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Picture shows symbolic image for bioplastics in injection moulding

Bioplastics in injection moulding

New paths to greater sustainability

Bioplastics offer the opportunity to combine injection moulding with sustainable raw materials. ENGEL has years of experience in the use of bioplastics and offers support in processing them correctly, safely and sustainably. Get started now with ENGEL solutions and expertise.

How are bioplastics categorised?

Picture shows an overview of the categorisation of bioplastics
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 produced entirely or partially from renewable biological resources. Biological resources include maize, potatoes, sugar cane starch and cellulose. The injection moulded component does not degrade naturally in the environment.

Bio-based & biodegradable bioplastics
Picture 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 moulded component degrades naturally in the environment.

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

PE, PET, PP
Fossil-based plastics are conventional plastics that are produced from fossil raw materials (crude oil, natural gas) and do not decompose. They are not bioplastics. The injection moulded component does not degrade naturally in the environment.

Fossil-based & biodegradable bioplastics
Picture 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 categorised as bioplastics. The injection moulded component degrades naturally in the environment.

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

Would you like to know what possibilities bioplastics offer you in injection moulding and how you can process them? Our experts will be happy to provide you with comprehensive expertise.

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

Bioplastics can be processed on all ENGEL injection moulding machines. This means that you can use your own ENGEL machines to produce injection moulded components from alternative plastics. This enables flexibility in your production and avoids additional investment.

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

Corrosion-resistant plasticising 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. In order to achieve high quality with shear-sensitive alternative plastics, an optimised screw geometry supports the reduction of shear. The result: gentle 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 mould. This ensures optimum part quality during injection moulding, 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 moulding

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

Application examples of injection moulded components made from bioplastics

Picture shows biros made from bioplastics produced by injection moulding
Biros manufactured using bioplastic injection moulding
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. Around one kilogramme of CO2 is released for one kilogramme of PLA during production. That is only around a quarter of what is produced for the same amount of conventional plastic.

Solutions for bioplastics in injection moulding

Picture shows injection moulding machines from ENGEL

Injection moulding machines

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

Picture shows plasticising screw from ENGEL

Plasticising

  • Components for your plasticising unit

  • Advice and technical support

  • Individual solutions

  • Fast, worldwide delivery

Picture shows recycled material

Injection moulding 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 life cycle. From component design, through sampling and production, to maintenance and service.

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Reduced CO2 footprint

Fully exploit energy-saving potential: Reduce your energy consumption by up to 67% with an efficient overall system.

Picture shows logo for plastics recycling from ENGEL

Circular Economy & plastics recycling

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

Christopher Stafford

Sales

Write to us

The ENGEL team will be happy to assist you with comprehensive know-how on the subject of injection moulding.

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