14 MACHINERY INDUSTRY
A flexible turnkey system processed recyclate from old fishing nets to produce ultrasonically welded and printed dolphins.
Making plastic injection moulding greener in Thailand ARBURG THAILAND Plastic injection moulding is the method employed to create a diverse range of plastic goods, from household items to automotive components. However, the traditional methods of plastic injection moulding have raised concerns about their environmental impact, Including high energy consumption, plastic waste, and increased CO2 emission. In response to these challenges, Thailand, like many other countries, has focused increasingly on sustainability and environmental concerns in recent years. Plastic manufacturers in Thailand have recognised the need to address sustainability concerns and have taken various measures to respond to these challenges. Here are some of the ways they are working towards sustainability: 1. Recycling and Circular Economy Initiatives: Many plastic manufacturers are investing in recycling and circular economy initiatives. They are developing and implementing recycling processes to reduce waste and promote the use of recycled materials in their production. This helps minimise the environmental impact of plastic production. For instance, at Fakuma 2023, the world’s leading trade event for industrial plastics processing, ARBURG transformed recycled materials from old fishing nets into adorable dolphin figurines using a fully automated turnkey system. In addition, ARBURG has launched arburgGREENworld initiatives to raise awareness about sustainability. This recognition has earned ARBURG a Gold medal from EcoVadis, placing the company among the top five percent of the world’s most sustainable industrial companies that focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting the circular economy.
UPDATE 1/2024
2. Sustainable Materials: Manufacturers in Thailand are exploring the use of sustainable and biodegradable materials to replace traditional plastics. They are investing in research and development to create more environmentally friendly plastic alternatives, such as bioplastics made from renewable resources. Mitr Phol Group, a major sugar and bioenergy producer in Asia, is venturing into plant-based plastic. They aim to produce plastics using crop starch and petroleum. While fully plant-based plastics can be more expensive, Mitr Phol seeks to keep costs down while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These innovative plastics can be used for various products, including bags. 3. Energy-Saving Machines: One of the most exciting things about sustainable injection moulding is the introduction of energy-efficient machines. Modern
