Plastvinnsla

Plastvinnsla, or plastics processing, is the branch of manufacturing that converts plastic materials into semi-finished or finished products. It encompasses the handling of both thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers and typically starts from resin pellets, granules, or reclaimed plastics. It sits downstream of polymer synthesis and compounding.

Common processing methods include extrusion, which produces films, sheets, pipes, and profiles; injection molding for complex, high-precision parts; blow molding for containers; and thermoforming, which forms parts from sheets. Rotational molding creates hollow large objects. Additive manufacturing is also used in some segments for prototyping and small-batch production. Post-processing steps such as finishing, printing, painting, and assembly are often part of the workflow.

Materials used in plastvinnsla include thermoplastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, and PET, as well as engineering plastics like ABS and polycarbonate. Thermosetting plastics, including epoxy and phenolic resins, are used for specific applications. Many formulations include fillers, pigments, stabilizers, flame retardants, and recycled content, reflecting attempts to optimize performance and sustainability.

Applications span a wide range, including packaging, automotive components, building and construction products, electronics housings, medical devices, consumer goods, and agricultural products. Environmental considerations are increasingly central, with emphasis on energy use, waste management, and emissions. Recycling plays a key role, including mechanical recycling of post-consumer plastics and, in some facilities, chemical recycling. Design for recyclability, efficient material flows, and adherence to safety and environmental standards are common objectives.

Industry trends include automation and digitalization, Industry 4.0 integration, sustainable and bio-based plastics, lightweight design, and a shift toward circular economy models.