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A server room with cables; Copyright: envato

AI Boom Fuels Demand for High-Performance Data Cables

16.05.2025

As global investments in AI data centers surge, so does the demand for high-performance data cables. SIKORA provides highly precise measuring technology to ensure flawless extrusion processes, helping manufacturers meet new quality standards in real time.
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Image: Female researcher calibrating automated test system for material formulations in Covestro’s digital laboratory environment; Copyright: Covestro

Covestro Launches Automated Lab for Coatings and Adhesives

21.04.2025

Covestro is set to open a state-of-the-art automated lab in 2025 to optimize coating and adhesive formulations. With a focus on digitalization, circular materials, and customer-specific testing, the lab aims to run tens of thousands of tests annually—24/7, driven by AI and smart robotics.
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Crumpled paper in blue and green forms the planet Earth, with plastic pieces scattered next to it; Copyright: envato

FAQ: International Strategies for a Circular Economy

17.04.2025

How are countries around the globe advancing the circular economy in the plastics and rubber industry? Our FAQ addresses the most important questions.
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Image: Connector Assembly Optically Transparent EXTEM resin; Copyright: SABIC

SABIC Introduces EXTEM™ RH Resins for Micro-Lens Arrays

06.05.2024

SABIC, a leader in the plastics and rubber industry, is set to launch its latest innovation, EXTEM™ RH resins. These high-performance resins are designed for use in the production and assembly of micro-lens arrays (MLAs), offering advanced scalability and manufacturability in commercial onboard and co-packaged optics.
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Image: Person operating a tablet on an industrial machine with robots; Copyright: panuwat - stock.adobe.com

AI in the Plastics Industry: Sustainability & Innovation

11.04.2024

AI is revolutionising modern industry. Thanks to it, complex processes can be automated or efficiency increased. In the plastics industry, AI not only plays a decisive role in the optimisation of production processes and the development of new materials. It also enables more precise waste sorting and therefore better recycling – a benefit for the environment!
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Image: Waste sorting plant; Copyright: hiv360 – sdobe.stock.com

Recycling: AI improves sorting efficiency and material purity

03.04.2024

Waste management is undergoing a transformation like never before, thanks to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Companies like PolyPerception are at the forefront of this revolution, redefining how waste is sorted and managed to meet the growing challenges of the industry.
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Image: Piles of plastic waste sorted by colour; Copyright: STEINERT

AI-based sorting: the smart way to recycle plastics

22.11.2023

AI is revolutionizing the way we handle plastic sorting and plastic recycling. By integrating AI software into recycling plastic waste processes, companies like STEINERT and RE Plano are setting new standards in plastic recycling technology. In this interview, Michael Köster discusses how AI-powered sorting systems improve the efficiency and quality of plastic waste recycling.
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Image: Energy chains; Copyright: igus GmbH

Recycling programme for engineering plastics

22.09.2023

Wherever there is movement in manufacturing, the plastic plain bearings and energy guiding chains from igus can be used. Even in packaging machines, e-chains and plain bearings made of high-performance polymers ensure movement. The products are durable but at some point they also have to be disposed of. igus has set up its own recycling programme for this purpose.
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Image: EREMA company premises; Copyright: EREMA

Smart Waste: how AI can increase the recycling rate of plastics

23.08.2023

Nine percent – that is the proportion of all plastic waste that was recycled from 1950 to 2015. This must change urgently. Artificial intelligence can help. EREMA and the Software Competence Center Hagenberg (SCCH) are researching exactly how in a joint project.
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Image: smiling woman with tablet in her hands; Copyright: zamrznutitonovi

Sustainable plastic packaging: AI supports design and production

15.03.2023

Plastic packaging made from recycled material? Yes, but please as high quality as possible – and recyclable! This poses great challenges for manufacturers, because the use of recycled materials still often leads to downcycling. One key to more sustainable plastic packaging lies in digitalisation. This is also where the KIOptiPack project comes in.
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App, AI, data glasses: digital toolbox for the plastics industry is well filled

28.02.2022

We live in a world in which processes are becoming increasingly complex. This also applies to the plastics industry. One way to support people in production with their demanding tasks is through digital tools – and not only on site at the plant, but also remotely. The increasing amount of data also contributes to predictive maintenance of machines.
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Material development: getting there faster with co-pilot AI

24.08.2021

General conditions for chemical and materials companies are changing rapidly. But the thorough research, development and commercialization of new materials can be lengthy. AI can accelerate this process.
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The many ways that 'going digital' is changing manufacturing

23.08.2021

There are many aspects and forms of digitalization in manufacturing, ranging from Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing, to augmented and virtual reality, 5G connectivity, mobile apps, blockchain technology, and more.
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