaces, in the interior, driving sensors, and in computer parts.
Plastics have been involved in the automobile industry for quite some time. Microdyne plastics are no new ideas in the automotive industry. They’ve been around for decades. However, with new plastic trends on the rise, the automobile industry is finding more ways to use plastic.
6. Medical Plastics
As mentioned before, plastics play a role in the medical field. Plastics contribute to medical technology advances.
microinjection molded bioabsorbable products include, staples, stents, mesh scaffolds, and other medical tools. Plastics are the foundation of these new technologies. They are what brings health products, physical tools, and new technology together. As health insurance costs continue to rise, there will also be a strong will to provide better health delivery at a low cost.
7. Sustainability
Bio compostable and completely degradable polymers are new non-oil alternatives to raw polymer building chemistry. These alternatives came into play thanks to the understanding of how plastics affect the environment. Furthermore, plastic sustainability holds strong throughout the years.
Many believe that this new trend will even pick up the pace in the coming years. Microdyne plastic works to help clients make the transition from standard plastic to resin materials. These materials eventually make large contributions to both recycling and sustainability.
You’ll Want to Stay On Top of These Plastic Trends
Staying on top of these plastic trends isn’t just for those wishing to be up to date on the latest technologies. These trends are vital for those working in or those who own businesses that rely on plastics in any way. There is no secret here about the path that plastic is taking, and that is the path of sustainability.
More and more plastic trends for saving the environment are rising. As a result, this means you’ll need to be adaptable to these changes in order to remain successful.
Are you currently in need of automobile plastic work? Here at West Michigan Injection Molding Company – Nova Stevensville, no project is too big or too small. In short, if it’s plastic you need, we can make it.
So, contact us today to request a free quote and begin your design process today!
