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Picture shows symbolic image for bioplastics in injection molding

Bioplastics in injection molding

New paths to greater sustainability

Bioplastics provide the opportunity to merge injection molding with sustainable raw materials. With years of experience in bioplastics, ENGEL offers comprehensive support to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable processing. Leverage ENGEL's solutions and expertise to get started today.

How are bioplastics classified?

Picture shows classification of bioplastics at a glance
Bio-based & non-biodegradable bioplastics
Image shows symbolic image for biobased and non-biodegradable bioplastics

Bio-PE, Bio-PA, WPC
Materials are biobased if they are made entirely or partially from renewable biological resources. Biological resources include corn, potatoes, sugar cane starch and cellulose. The injection-molded component does not degrade naturally in the environment.

Bio-based & biodegradable bioplastics
Image shows symbolic image for biobased and biodegradable bioplastics

PLA, PHA, PHB
These are bioplastics that are both biobased and biodegradable. Chemical processes enable the biodegradation of bioplastics. Microorganisms present in the environment convert the bioplastic into natural substances such as water or compost. The injection-molded component degrades naturally in the environment.

Fossil-based & non-biodegradable plastics
Image shows symbolic image for fossil-based and non-biodegradable plastics

PE, PET, PP
Fossil-based plastics are regular plastics made from crude oil and natural gas that do not break down. They are not bioplastics. The injection-molded component does not degrade naturally in the environment.

Fossil-based & biodegradable bioplastics
Image shows symbolic image for fossil-based and biodegradable bioplastics

PBAT, PCL
Alternative plastics that are biodegradable but produced from fossil sources such as crude oil or natural gas are classified as bioplastics. The injection-molded component degrades naturally in the environment.

Picture shows Product Manager Circular Economy at ENGEL
How can we help you?

Do you want to learn about the benefits of using bioplastics in injection molding and how to work with them? Our experts will be happy to provide you with comprehensive know-how.

Successfully utilizing the potential of bioplastics in injection molding
Processing of bioplastics on all ENGEL machines
Picture shows various injection molding machines from ENGEL

Bioplastics can be processed by all ENGEL injection molding machines. This means that you can use your own ENGEL machines to produce injection-molded components from alternative plastics. You remain flexible and avoid additional investments.

Sustainable processing and durable machine components
Picture shows corrosion-resistant plasticizing component from ENGEL

Corrosion-resistant plasticizing components are essential for processing corrosive biomaterials. They ensure the longevity and safety of the system. It is also important to comply with the process parameters specified by the material supplier, especially when it comes to the processing temperature. To make high-quality shear-sensitive alternative plastics, a specialized screw shape helps reduce shear. The result: precise processing of sensitive materials.

Outstanding process stability and first-class part quality
Picture shows application of iQ weight control on the ENGEL control unit

Our digital solution, iQ weight control, precisely regulates the injection volume based on the pressure curve in the mold. This ensures optimum part quality during injection molding, even if the viscosity of the bioplastic fluctuates.

Good barrier properties of the component thanks to sustainable multi-layer technology
Picture shows sustainable thin-wall packaging made from alternative plastic using sandwich injection molding

Thin-wall packaging made from alternative plastics can be produced using sandwich injection molding. One example is coffee capsules with a biodegradable PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) barrier. Multi-layer packaging offers perfect barriers against oxygen, moisture and humidity, thus optimally preserving the freshness of the product.

Application examples of injection-molded components made from bioplastics

Picture shows ballpoint pen made of bioplastics produced by injection molding
Ballpoint pen manufactured using bioplastic injection molding
Senator relies on high-quality alternative plastic made from PLA

The polylactide (PLA) for the ballpoint pens is produced from renewable, fast-growing sugar cane. For every kilogram of PLA produced, around one kilogram of CO2 is released. This is only around a quarter of what is produced for the same amount of conventional plastic.

Solutions for bioplastics in injection molding

Image shows injection molding machines by ENGEL

Injection molding machines

Injection molding machines from 280 kN to 55,000 kN clamping force for all your requirements. Hydraulic, all-electric, hybrid, horizontal and vertical solutions of the best quality.

Picture shows plasticizing screw from ENGEL

Plasticizing

  • Parts for your plasticizing unit

  • Consulting and technical support

  • Customized solutions

  • Fast, worldwide delivery

Picture shows recycled material

Injection molding process for recycled materials

More safety and consistently high product quality despite recycled material.

Image shows digital solutions from ENGEL

Avoid scrap

Our digital products and service solutions support you along the entire product lifecycle. From component design, through sampling and production, to maintenance and service.

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Reduced CO2 footprint

Fully utilize energy-saving potential: reduce your energy consumption by up to 67% with an efficient production system.

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Circular Economy & plastics recycling

Get an overview of our services for recyclate processing and Circular Economy.

Markus Lettau

Sales

+1 (717) 767 2016

Write us

The ENGEL team is happy to support you with extensive knowledge in the field of injection molding.

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