There’s a delicate relationship between manufacturers attempting to lower and reduce their carbon footprint by relying less on fossil fueled materials, and creating high-quality components that are designed, engineered, and manufactured to thrive.
Biobased materials are appearing more often in injection molding operations as companies are finding solutions to combat that difficult relationship. Whether it’s a full program run with biobased solutions exclusively as the material source, or blending it with a traditional polymer, new material solutions are here to stay in the injection molding industry.
GAIM Plastics explains why biobased materials are appearing in injection molding operations and how these materials benefit customers.
Biobased Materials and the Why
Biobased materials can be made through numerous sources including corn, sugar cane, cellulose, and more. From a technical perspective, biobased solutions have been in the market space since the early 20th century, but the more modern approaches and materials came along later right around the turn of the century. These materials differ from traditional polymers as the extract that’s used are renewable resources whereas traditional polymers rely on a fossil-fuel based source such as petroleum or natural gas. While traditional polymers remain the standard in plastic manufacturing, including injection molding, the push to find more renewable resources becomes more apparent daily.
So, why biobased solutions? Besides the main point – switching to a more renewable energy source – there are other key reasons for manufacturing companies to at least entertain biobased solutions. For starters, manufacturers in general are finding ways to shrink their carbon footprint and reach specific sustainability goals. When using biobased solutions, there is a noted reduction in material waste at the conclusion of an injection molding program run. It’s important to note that while it may be a biobased material, that doesn’t necessarily make it a biodegradable material. In that situation, manufacturers are able to match material choice to the part’s end-of-life requirements.
Customer Benefits
Material selection is one of the most important aspects of any manufacturing process, and for major OEMs or other customers utilizing contract manufacturers, making the switch from a known commodity such as traditional polymers to a biobased polymer can be daunting.
Companies that are focused on lowering their environmental impact are in position to utilize biobased solutions to reduce fossil fuel need and lower the carbon footprint left behind from using traditional polymers. Additionally, sustainability practices increase through less material waste and from a marketing standpoint, companies can position themselves with green branding.
Biobased materials historically are known to work well in broad applications for injection molding projects. Industries from consumer products, to specific automotive and medical uses can utilize a biobased material into their program and experience no significant drop off from a traditional polymer.
Lastly, biobased solutions are only an option because they can withstand the various steps in the injection molding process, proving its material strengths and capabilities as plenty of pressure and temperature changes occur during the manufacturing process.
Utilize Biobased Materials in Your Injection Molding Operations: Contact GAIM Plastics Today
GAIM Plastics is an industry-leading turnkey injection molding manufacturer specializing in environmentally friendly production process highlighted by our usage of biobased solutions. Since 2012, GAIM has collaborated with experts in the bioresin industry to test and source custom resins for both new and existing products to be classified as biobased. Best of all, we’re able to shrink carbon footprints while keeping the highest of quality standards – and the products competitively priced. It’s a win-win-win for everyone. You, your customers, and the planet.
These custom formulas adhere to USDA standards and whether it’s a full biobased blend or a mix of biobased and traditional polymers, any solution is tailored to your specific needs with a fair price.
Learn more about our biobased material solutions by contacting GAIM Plastics today.